The Boston Made Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Boston Made ecosystem — created with a clear and deliberate purpose: to expand access to opportunity through education, entrepreneurship, and community-driven initiatives. Organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, the Foundation has applied for recognition of tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, with approval currently pending.
At its core, the Boston Made Foundation exists to bridge the gap between ambition and resources. Talent, creativity, and drive are everywhere — access is not. The Foundation was built to help close that gap by empowering individuals, founders, creatives, nonprofits, and underserved communities with education, mentorship, and meaningful support that leads to lasting impact.
Who We Are
Rooted in the belief that strong communities build strong economies, the Foundation focuses on long-term outcomes over short-term wins. We don’t just give — we invest. Our work centers on building pathways that allow people and organizations to grow with intention, sustainability, and purpose. Every initiative is guided by transparency, accountability, and a commitment to measurable public benefit.
The Foundation advances its mission by:
- Advancing education through programs, resources, and community-based initiatives
- Investing in long-term community development that produces sustainable public impact
- Supporting collaboration between entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and mission-aligned partners
Our Mission
To expand access to opportunity through education, entrepreneurship, and community-driven initiatives — creating pathways for individuals and organizations to grow, thrive, and lead with purpose.
What We Support
The Boston Made Foundation focuses its efforts across four core areas:
Entrepreneurship & Small Business Growth
We champion founders and small businesses by supporting programs that provide mentorship, education, and practical resources needed to build sustainable ventures.
Education & Workforce Development
From skills training and financial literacy to digital education and career readiness, we support initiatives that prepare individuals for real-world success.
Community & Nonprofit Partnerships
We collaborate with mission-aligned nonprofits and local organizations to amplify impact, share resources, and strengthen the communities we serve.
Innovation With Purpose
We believe innovation should serve people — not the other way around. Our initiatives support forward-thinking solutions that generate positive social and economic outcomes.
Our Guiding Principles
Three core takeaways define the mission and impact of the Boston Made Foundation:
- Expanding Access — Creating pathways to education, entrepreneurship, and resources for individuals and communities ready to grow
- Investing in People — Supporting founders, creatives, and nonprofits through mentorship, guidance, and real-world opportunity
- Building Lasting Impact — Partnering with mission-aligned organizations to create measurable, long-term community outcomes
How We Make an Impact
The Boston Made Foundation operates through a combination of strategic partnerships, direct initiatives, and collaborative programs connected to the broader Boston Made network. By leveraging real-world business experience, technology, and trusted relationships, we turn vision into action and ideas into outcomes. Every effort is designed to be responsible, scalable, and rooted in community needs.
A Founder’s Perspective
“Boston Made was never just about building companies — it was about building opportunity. The Foundation exists to make sure access, education, and belief reach the people who are ready to do something meaningful with them.”
— Nathan Strickland, Founder, Boston Made
Article Contribution by Nathan Strickland
The Boston Made Foundation was created from a simple but powerful belief: opportunity should not be limited by access, background, or circumstance. Throughout my journey building Boston Made, I’ve seen firsthand how talent exists everywhere, yet resources do not. The Foundation exists to help close that gap — thoughtfully, responsibly, and with purpose.
This work is not about charity alone; it is about empowerment. It is about equipping individuals, founders, and organizations with the education, tools, and support they need to build something sustainable and meaningful. When people are given the right foundation, they don’t just improve their own lives — they strengthen families, communities, and local economies.
We are committed to long-term impact, collaboration, and accountability. By partnering with those who share our values and investing in initiatives that create real outcomes, the Boston Made Foundation is focused on building something that lasts — not just for today, but for generations to come.
