Cummings Foundation seeks grant proposals from Beverly charities

WOBURN, Mass., December 6, 2012 – Cummings Foundation, Inc. is soliciting Letters of Inquiry from Beverly charities for $10 million in grants to be awarded in 2013, predominantly in eastern Massachusetts. Through its grant-making affiliate, OneWorld Boston, Inc., the foundation expects to make grants of $100,000 each to 100 not-for-profits.

Cummings Foundation is a principal beneficiary of the earnings from Woburn-based commercial real estate firm Cummings Properties. The company, established in 1969, manages more than 10 million square feet of prime office, lab, and medical space, including the landmark Cummings Center office and research park and 50 Dunham Road, both in Beverly.

According to Cummings Properties’ president and CEO, Dennis Clarke, one of the company’s most important goals is to give back to and help strengthen the communities where the firm operates and where most of its employees live.

Joel Swets, the Foundation’s executive director, said, “Cummings Foundation has a strong focus on eastern Middlesex County, but also anticipates contributing to many charities in Essex and Suffolk counties.”

Swets suggested that interested organizations visit www.CummingsFoundation.org to view eligibility requirements and begin an online Letter of Inquiry. Qualifying organizations will then be invited to complete full applications. Grant recipients will be announced in June 2013.

During its inaugural grant cycle in 2012, Cummings Foundation awarded 60 grants totaling $6 million. Beverly Hospital, Endicott College, and Montserrat College of Art each received $100,000. A complete list of grantees and projects funded is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.

Established in 1986, Cummings Foundation has grown to one of the largest charitable foundations in New England, with current assets exceeding $1 billion. In May 2011, founders Joyce and Bill Cummings of Winchester, Mass. became the first family in Massachusetts to join the Giving Pledge, founded by Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates. The Cummings have reportedly donated more than 90 percent of their wealth to philanthropic causes, including Cummings Foundation.