Thomas J. Ruffen Community Leadership Fund

Thomas J. Ruffen (1982-2022) was the embodiment of a visionary grassroots community leader. His love for his community was evident in his tireless efforts to improve it through collaboration with countless organizations. He brought joy and deep commitment to every initiative, campaign, and event he helped launch.

The Thomas J. Ruffen Community Leadership Fund provides one-time funding to support emerging leaders across the Boston area who are ready to launch new initiatives in one of three sectors: civic, service, or entrepreneurship.

Civic: Political advocacy and community organizing (nonprofit).

Service: Providing aid and support to meet community needs (nonprofit).

Entrepreneurship: Business ventures and programs generating revenue (typically for profit).

Be advised: this video contains powerful moving footage of Thomas speaking directly to the camera. Produced by EmVision Productions

The mission of the Thomas J. Ruffen Community Leadership Fund is to provide initial one-time funding support for emerging leaders across the Boston area who are ready to lead and launch their new efforts across sectors (civic, service, or entrepreneurship). 

  • The Fund was launched by an initial generous contribution from The Boston Foundation. Solicitation for further support of the Fund will be shared in the future.

  • Union Capital Boston serves as fiscal sponsor (with 0% fee) for leaders if they do not have their own mechanism to receive, process, and manage the funds.

  • The Fund is led by a committee facilitated by Union Capital Boston. The Committee is comprised of representatives from:

    • Thomas Ruffen's family

    • The Boston Foundation

    • Union Capital Boston

    • Massachusetts Creating Community Power Association (MCCPA)

    • Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO)

  • The Fund aims to administer awards once a year. 

  • Awards can range in amount up to $10,000 based on the specific request.

We invite you to support the continuing legacy of Thomas J. Ruffen and donate to his Community Leadership Fund. 100% of your contribution will go directly to Boston community leaders launching new projects and initiatives. For more info and to donate, please visit:

The Fund is on a brief hiatus with plans to open the application process in Spring of 2025 and will fund new programs, initiatives, campaigns, projects, organizational start-up costs, etc, up to a maximum of $10,000 each!

 Do you have a proposal, project, or program to strengthen our community? Apply to the Fund today!

Application Process Timeline:

  • Applications Open: Monday, August 11

  • Application Deadline: Friday, August 29, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET

  • Review Period: September 1 - 12

  • Interviews: September 15 - 26

  • Recipient Selection: Friday, October 6

Thank you to The Boston Foundation for their generous support in launching this fund.


Thank you to the Ruffen Family for being a part of our collective efforts to continue Thomas's legacy.