Mass Farmers Markets Awarded $90,000 Cummings Grant for Three Years
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Edith Murnane, Mass Farmers Markets, edith@massfarmersmarkets.org
Contact: Alison Harding, Cummings Foundation, 781-932-7093, aeh@cummings.com
Mass Farmers Markets Awarded $90,000 Cummings Grant for Three Years
Westborough, July 22, 2023 – Mass Farmers Markets is one of 150 local nonprofits that will share in $30 million through Cummings Foundation’s major annual grants program. The Westborough-based organization was selected from a total of 630 applicants during a competitive review process. It will receive $90,000 over three years.
Mass Farmers Markets (MFM) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting farmers markets in Massachusetts. The grant will directly contribute to MFM's ongoing efforts to enhance the market structures and placemaking strategies across several regions. Through this funding, MFM aims to empower local markets to become self-sufficient, establishing a solid foundation for long-term growth and prosperity. Additionally, MFM recognizes the importance of succession planning and will dedicate resources to assist markets that may not have previously considered the operational and infrastructure aspects of sustainable succession.
By providing training and support to the markets and their boards, MFM seeks to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively lead and govern their markets. Strengthening board development will not only ensure the continuity of market operations but also foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and community engagement.
"We are delighted and grateful to receive the Cummings Grant, as it will greatly bolster our efforts in creating sustainable, thriving farmers markets," said Edith Murnane, Executive Director of Mass Farmers Markets. "This funding allows us to expand our reach and impact, particularly in underserved areas, where we can implement transformative initiatives like market self-sufficiency and succession planning. We are excited to work hand-in-hand with local markets, farmers, and communities to build a resilient and prosperous food system."
The Cummings $30 Million Grant Program primarily supports Massachusetts nonprofits that are based in and serve Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties. Through this place-based initiative, Cummings Foundation aims to give back in the areas where it owns commercial property. Its buildings are all managed, at no cost to the Foundation, by its affiliate, Cummings Properties. This Woburn-based commercial real estate firm leases and manages 11 million square feet of debt-free space, the majority of which exclusively benefits the Foundation.
“The way the local nonprofit sector perseveres, steps up, and pivots to meet the shifting needs of the community is most impressive,” said Cummings Foundation executive director Joyce Vyriotes. “We are incredibly grateful for these tireless efforts to support people in the community and to increase equity and access to opportunities.”
This year’s grant recipients represent a wide variety of causes, including housing and food insecurity, workforce development, immigrant services, social justice, education, and mental health services. The nonprofits are spread across 46 different cities and towns.
Cummings Foundation has now awarded $480 million to greater Boston nonprofits. The complete list of this year’s 150 grant winners, plus nearly 1,500 previous recipients, is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.
About Mass Farmers Markets
Mass Farmers Markets (MFM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the growth and sustainability of farmers markets across Massachusetts. Founded in 1978, MFM has been at the forefront of supporting farmers markets, market managers, and the farming community. As the only organization working statewide on behalf of farmers markets, MFM strives to create vibrant marketplaces that connect farmers and consumers, while also promoting healthy communities and local economies. For more information, please visit www.massfarmersmarkets.org.
About Cummings Foundation
Woburn-based Cummings Foundation, Inc. was established in 1986 by Joyce and Bill Cummings of Winchester, MA and has grown to be one of the largest private foundations in New England. The Foundation directly operates its own charitable subsidiaries, including New Horizons retirement communities, in Marlborough and Woburn, and Cummings Health Sciences, LLC. Additional information is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.
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