The Chickering Foundation
RESPOND, a pioneer in the movement to end domestic violence, is New England’s first domestic violence prevention agency and the second in the nation. For nearly 50 years RESPOND has provided life-saving shelter, support services, training and education to more than 100,000 members of the community. Services are free, confidential, and available to all survivors of domestic abuse—no matter their age or gender. Together, we can end domestic violence.
Project Place promotes a community of hope and opportunity for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty by providing the skills, education and resources needed to obtain and sustain employment and housing.
Working with local formerly incarcerated women leaders and our volunteer base, People Not Prisons, to decarcerate, decriminalize, and close the women's prisons in the states.
RESPOND, a pioneer in the movement to end domestic violence, is New England’s first domestic violence prevention agency and the second in the nation. For nearly 50 years RESPOND has provided life-saving shelter, support services, training and education to more than 100,000 members of the community. Services are free, confidential, and available to all survivors of domestic abuse—no matter their age or gender. Together, we can end domestic violence.
Mission
The Corporation’s purpose (and hence its mission) is to honor the work of Hannah B. Chickering, who in the 19th Century dedicated her life to female prisoners and their children. Accordingly, the Corporation shall provide financial support to programs and organizations that address the needs of women and children in crisis, thereby furthering the Corporation’s goal of helping women and children gain health, safety, independence and self-sufficiency.
Currently Funded Agencies
The Chickering Foundation seeks to promote and support agencies whose work reflects the mission of Hannah B. Chickering.
Furthermore, the Chickering Foundation seeks to provide financial support that will make a meaningful difference to the women and children being served.
Each fall, the Chickering Board meets to review and decide funding for current agencies and new applicants.
Principles for Grantee Relationships
The members of The Chickering Foundation are honored to carry on the mission of prison reformer, Hannah B. Chickering, by providing monetary grants to local social service agencies. We are aware that there is a history in philanthropy of power imbalance, which arises from the simple fact that grant-making organizations offer funding to organizations that depend on that funding to be able to carry out their missions. Chickering's goal is to treat all grantee agencies with sensitivity and respect. Click for more on the principles that guide our work with grantees.