Cummings Properties Donates $79K To 35 North Shore Nonprofits

BEVERLY, MA — Thirty-five North Shore nonprofits shared $79,000 in donations from the Cummings Properties' Community Giving Program this month.

Each year, the Woburn-based commercial real estate firm invites staff to choose a local nonprofit or two to receive a cash donation from the company in their name. The North Shore nonprofits were among 195 causes in 80 cities and towns to share in $424,000 of donations this year.

Cummings Properties said it has donated nearly $5 million in the 11 years of the program.

"Today's professionals value not just what an employer will do for them but also what that organization is doing to better the world around it," Cummings chairman and CEO Dennis Clarke said. "What makes Cummings Community Giving so special is that it lets the employee choose how and where the employer gives back."

All employees were invited to direct $2,000 to nonprofits of their choice in their hometown.

Cummings grants manager Andrew Bishop directed $1,000 to Salem-based Northeast Animal Shelter.

"One of the best things about working for Cummings is the organization's genuine investment in building up local communities," said Bishop, a five-year Salem resident. "It felt meaningful to select an organization that's close to home.

"Having this opportunity to contribute directly to the people and places of Salem is really something special."

Each eligible nonprofit may receive up to $6,000 per cycle. This year, employees directed that maximum to 17 recipients, including Peabody Youth Soccer Association and Northeast Animal Shelter.

Several other North Shore organizations received $3,000 to $5,000, including the Cape Ann Animal Aid Association, Express Yourself, Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness, My Brother's Table, The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, and YMCA of the North Shore.

A full list of 2022 recipients can be found here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)