More Than $200K Gifted To South End Non-Profits

Five South End non-profits and six Back Bay non-profits were awarded more than $200K in community benefit funds through the Avalon Exeter development at the Prudential Center complex in Back Bay. 

Because of the funds, the South End Library will be able to install a handicapped accessible door ($8K), Boston Natural Areas Network will restore the Berkeley Community Gardens ($10K), United South End Settlements will be able to restore a retaining wall restoration at the Children's Art Center ($15), Project Place will receive air sweepers for the Clean Corners, Bright Hopes Program ($22K), and Ellis Memorial and Eldridge House will receive funds for the Children's Early Learning Center ($25K). 

"Thanks to this generous grant from PruPAC and the BRA, as well as donations from the South End community, our branch library will finally be accessible to all patrons," said Glyn Polson, president of the Friends of the South End Library. 

The eleven neighborhood non-profits received a total of $210,949. Since 1990 close to $1.4M has been distributed to 22 area non-profits largely concentrated in the Back Bay and South End as the result of development at the Prudential Center.

 “I am delighted that these developments will expand the missions of these vital non-profit organizations,” said Mayor Menino. “The commitment these groups have to our neighborhoods makes the city of Boston stronger every day.”

The $100 million Avalon Exeter Project,  developed by Avalon Bay Communities, will generate $725,000 in new taxes and creates 300 new construction jobs and 15 permanent jobs, according to the Mayor's Office.  The building will have 187 rental units, consisting of studios, one, two, and three bedrooms. Avalon Exeter will cap off the residential component of the Prudential Center development plan. 

The 11 non-profits for the awards were chosen through a competitive process managed by the Prudential Project Advisory Committee (PruPAC). PruPAC is a city-appointed citizens' advisory group for development at the Prudential Center.

The following Back Bay organizations also received grant money: 

• The Esplanade Association for the Children in the Park program ($25K)
• The Emerald Necklace Conservancy for the docent and guide program ($5,949)
• The Friends of Copley Square for the Copley Square Fountain Restoration ($25K)
• The Friends of Symphony Park (Boston Parks) for capital improvements to Symphony Park ($50L)
• Kit Clark Senior Service for the Fit-4-Life on-site wellness program for Prudential residents ($12,500)
• The Women’s Lunch Place for daily meals for homeless women ( $12,500)