James W. Blake "Catalyst" Award Grant

The James W. Blake 'Catalyst' Award aims to accelerate the growth and impact of local organizations serving underrepresented communities. This award supports transformative projects focused on education, housing, and basic human services, enhancing the quality of life for low-income individuals and families in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. With a legacy of community commitment, the award reflects the values of its namesake, fostering development and opportunity for those in need.

Accelerating growth & impact in the local community
James W. Blake served as President and CEO for HarborOne Bank for over 25 years. During his tenure, the Bank grew from$ 458 million to $4.5 billion in assets. Through this tremendous period of growth, Jim remained committed to the people and communities where HarborOne Bank had a presence. Jim lent his time, talent and voice to numerous local and state-wide organizations and encouraged staff and Bank leadership to do the same. Under Jim’s leadership, HarborOne established a first of its kind financial education center serving over 20,000 individuals and businesses, a robust college scholarship program which invests $1M in promising area students, and the HarborOne Foundations serving Massachusetts & Rhode Island that have donated over $5 Million to local nonprofit organizations. Beyond the time, wisdom and financial support, Jim served as a model for all who have had the pleasure to work with him, as he treated any and all with respect and dignity. As a social entrepreneur and business leader, Jim is a believer in the value of investing in quality organizations and watching them grow and make an impact in the cities and towns served by HarborOne.
Award Purpose
The annual James W. Blake “Catalyst” Award is intended to assist a local organization in dramatically accelerating their organizational development, impact and reach. The award will support transformative projects or small but critical capital projects that will have a substantial effect on the organization and who they serve.
Investment Focus Areas
Education that fuels future economic success:Our education grants help empower people to build personal assets and skills to create opportunities for economic mobility.Safe and affordable housing: Our affordable housing grants support access to safe, clean and affordable places to live.Basic Human Services: Our basic human services grants support organizations that meet the immediate needs of individuals and families while also supporting prevention and long term solutions for people living in difficult economic circumstances.

Eligibility

Organizations primarily serving underrepresented and economically challenged or low- and moderate-income individuals and families.Organizations that focuses their effort on creating opportunity and access in the areas of education (including mentoring), housing and basic needsRegistered 501c3 organization who demonstrates significant local impact.Organization within HarborOne's Geographic area.Organizations are welcome to apply for HarborOne Bank’s James W. Blake “Catalyst" Award as well as the HarborOne Foundation. However, the organization is only eligible to receive funding from one source either the Foundation or HarborOne Bank. Organizations are eligible to receive funding only once per calendar year from either source.

Ineligibility

Although there are many worthy endeavors, this Award does not support the causes listed below.Individuals including those seeking scholarships, fellowships, or sponsors for a particular causeAlumni organizationsAnimal related causes e.g., rescue societiesBeauty pageantsMajor capital (bricks & mortar) or endowment campaignsFundraising dinners or events and tickets to fundraising eventsIndividual sports teams including youth sports teams and leaguesAdvertising and promotional items or merchandiseOrganizations designed primarily for lobbying, Political Action Committees, candidates, and lobbyingSingle disease issuesTravel, including conferences, seminars, tours and student tripsThe bank does not make grants to organizations for which program services are contingent on participation in religious services or events or adherence to religious doctrine.HarborOne Bank does not provide financial support to political organizations or candidates, activities for religious purposes, individual endeavors or organizations which are discriminatory in their practices.