Previous Recipients of SRC Funding

Lawyers for Civil Rights (June, $TBD): Lawyers for Civil Rights (LCR) works with communities of color and immigrants to fight discrimination and foster equity through legal advocacy, education, and economic empowerment. Together with law firms and community allies, LCR provides free legal support to individuals, families, and small businesses in Massachusetts and surrounding communities.

Beyond Bond and Legal Defense Fund (May, $TBD): The Beyond Bond and Legal Defense Fund (the Bond Fund) raises money for immigration bonds to free people in ICE prisons in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and elsewhere who will live in Massachusetts upon release. The Bond Fund also supplements legal fees to help people get out of immigration prison and, at times, to help with asylum/relief proceedings.

Plan International (April, $562.79): Working with young people, supporters, and partners, Plan International tackles the root causes of challenges and inequalities faced by children, especially girls. Its work centers around youth empowerment; inclusive, quality education; early childhood development; skills and work; emergencies; protection from violence; and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

International Justice Mission (March, $603.40): International Justice Mission is a team of lawyers, social workers, investigators, community activists, and other professionals that partner with local authorities and community leaders to protect people in poverty from violence, strengthen justice systems, and support survivors as they rebuild their lives with dignity and strength.

Rise Above (February, $606.24): Through partners such as Leonard’s Music in Bedford, Rise Above provides Massachusetts youth in foster care with access to activities — such as sports and arts programs — that are otherwise unaffordable. Participating in these programs boosts the physical, mental, social, and academic well-being of foster youth and reduces risks after they leave care.

Concord Prison Outreach: Holiday Gift Bag Project (December, $501.85): For decades, Concord Prison Outreach has sponsored the Holiday Gift Bag Project, providing a bag of simple, useful gifts to incarcerated individuals. Each gift bag is a reminder that people “outside the walls” are thinking of their incarcerated neighbors and wishing them a better future, both while they are in prison and after release.

Christmas Eve Family Service ($464.00): The recipient for the 3:30pm family service is the UN World Food Programme, chosen by the First Parish youth.

Christmas Eve Traditional Service ($1,767.00): The recipient for the 8:00pm traditional service is the Bedford Food Bank, chosen by SRC.

On the Rise (November, $836.22): Founded on the idea that dependable relationships catalyze healing and transformation, On the Rise provides safety, community, and advocacy for women and transgender/non-binary people moving through and recovering from homelessness. Funds will be used for services and programs that support the ~450 individuals who participate each year.

Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell (October, $729.83): Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell empowers girls and their families to lead educated, healthy, and independent lives through on-site after-school and out-of-school-time enrichment programs. Funds will be used to support programming, including an artistic initiative that reflects the experiences, dreams, and resilience of Girls Inc. youth in murals.

Edgar Hooks School: Grade 2 Experiential Learning Field Trips Fund ($911.87): Chelsea is one of the poorest communities in Massachusetts, with 50% of public school students from low-income families. This fund provides grade 2 students at the Edgar Hooks elementary school with impactful, experience-based education that would otherwise be unavailable to them.

John Glenn Middle School: Sexuality and Gender Alliance Club ($500): SAGA is a student-led group of 12 middle school students and 4 high school mentors who meet twice monthly to discuss the LGBTQIA+ experience and work to raise awareness and foster dialogue in the community. Funds will be used to travel to the State House for a meeting with State Rep. Ken Gordon to share questions and concerns about LGBTQIA+ issues.

Cancer Connection ($1,000): Cancer Connection helps people living with cancer, their loved ones, and their caregivers cope with the physical and emotional turmoil that is part of a cancer diagnosis and explore ways to enhance their strength, hope, and self-care through free support groups, integrative therapies, creative activities, and education. Funds will be used to support the opening of a new location in Springfield, MA.

Public Witness Team: Signs for No Kings Rally ($138.13): The First Parish Public Witness Team organizes actions in support of a vision of the Beloved Community where all people are welcome, diversity is seen not as a threat but as a gift, and freedom and democracy are a framework within which we care for, support, and protect one another. Funds will be used to print signs for the March 28 No Kings action.

Tres Sueños Morados Foundation: Youth Professional Development & Mentorship Program ($2,200): This program empowers middle school students, particularly from Black and Brown communities, to build confidence, develop critical life skills, explore diverse career paths, and foster cultural pride through mentorship, workshops, and community involvement. Funds will be used to help provide personalized resources for students.

Partner Church Scholarship Fund ($1,000): This scholarship fund helps students in Abásfalva, Romania, buy many needed supplies. The Abásfalva Church (First Parish’s partner church) intends to distribute the funds based on need to students in grades K-12 whose parents are active members of the church.

UU Urban Ministry: Roxbury Youth Programs ($3,000): Roxbury Youth Programs provides equitable access, opportunities, and a sense of well-being for BIPOC high school students to help them become leaders in their communities and prepare for college and beyond. Funds will be used to help students attend free of charge and receive a stipend, a hot meal, and free transportation.

Sowing Opportunities: School Agricultural Program ($1,000): Sowing Opportunities works collaboratively with indigenous people to cultivate self-sustainability, education, and wellness in rural Guatemala. In 2025, it began to work with two public primary schools in the region to include agriculture in their curriculum. Funds will be used to expand the program to more schools.

Concord Prison Outreach: WELCOMEBACKPack Program ($1,250):
This program is a partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Correction and Concord Prison Outreach that provides individuals leaving prison — specifically those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness — with hygiene and safety supplies and resources to aid their reentry.

Tenacity Challenge ($1,000): The Tenacity Challenge is an annual academic competition held at Bedford High School for teams of high school students in the Boston area, with 27 teams from 10 towns competing in 2024. The competition comprises four events that foster tenacity, teamwork, and leadership. Funds will be used for scholarships for competition winners.