Reaching high-risk youth is no easy task. That’s why United Way of Massachusetts Bay (UWMB) has taken an unconventional approach. We call it Faith and Action (FAA). The faith presence in communities is powerful yet not readily acknowledged by many who are focused on secular activities. Faith-based social ministries, while less visible than mainstream human services, are effective at facilitating growth and change for young people. Young people’s involvement in faith-based activities often provides transformational opportunities for high-risk and at-risk adolescents as well as protects them from choosing negative behavioral responses to the developmental and social challenges they face.
As part of the Increasing Youth Opportunities Impact Strategy, Faith and Action (FAA) seeks to reach high-risk youth in under-served communities who do not seek help through traditional human services. Faith and Action grants provide operating support for programs designed to reach and involve youth outside of the existing congregation. A full overview, including FAA funding priorities is available upon written or electronic request.
grantmaking process
Letters will be reviewed by committee members and United Way staff. Organizations whose projects are consistent with Faith and Action guidelines and objectives will be invited to submit a full proposal for consideration by the Faith and Action Committee and scheduled for an organizational site visit.
Letters of inquiry may be submitted at any time. Proposals will be considered only between September and May of each year. Funding levels will vary but will generally range between $20,000 and $30,000. For further information, please contact:
Laurita Crawlle
(617) 624-8154
lcrawlle@uwmb.org
faith and action committee members
- Dr. Lloyd Baird
-
Carol Fulp
Vice President, Community Relations
John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. - Bink Garrison
SVP Organizational Development
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Rev. Hurmon E. Hamilton
Senior Pastor, Roxbury Presbyterian Church - Rabbi William Hamilton
Congregation Kehilat Israel - Nancy K. Kaufman
Executive Director
Jewish Community Relations - Joshua Kraft
Executive Director
Gerald and Darlene Jordan Boys and Girls Club -
Melissa MacDonnell
Director Corporate Public Affairs
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company - Imam Taalib Mahdee
Masjid-Al-Quran - Roberta Messina
Volunteer - Roberto Miranda
Pastor
Congregacion Leon de Juda - Ann Romney
- Rev. John Samaan
President C.E.O.
Boston Rescue Mission - Dr. George Thorn
Program Officer, Philanthropic Management
Bank of America - Karin Wall
Bruce Wall Ministries
