New community-driven investment initiative will support Boston Public Schools through participatory funding, capacity building, and shared decision-making
Boston, MA — May 29, 2026 — At a packed Voices of EdQuity Breakfast on Friday morning at Hibernian Hall, the Boston Education Fund (BEDF) officially launched EdQuity Boston’s Pilot Program, a new community-driven investment initiative designed to support Boston Public Schools through more transparent, participatory, and equity-centered philanthropy.
The announcement marked a significant milestone for BEDF and its evolving role in Boston’s educational landscape. Built through engagement with students, families, educators, community members, and district partners, EdQuity Boston seeks to reimagine how philanthropic resources are directed by centering the voices and priorities of the people closest to the work.
The initiative is grounded in three core commitments:
“Equity requires more than good intentions,” said Pamela Leins, Executive Director of BEDF. “It requires trust, participation, accountability, and the courage to invest differently. EdQuity Boston is about building a model where communities are not simply consulted, but meaningfully included in shaping what support looks like for their schools.”
As part of the launch, BEDF announced the opening of its inaugural EdQuity Boston grant cycle, with applications opening on June 15, 2026. Boston Public Schools will be invited to apply for up to $50,000 in funding, along with capacity-building support, to help school communities design and implement initiatives focused on strengthening school culture, belonging, opportunity, wellness, engagement, and student success.
Two school communities will be selected during the first pilot phase, with funding and support provided throughout the 2026–27 school year.
To date, BEDF has committed over $100,000 of its own organizational resources to launch the initiative and has raised approximately $300,000 to support the pilot. These funds will support not only direct investments in schools, but also the participatory processes, coaching, capacity building, and ongoing learning needed to build a sustainable model for community-informed investment.
The breakfast, themed “A Pilot by Design. A Commitment by Choice.”, brought together educators, students, families, civic leaders, philanthropic partners, and community advocates for a morning centered on storytelling, reflection, and collective action.
The event also marked the launch of a community survey that will help shape the first round of EdQuity Boston investments. Community members are encouraged to share their perspectives as BEDF works to ensure that future funding priorities reflect the needs, aspirations, and lived experiences of Boston’s students and families.
“This work cannot happen in silos,” Leins added. “The future of our schools depends on what becomes possible when communities, institutions, and partners move with shared purpose and shared responsibility.”
EdQuity Boston represents the next chapter in BEDF’s continued efforts to strengthen Boston Public Schools through innovative partnerships, responsive investment, and meaningful community engagement.
About EdQuity Boston
EdQuity Boston is a community-driven investment initiative focused on equitable resource distribution, participatory decision-making, and long-term support for Boston Public Schools. By centering the priorities and lived experiences of students, families, educators, and communities, EdQuity Boston seeks to reimagine how philanthropic resources reach schools.
About BEDF
The Boston Education Fund (BEDF) mobilizes resources, partnerships, and community engagement efforts to advance equitable opportunities across Boston Public Schools. As the district’s nonprofit fiscal and fundraising partner, BEDF supports innovative strategies that strengthen school communities, expand access, and promote student success.
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