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An Introduction to the Fund

The launch of the Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund, seeded with $250,000 from the HealthSpark Foundation, is an approach designed and led by Montgomery County residents. In honor of its namesake Dr. Frank E. Boston, a Black medical doctor and social entrepreneur who created a hospital and ambulance corps in Lansdale nearly a century ago, the Fund addresses the historical exclusion of Black leaders, and Black community-serving organizations across the county. The BJF invests in emerging Black leaders, elevates positive storytelling of Black communities across the county, and seeks to build long-term community infrastructure and power in Black communities to advance justice and liberation for all county residents. 

The Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund builds on the ongoing work of HealthSpark Foundation’s Safety Net Resiliency Initiative, a 10-year effort aimed at improving the foundation of the Montgomery County safety net system by lifting up unheard and underrepresented voices, with the intention of creating a fairer and more just Montgomery County.

In February 2021, HealthSpark Foundation identified and invited Montgomery County residents that have experience and knowledge of Black-led organizing and advocacy movements to be a part of the inaugural grantmaking team. Initial meetings were scheduled for Community Action Team members to co-create the vision, mission, and focus of the BJF, and for community members to ask questions about the initiative.

By May 2021, the CAT developed an early vision, mission, and grantmaking criteria for the Fund’s initial disbursement. The Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund (BJF) addresses the historical exclusion of Black leaders, and Black community-serving organizations in Montgomery County. In honor of its namesake Dr. Frank E. Boston, a Black medical doctor and social entrepreneur who created a hospital and ambulance corps in Lansdale nearly a century ago, the Fund invests in emerging Black leaders, positive storytelling of Black communities across the County, and community infrastructure and power in Black communities to advance justice, and liberation for all county residents. The Fund began its grantmaking in 2022, and has successfully distributed funding for two grantmaking rounds to 18 grantees total. The third grantmaking round will begin in February. More information to come.

For more information on Dr. Frank E. Boston and efforts to publicize his legacy, please visit bostonlegacyfoundation.org

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