Massachusetts Justice: Inside the Hyams Foundation’s Giving

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The Hyams Foundation is a Boston-based grantmaker that structures its giving around a social justice mission. Since 2014, this private, independent foundation has operated under a strategic framework centered on justice and equity work, especially in local communities of color. Fortunately, the Hyams Foundation has an accessible approach to philanthropy and offers a few ways for grantseekers to obtain support.

A very local focus

The Hyams Foundation is exclusively dedicated to low-income communities in Boston and Chelsea, Massachusetts. The foundation has deep roots in Boston. Its founder, Godfrey M. Hyams, a metallurgist and engineer, moved to Boston as a child, lived there as an adult and gave anonymous gifts to organizations in the city during his lifetime. These days, it’s common for the Hyams Foundation to collaborate with other funders on a yearly basis or for multiyear funding initiatives.

What Hyams is looking for

This is a foundation with very specific interests in mind. To start, it prioritizes front-line, constituent-led grassroots groups. It also has a set of key attributes that it uses as determining factors when reviewing grant applications. For example, it looks to support organizations with high levels of leadership development and constituent engagement. It also prefers groups that have diverse boards and staff, and that address the underlying causes of racial disparities.

The application process

The Hyams Foundation sticks to long-term grantee partners and rarely considers new applicants for core grantmaking support. It’s best to contact the foundation directly for input on how to proceed with an initial letter of interest. First-time grantseekers may have better luck pursuing funding for urgent community needs, time-bound racial justice initiatives and projects through Hyams’ Special Opportunity Fund — more on that below.

Beyond standard grantmaking

In addition to traditional grants, the Hyams Foundation makes program-related investments (PRIs) that take the form of a loan, loan guarantee or equity investment. PRIs are most common for affordable housing-related efforts, but they also address other needs pertaining to the revitalization of low-income neighborhoods. To date, the foundation has invested over $3 million in PRIs.

Meanwhile, the foundation’s Special Opportunities Fund (SOF) is an accessible opportunity for time-sensitive and urgent needs in the Greater Boston area. Past SOF funding has gone to response efforts to end the Temporary Protective Status program for refugees and to aid efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more about the Hyams Foundation and other funders that give locally in our Boston and New England Funding Guide.