Four foundations announce the creation of a $1.1 million Emergency Assistance Fund that will be distributed immediately to 24 Massachusetts nonprofits to help residents who will be feeling the effects of the triple threat of rising fuel costs, increased food costs, and home foreclosures.

Contributing to the fund were the Eos Foundation of Boston and Harwich Port, Highland Street Foundation based in Framingham, The Paul and Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation of Boston, and a fourth Massachusetts-based foundation donating anonymously.

The Greater Boston Food Bank, which supports 600 food assistance programs in 190 communities, will receive the most, about $400,000, according to a report in today’s Boston Globe.

The new fund was officially announced at a press conference at the Greater Boston Food Bank, featuring Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray.

“Family foundations often quietly and anonymously donate funds to individual organizations and programs. As a group, Eos Foundation, Highland Street Foundation, Fireman Foundation, and the fourth foundation donating anonymously wanted to create this 'foundation consortium' to maximize the impact we can make, and to set an example of collaboration. During this economic crisis, it is more important than ever to step up to the plate and help those in need,” said Eos President Andrea Silbert.

“This truly epitomizes our motto that everyone has a role in ending hunger, especially during these final days leading up to Thanksgiving,” said Catherine D’Amato, president and CEO of The Greater Boston Food Bank. “With the economic downturn, the spike in fuel prices, and the increase in food costs, many in our community are having difficulty making ends meet. The generous donations of turkey, cans of food and money will support the hungry and help them get the assistance they need.”

“We applaud the efforts of these four family foundations in providing aid to people throughout Massachusetts who may be looking for assistance in the coming months,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray.

“The recent economic turmoil, combined with increases in food and fuel costs, has set the stage for a financially troubling winter for Massachusetts residents,” said David McGrath, Highland Street Foundation trustee. “We encourage our neighbors to consider charitable giving in whatever way they are able – financial support, donation of food products or volunteering to help those in need.”

The full grantee list includes:

·         Action Inc., Gloucester
·         CAI Haverhill, Haverhill
·         Cape Cod Times Needy Fund, Hyannis
·         Citizen for Citizens, Fall River
·         Community Teamwork Inc. (CTI), Lowell
·         Cor Unum Meal Center, Lawrence
·         Falmouth Service Center, Falmouth
·         Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Hatfield
·         Franklin Community Action, Greenfield
·         Greater Boston Food Bank, Boston
·         Grow Clinic for Children at Boston Medical Center, Boston
·         Harwich Family Pantry, Harwich
·         Lower Cape Outreach Council, Orleans
·         Lynn Economic Opportunity (LEO)
·         Mass 211, Framingham (statewide)
·         Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Lowell
·         Project Bread, Boston (statewide)
·         Quincy Community Action, Quincy
·         Rosie’s Place, Boston
·         South Shore Community Action, Plymouth
·         St. Francis House, Boston
·         Tri-CAP, Malden
·         Women’s Lunch Place, Boston
·         Worcester County Food Bank, Shrewsbury

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