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Fundraising subcommittee eyes land‑trust partnership, banks and foundations; explores online giving
Summary
The trust’s fundraising subgroup reviewed public and private fundraising routes, including partnering with a 501(c)(3) community land trust to access foundation grants, an inventory of local banks, and the possibility of online donations subject to city rules.
Revere — The fundraising subcommittee of the City of Revere Affordable Housing Trust Fund spent its March 12 meeting mapping public‑ and private‑sector fundraising options and potential partners to expand the trust’s capital.
Subcommittee members discussed partnering with a Community Land Trust (CLT) — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — to access foundation grants and private donations that are difficult for a municipal trust to pursue directly. Board member Anayo Sawicki reported an inventory of local banking institutions, saying there are “about 150 or so banks in the Mass area, and about 50 or so that are in the immediate area that have what's called cash deposits.” She said those banks often have charitable foundations the trust could approach via a nonprofit partner.
The nut graf: without a standalone 501(c)(3) conduit or a partner nonprofit, the trust will be limited in accessing many private foundation grants; partnering with an existing land trust or forming a collaborative structure could expand fundraising options.
The group also discussed practical timelines. Some bank and foundation grants have fixed annual windows (for example, one with a May deadline), while others accept rolling applications. Members agreed to inventory deadlines and prioritize near‑term opportunities. Laura Christopher of MassDevelopment was noted as returning from leave; board members said they plan to engage MassDevelopment and CHAPA (the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association) for technical help and to connect with statewide resources.
Board members raised the idea of community online fundraising campaigns. One member asked whether the trust could set up a public fundraising goal and solicit contributions through an online platform. The board’s legal/administrative counsel present noted that soliciting donations is legally permissible, but technical limitations and city rules may constrain online collection. The treasurer’s office will be asked to confirm whether the city’s current systems support online contributions to the trust fund and what platform options are permitted.
Next steps: the fundraising subcommittee will finalize the inventory of banks and foundations (including application deadlines), follow up with MassDevelopment and CHAPA, and consult the treasurer’s office about the technical feasibility and legal framework for online donations.
