Boston Children’s Museum has received a generous grant of $300,000 from the Yawkey Foundation, aimed at strengthening and expanding the Museum’s commitment to community outreach and engagement. The strategic investment grant will facilitate the creation and deepening of relationships with parents, guardians, neighborhoods, and communities, especially in Greater Boston’s Gateway Cities. The objective is to provide greater access and a sense of belonging for children, enabling them to discover, learn, play, and marvel at the world around them.
This partnership entails several exciting initiatives. One such program is the Family Ambassador Program, designed to foster inclusive and culturally responsive interactions. Additionally, the Community Conversations Series seeks to facilitate open and constructive dialogues. The grant will also support new signature programs, including the “Yawkey Foundation Gateway to Play Family Days” and a collaboration with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to present the “Climate & Outreach Series.” These initiatives and other components of the grant aim to strengthen and scale programs to promote equity, inclusion, and access, particularly in communities that have historically been underinvested.
Carole Charnow, President & CEO of Boston Children’s Museum, expressed her gratitude for the Yawkey Foundation’s continued support. The Yawkey Foundation has been a steadfast ally to the Museum for over three decades, providing more than $6.3 million in support since 1993. A significant capital grant of $5 million in 2006 further contributed to the renovation of the Museum’s historic warehouse building and the establishment of the Yawkey Center for Children and Learning.
Maureen H. Bleday, CEO and Trustee of the Yawkey Foundation, highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to enriching the lives of children and families, expressing delight in celebrating three decades of partnership with Boston Children’s Museum through this impactful grant.
For over 110 years, Boston Children’s Museum has been dedicated to providing children of all backgrounds with enriching opportunities. As a welcoming, imaginative, and child-centered learning environment, the Museum actively supports diverse families in nurturing their children’s creativity and curiosity.
The Yawkey Foundation’s grant opens up numerous opportunities for Boston Children’s Museum to expand its reach and impact within the community. The Museum welcomes youth and family-serving nonprofit agencies based in Brockton, Chelsea, Lawrence, Lowell, and Quincy to participate in the Gateway to Play Family Days, which require advance reservations. Through this partnership, Boston Children’s Museum takes yet another step towards inspiring curiosity, creativity, and learning in the hearts of young minds.
For more information about this exciting initiative and how to participate in the outreach programs, please visit https://bostonchildrensmuseum.org/yawkey/.