The Lenny Zakim Fund

Founded by Boston’s late civil rights leader and activist, The Lenny Zakim Fund believes that true social change is often initiated and carried out by people who experience social problems in the communities where they live. Small, grassroots organizations are often overlooked by large foundations, government agencies, and major donors. Yet their work is incredibly important and effective. That is why it is our mission to identify, listen to, support and connect grassroots community organizations and programs operating "below the radar screen" of large charitable groups and government grants. LZF and its grantees form a true partnership to strengthen communities and leverage the value of the grants. Our relationships begin with site visits: volunteers, board members and staff visit applicants to see their programs in action and investigate the nature of their program first-hand, both before and after a grant is made. The partnership continues through LZF’s Institutes and its Seminars, free training designed to help grant recipients build capacity and benefit from the networking opportunities in The LZF community. You can be part of this community now by becoming a site visitor, volunteering your expertise to help strengthen our community leaders, or making a gift to help LZF meet the growing needs in our neighborhoods.