Planning Department Presents 140,000 in Community Benefits to Nonprofits Serving Dorchester

The Boston Planning Department awarded $140,000 in community benefits funding to 22 organizations in Dorchester at an awards ceremony on Thursday. Chief of Planning Kairos Shen highlighted the importance of supporting local organizations that provide services in community development, youth programming, and the arts. The Teen Center at St. Peter’s received $11,000 to enhance its after-school programs, which support hundreds of students by offering enriching activities. The MassArt Foundation received $8,000 to expand its Chain Link Gallery exhibitions, promoting local artists and community engagement with art.

Words as Worlds, which operates the bookstore JustBook-ish, received over $5,000 to curate social justice-themed books for the community. These grants originate from the South Bay Town Center project, demonstrating a commitment to community advocacy and collaboration. Organizations emphasized the impact of this funding on their ability to provide safe, nurturing environments for youth and promote cultural enrichment. The initiative aims to foster growth and inclusivity within Dorchester, addressing the needs of its residents.