Avison Fund

Greetings from the Avison Fund Committee

The Avison Committee thanks all those who suggested organizations to fund. There are a wealth of programs to consider. The committee will be researching and discerning how to disperse the funds in our care in anticipation of bringing recommendations to the Meeting in the spring.

The Kathryn and Charles Avison – Miriam Avison Chartable Fund at the Boston Foundation (tBf) was established through the estate of a long time attender at Friends Meeting Cambridge. As stated in the estate: “The mission of this fund is to help improve the lives of children: helping them to grow into productive, caring yet savvy human beings.” In 2007, the bequest of this friend invited FMC to act as an advisor to tBf and provide discernment on which organizations will receive grants each year that funds are distributed. The donor also stipulated that up to twenty percent of each year’s disbursements may go to Quaker organizations. (NOTE: Organizations must have 501(c) 3 status to apply and receive funds.)

Beginning in 2009, the Avison Fund Committee, an appointed committee of FMC, is currently making grants between $3,000-10,000. We are now accepting proposals proposals for the 2024 grant cycle.

Proposals are due on January 8, 2024.

This year, the Avison Fund Committee anticipates awarding approximately 8 grants. Up to 20% of disbursements may go to Quaker organizations.

Paper copies of the Request for Proposals are also available by request or from Amy Mercure at office@fmcquaker.org, the secretary in the office.

Please contact committee members with questions or suggestions of worthy, well-managed children’s organizations.  NOTE: Up to twenty percent of each year’s disbursements may go to Quaker organizations.

Thank you,

Cynthia Knowles (Clerk), Lance Drane, Betsy Hewitt, Erin Bumgarner-Harris, Diana Lopez