Thomas J. Ruffen Community Leadership Fund

Thomas J. Ruffen (1982-2022) was the very essence of a visionary grassroots community leader: he loved his people and community, he worked with countless organizations and in countless ways to improve it, and he brought joy and deep commitment to the daily work of launching campaigns, events, initiatives and organizations.

It is the vision of the Thomas J. Ruffen Community Leadership Fund to cultivate and support emerging Boston area community leaders just like Thomas who are: committed to their community, wanting to implement new ideas, and need an initial source of financial support to get their initiative going.

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. Planning has begun with the goal to award initial funds by spring 2024. 

  • 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 will begin accepting applications in January 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 ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED

  • Applications open January 6, 2025

  • Application closes February 9, 2025

  • Application Review Period February 10 - 28 

  • Interviews March 8 - 26

  • Selection of Recipients April 2025

Applications are due by Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 11:59pm ET.
We encourage you to apply and turn your idea into action!

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.