Byggmeister’s 2025 Charitable Giving: Supporting Justice, Equity & Sustainability

by Rachel White

At Byggmeister, giving back is at the core of who we are. Each year, our Charitable Giving Committee reviews proposals from our employees to support local organizations doing vital work that aligns with our commitment to sustainability, justice and equity. This year, we are proud to donate $29,000 to nine outstanding organizations making a meaningful impact in Greater Boston.

Our committee evaluates each proposal on three key criteria: local impact, the connection between the proposer and the organization, and alignment with our five priority areas.

• justice and equity
• climate change
• affordable housing
• systemic racism
• workforce development

This year, all nine recipients address two or three of our priority areas.

Our 2025 Donation Recipients

The Welcome Project
The Welcome Project is Somerville’s leading immigrant organization, dedicated to building the collective power of immigrant youth, adults, and families to participate in and shape community decisions. Through culturally responsive programming, they strengthen immigrants’ capacity to advocate for themselves and influence schools, government, and other key institutions. By building on the existing strengths of immigrants and forging connections across language and culture, The Welcome Project helps newcomers find success and community in their new city.

Their essential services include quality English language instruction, live interpretation and translation training, and advocacy support. In a time marked by racial injustice and rising hostility toward immigrants, The Welcome Project remains a steadfast ally, committed to providing whatever resources their community members need to thrive.

Somerville Homeless Coalition
For the third consecutive year, Byggmeister is proud to support the Somerville Homeless Coalition, an organization dedicated to providing supportive services and housing solutions for individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They help vulnerable community members secure and maintain affordable housing, offering personalized assistance to address each person’s unique needs.

The Somerville Homeless Coalition’s work goes beyond housing by fostering stability and dignity for those facing housing insecurity. Through compassionate support and practical solutions, they help individuals and families rebuild their lives and strengthen the community as a whole.

Studio for High Performance Design and Construction
The Studio for High Performance Design and Construction (Studio HPDC) is a hands-on education center dedicated to sustainable design and building practices. Their signature programs, especially for carpenters, include practical workshops and trainings focused on high-performance construction techniques that promote energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Beyond education, Studio HPDC builds community through hosting social events like their popular monthly “BS and Beer” gatherings, where industry professionals come together to share knowledge and connect. Their work supports a skilled workforce committed to advancing sustainable building in the region.

Massachusetts Affordable Homeownership Alliance
Byggmeister is proud to support the Massachusetts Affordable Homeownership Alliance (MAHA) for a second time. MAHA is dedicated to increasing access to affordable and sustainable homeownership for first-time and first-generation buyers through education, financial assistance, and community organizing.

Their comprehensive approach helps remove barriers to homeownership while fostering strong, empowered communities. By providing resources and support, MAHA enables more families to achieve the dream of owning a home that’s both affordable and environmentally responsible.

Boston Farms Community Land Trust
Boston Farms Community Land Trust transforms vacant urban lots into vibrant urban farms throughout Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. By turning underutilized spaces into productive farmland, they help increase access to fresh, local food in communities that need it most.

In addition to managing five farm sites, Boston Farms CLT provides farmers with financial and technical support, fostering sustainable agriculture and strengthening food security in Boston’s neighborhoods. Their work not only revitalizes urban spaces but also nurtures community resilience and health.

Just Book-ish
Just Book-ish is a new bookstore in Dorchester that serves not only as a place to find great books but also as a vibrant community hub. They host events and provide networking opportunities, creating a welcoming space for connection and learning.

Our donation supports Just Book-ish’s nonprofit arm as they develop an environmental justice workshop series aimed at educating and empowering the community to take action on pressing environmental issues. 

Boston Climate Action Network
The Boston Climate Action Network (BCAN) mobilizes Boston residents in partnership with social justice allies to advance climate justice. By connecting communities and advocating for equitable climate solutions, BCAN works to address the intersection of environmental and social issues.

Our donation supports the development of activist training workshops that empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to engage effectively in climate advocacy, helping to build a stronger, more inclusive movement for a sustainable future.

Alternatives for Community and the Environment
For the third consecutive year, Byggmeister proudly supports Alternatives for Community and the Environment (ACE), the first environmental justice nonprofit organization in Massachusetts. For over 25 years, ACE has defended the rights of Roxbury residents and worked directly within frontline communities most impacted by environmental racism and classism.

ACE organizes Roxbury residents and partners with community organizers at local, state, and national levels to build platforms and provide resources addressing systemic injustice. Their work includes advocacy, organizing, and legal and regulatory campaigns that bring critical solutions to create healthy, sustainable communities and advance environmental justice.

Somerville Community Corporation
Also for the third consecutive year, Byggmeister is honored to support Somerville Community Corporation (SCC), a vital organization committed to preserving and enhancing the diversity and affordability of Somerville. Founded in 1969, SCC empowers low- and moderate-income residents through leadership development, affordable housing initiatives, and economic opportunity programs .

SCC's comprehensive approach includes developing and preserving affordable housing, offering financial literacy and digital literacy classes, and providing job training and placement through their First Source Jobs Program. Their community organizing efforts ensure that residents have a voice in shaping policies that affect their lives, fostering a more inclusive and equitable city for all.

Building Community Beyond the Job Site

At Byggmeister, charitable giving is more than a line item in our budget; it’s an expression of our commitment to building stronger, more equitable, and sustainable communities. We’re honored to partner with these nine organizations whose work inspires us and aligns with our values. We encourage you to learn more about these recipients and consider how you might support their missions.