Programs Supported by Anne's Fund
In Anne’s Spirit began in 2000 as an independent non-profit supported by contributions from the family and friends of Anne Borghesani. Annual newsletters and community fund-raisers enabled the Foundation to provide support to independent non-profits focused on preventing violence and building healthy community. Several programs were newly inaugurated, and our support was critical to their development. For detailed information about programs supported, please refer to our newsletters.
In 2021, the funds in the independent Anne E. Borghesani Community Foundation were transferred to a donor advised fund at the Foundation for MetroWest, ensuring the financial safety and continuity of Anne’s Fund. If in the future there is no active involvement from Anne’s family and friends, MetroWest will continue to make dispersals to appropriate programs which meet the criteria for building community and reducing violence. Our mission has not changed. The Advisory Committee has continued to closely evaluate requests for grants and monitor program developments. Based on the generosity of our supporters, In Anne’s Spirit continues to award $20,000 to $30,000 annually.
Students from Brown University and Worcester State University at training weekend
An example of our support to a new program in 2021 was the Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice (SCIJ). In the words of Founder and Executive Director, Jonathan Goldman, the mission of SCIJ is to “provide representation for all asylum seekers by training college students to become immigration advocates, and to fight for a socially just immigration system.” Students Students from Brown University and Worcester State University at training weekend in established chapters at Brown University and Worcester State University are trained in immigration law and then paired with pro bono immigration attorneys to assist asylum seekers through the court process. In 2021, SCIJ received the prestigious New England Innovation Award in the category of Social Impact. In 2022 SCIJ was able to expand to a third university.
Grants Made by the Anne E. Borghesani Community Fund during 2021
Victim Rights Law Center
Supports continued improvements to VRLC website for survivors of sexual violence, including addressing specific needs of young sexual assault survivors, translation widgets for survivors with limited English proficiency and improvements to ensure website accessibility for survivors with disabilities. $8,000
Franklin Summer Camp
Continues our support of 16 years to the Dorchester youth day camp sponsored by Harvard students through the Philips Brooks House. College mentors plan and execute the program. In the summer of 2021, they provided a hybrid model of their day program to approximately 70 Franklin Park, Dorchester youth. $5,000
Crossroads
Crossroads provides residential summer camp programming along with year-round socio/economical/educational support. Recent grant supports Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training for staff. $5,000
Borghesani Prize at Tufts
Provides scholarships to students exploring research or internships in the international arena. Administered through the International Relations Program. $3,000
Melrose Alliance against Violence
Annual support to walk and candlelight vigil to raise awareness about domestic violence.
$1,000
Student Clinic for
Immigrant Justice
www.scijimmigration.org
For training of additional college students in immigration justice and provide support to asylum seekers. $4,000
Student Clinic for
Immigrant Justice
www.scijimmigration.org
For training of additional college students in immigration justice and provide support to asylum seekers. $4,000