Founding
Cummings Properties Foundation (CPFI) was founded by Joyce and Bill Cummings of Winchester, Massachusetts in 1986 as a Massachusetts trust. Directly or otherwise, Bill and Joyce provided the Foundation’s financial base. It was originally organized expressly to give back to the communities in which commercial real estate firm Cummings Properties does business, and from which most of its employees came. It continues to provide ongoing substantial support to hundreds of local causes.
By 2002, CPFI had become an operating foundation, and effective April 1, 2002, it changed its name to Cummings Foundation, Inc. (CFI).
The vast majority of all CFI funding has been internal, including the considerable growth of CFI’s investments. Two substantial outside funding sources were an early $100,000 contribution from Prudential Insurance Company of America and a 2021 distribution of $980,000 to New Horizons at Choate from the dissolution of Woburn's former Tidd Home after the venerable home for seniors shut down after 100 years. The Foundation expects to continue its mission in perpetuity through investment growth as well as anticipated future bequests.
Cummings Foundation has awarded more than $600 million to date in greater Boston. In 2026, it will grant an additional $30 million. These funds will be shared by 150 local-area nonprofits and will be awarded as multi-year grants, to be paid over either three or 10 years.
Before beginning a proposal, please carefully review the information below. Applicants are also encouraged to read the comprehensive FAQ page.
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