The Somerville Foundation

The Somerville Foundation is the city’s community foundation, reinvesting resources in the people and organizations driving change in Somerville. It connects philanthropy with community-led work, acting as a convener, connector and resource multiplier for grassroots initiatives. Its focus is on building nonprofit infrastructure, supporting local leadership and making sure community-driven efforts have the capacity to grow into lasting impact, while it continues to offer and support youth programming.

The organization began as an education foundation, but by 2023 it was clear that housing instability, income inequality and limited access to healthcare and workforce opportunities called for a broader approach. After a name change it expanded its mission, aligning with city and school priorities. Its tools include collaborative grantmaking co-designed with funders and stakeholders, fiscal sponsorship for emerging groups, and back-end services that let frontline programs focus on their work.

What to Know

• Fiscal sponsorship provides 501(c)(3) coverage and financial infrastructure so new groups can operate without incorporating.
• Administrative services include payroll, HR, legal compliance and reporting.
• The foundation accepts one-time and monthly donations.
• Cambridge Day covered the foundation’s expanded mission after its name change.