Cummings Foundation, Inc.(CFI), is a private operating foundation based in Woburn, Massachusetts. Since its establishment in 1986, it has been funded primarily by Joyce and Bill Cummings of Winchester, MA.
Cummings Foundation has grown to become one of the largest charitable foundations in New England, now with just more than $1 billion in net assets, as of December 2012.
The Foundation owns and operates two large not-for-profit and affordable independent and assisted living facilities with abundant activities, gourmet dining, and delightful surroundings. New Horizons at Choate and New Horizons at Marlborough collectively serve more than 500 senior residents.
In 2005, the Foundation finalized a $50 million collaboration with the newly renamed Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Through this innovative partnership, the Foundation offers support and financial resources to help enable the Cummings School to sustain its global reputation for excellence in veterinary medicine.
In 2012, two newly established affiliations of CFI – One World Boston (OWB) and Institute for World Justice (IWJ) together awarded grants of $100,000 to 70 different organizations.
OWB grants were almost all in Middlesex, Essex and Suffolk counties, in Massachusetts. The IWJ grants mostly benefitted entities in Rwanda, but also supported select organizations focused on Holocaust and genocide education.
Another of Cummings Foundation's charitable initiatives is the McKeown Scholars Program, through which the Foundation has awarded college scholarships annually, since 1996, to high school seniors, primarily in Woburn and Winchester Massachusetts. The merit-based program is designed to encourage improvement in citizenship and writing ability among college-bound students. Since 1996, more than $1.5 million in direct scholarship aid has been awarded in several eastern Massachusetts communities.
The Giving Pledge
In May 2011, Bill and Joyce Cummings joined a new national organization founded by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffet called "The Giving Pledge." As of December, 2012, there are about 90 individuals or couples, who have pledged publicly to donate at least half their assets for philanthropic purposes, either during their lifetimes or upon their deaths. All members either are billionaires or would be if they had not already donated most of their wealth. Many, including the Cummings, have pledged that they will donate (or in the Cummings' case already have donated) 90 percent or more.
The Giving Pledge does not promote any particular charities or causes, and does not encourage joint or collective contributions. It is also 100 percent non-political, although on July 18, 2011, the Cummings, along with the Gateses, Buffet, and two dozen other Giving Pledge members, did meet in the White House. President Obama chaired the meeting personally for two hours, with considerable discussion on how philanthropists and government agencies might work together to accomplish more.
One fairly common interest among Giving Pledge members is education, including K - 12 education in public schools. Obviously, our communities and our country become stronger and more competitive when youth are better prepared to thrive in innovative areas with opportunities for growth.
Grant Requests
Cummings Foundation's new affiliate is OneWorldBoston, a grant-making organization established in 2011. Details about the grant application process are available on the Grant Information section of this website.
Please note that, as an operating foundation, Cummings Foundation is not in a position to accept grant requests. As such, all requests should be directed to OneWorld Boston through its formal grant application process.