a legacy of investing in our community
NEWS
The Lynch Foundation
From the inspiring work of our grantees to important updates from the Foundation, this page highlights the people, partnerships, and ideas driving impact in our communities.
We’re proud to share stories of progress, innovation, and collaboration — and to celebrate the leaders and moments that shape our mission.
RECENT STORY WITH OUR GRANTEE
InnerCity Weightlifting (ICW) marks its 15th anniversary, celebrating a decade and a half of transformative work in Boston and Chicago. This milestone also recognizes ICW’s successful completion of The Lynch Foundation’s five-year, $250K challenge grant, made possible by a dedicated community of donors and partners.
“These achievements highlight ICW’s mission to amplify the voice and agency of people most impacted by systemic racism and mass incarceration,” says ICW. “It’s not your typical gym. It’s a culture and community where power dynamics are flipped, social capital is bridged, and new leaders emerge to combat long-standing inequities.”
RECENT STORY WITH THE LYNCH FOUNDATION
The Lynch Foundation hosted over 40 Catholic school philanthropists and leaders from across the country last week to discuss how we can further our impact in Catholic education. Panel discussions were led by experts in
(1) school leadership from Lynch Leadership Academy and Institute for Leadership and Entrepreneurship in Education (ILEE);
(2) school choice from The Children's Scholarship Fund and ExcelinEd;
(3) school ecosystems enablers from Seton Education Partners, The Drexel Fund, and Building Hope; and
(4) AI in education at the MIT Media Lab and Day of AI.
Robust conversations and tours were facilitated by leaders and their teams at two of Boston's many Catholic Schools - Mission Grammar School and Cathedral High School. We're thrilled to be in partnership with local and national entities in service of our city's students and families.
RECENT STORY WITH THE LYNCH FOUNDATION
St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children marked an important milestone with the announcement of a comprehensive 2.4-acre redesign of its historic Dorchester campus. The project reflects a bold vision to double the number of women and children served and to expand the organization’s proven model for ending family homelessness.
The redevelopment includes the construction of 71 affordable Family Supportive Housing units, a state-of-the-art Supportive Services Center, extensive renovations of residential and program spaces, and a reimagined outdoor campus designed to be safe, welcoming, and accessible for families. We are proud to support St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children as they enter this next chapter of impact and growth.
RECENT STORY WITH THE LYNCH FOUNDATION
Our Executive Director, Katie Everett, participated in a timely panel discussion on the future of affordable housing in Massachusetts, hosted by Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) alongside fellow industry leaders.
The panel examined how smart rezoning, infill development, and strategic land reuse can significantly expand housing capacity across the Commonwealth. From transforming vacant parcels to repurposing state-owned land for residential use, panelists explored the policies and tools needed to unlock new housing opportunities and strengthen communities statewide.
Photo courtesy of CHAPA
RECENT STORY WITH THE LYNCH FOUNDATION
Yes In God’s Backyard (YIGBY)
Faith-based organizations control nearly 4,860 developable parcels across Massachusetts, totaling more than 20,000 acres, making them uniquely valuable for housing development. Many are near transit, have utility access, and sit in walkable areas, with an average size of four acres—large enough for substantial projects.
“We do not have another option here in Massachusetts,” said Katie Everett, Executive Director of the Lynch Foundation. “We are not getting any bigger. In fact, we’re probably getting smaller due to environmental challenges… This is it.”
Under current guidelines, developments of 30–50 units per acre must include 20–25% of units as affordable, depending on size and income level, creating a major opportunity to expand affordable housing on these parcels.
Click the full article
RECENT STORY WITH THE LYNCH FOUNDATION
Last month, we were honored to attend the school dedication ceremony of Lawrence Catholic Academy's brand new $30 million building in the heart of Lawrence. The new school replaces the previous structures built in 1906 and 1926, allowing it to best serve its 570+ students in state of the art classrooms, an expanded Early Childhood Program, and more. Made possible through the leadership of Father Paul B. O'Brien, Principal Monica Lucey, their board, business and community leaders, and generous donors, this achievement was blessed by Archbishop Henning and attended by so many who have been eager to see these doors open.
"The new LCA gives us dramatic new resources for continuing to close the academic achievement gap for children in Lawrence. The leaders of LCA believe its students deserve to have superb educational facilities so that residents of Lawrence can see their children grow and thrive." - Father Paul B. O'Brien, President of LCA
News Archive
June 17, 2025
See how the national nonprofit, The Phoenix Gym in Boston, founded by Scott Strode, launched a meaningful partnership with the Boston Fire Department. Boston Fire Cadets work out at the Phoenix and help with various jobs.
June 13, 2025
Discover how The Lynch Foundation and the Center for Geospatial Solutions collaborated to rapidly assess the potential of religious land for affordable housing in Massachusetts. CGS delivered a rapid analysis powered by our #WhoOwnsAmerica methodology.
June 2, 2025
View how the Saint Agnes School and Arlington Catholic High School celebrated Peter Lynch Day.
May 15, 2025
Watch A compelling new documentary from the American Federation for Children, Go Teach, highlights the vital role of Catholic education in shaping lives, strengthening communities, and expanding opportunity for all. The film features Peter Lynch and Katie Everett, showcasing their dedication to advancing Catholic education and expanding opportunity for every child.
May 2, 2025
Watch our Executive Director, Katie Everett, joined by hosts Shaka and Caitlin to discuss The Lynch Foundation’s mission-driven approach to philanthropy. From education to housing, Katie shares how rapid feedback, cross-sector collaboration, and thoughtful innovation, rather than bureaucracy, are creating lasting change.