A boost for nonprofits

Addressing an audience of elected officials, University leaders, and members of the Allston-Brighton community, Harvard President Drew Faust thanked representatives from several nonprofit organizations for teaching others “all the important things” in life.

“The Harvard Allston Partnership Fund is an important part of Harvard’s commitment to the Allston-Brighton community,” Faust said. “But it’s you, and the nonprofit organizations you represent, who take the lead in turning our contribution into meaningful projects and programs. You expand people’s horizons and help them exceed their expectations, and we thank you for being our partners in this effort.”

The gathering on May 5 at the Josephine A. Fiorentino Community Center at Charlesview in Brighton marked the distribution of HAPF grants, with 11 nonprofits in the Allston-Brighton community receiving support totaling $100,000. Distributed among groups such as the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, the Boston Children’s Chorus, the Gardner Pilot Academy, and the Fishing Academy, the grants will back a variety of initiatives for residents, from educational and arts programming to English literacy classes.

Randi Freundlich, director of community programs at the Family Nurturing Center, said the funding her organization received will help new immigrant parents provide the best care and resources for their children.

“While our parents are diverse in race, language, culture, and economic status, all of them care deeply about their children and their children’s healthy development,” she said. “Without this kind of support, we couldn’t do this work, and we thank you.”

Since its inception in 2008, HAPF has provided $600,000 in grants to 21 local organizations, supporting programs for more than 4,300 residents of the Allston-Brighton community. The fund, which was established by Harvard University and the City of Boston, works in collaboration with the Allston community. Harvard recently extended its commitment to HAPF for an additional 10 years.

“The HAPF has a long history of supporting community programs that deliver services to the neighborhood’s residents,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “I’m pleased to see the variety of programs that will receive funding this year and have an impact on a wide cross-section of residents.”

Felix Arroyo, chief of Boston’s Health and Human Services Department, and State Rep. Kevin Honan were also on hand to help present the awards.

“Harvard is thrilled to once again be able to help local organizations that are making a real difference in lives of folks in our community,” said Kevin Casey, the University’s acting vice president of public affairs. “From literacy classes to mentoring programs, from play groups to summer camp scholarships, the 11 organizations being honored today are on the front lines providing positive, tangible change in the neighborhood. HAPF is a terrific example of the good that can happen when we work together to enhance, enrich, and enliven our community.”