LZF Community Newsletter | May 2026

Running the Boston Marathon was far more than a personal athletic achievement; it was an emotional journey filled with purpose, gratitude, and inspiration. Running for The Lenny Zakim Fund gave the marathon a much deeper meaning for me. It reminded me that this experience was not only about crossing a finish line, but also about supporting communities, creating opportunities, and helping organizations that work every day to make a positive impact.


Organizations like LZF play such an important role in strengthening communities and empowering people who need support and opportunity. I believe that real change happens when people come together with compassion and shared purpose, and LZF represents those values in a truly inspiring way.


I truly believe that small steps can create big change. Just like in a marathon, where thousands of small steps eventually bring you to the finish line, I strongly connect with the values of LZF and the belief that one positive action after another can ultimately create a meaningful impact. I’m proud to be even a small part of such an important mission, and I will always be happy to help and support in any way I can.


Thank you again for your support, encouragement, and for allowing me to be part of Team LZF. I truly hope this is only the beginning of an ongoing connection and future opportunities to continue supporting the important mission of LZF together.


-Itamar Shevach, 2026 Team LZF Runner

Buy Your Zakim Light Tickets Before July 1!

Special Pre-Event For Early Sponsors and Ticket Holders: Before the doors opens, The Zakim Light early sponsors and ticket holders are invited to a highly-curated whiskey and chocolate tasting. Purchase soon to share this sensory experience balancing the warmth with richness of these spirits with locally made chocolate. Brought to you by the Boston Harbor Distillery Team and Goodnow Farms of Sudbury.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of delicious food and drinks, dancing, and celebration – all in support of The Lenny Zakim Fund and its vital programming. The event will be held on Saturday, September 19 at The Grand – Seaport. Check out our website to learn more.

For questions about event tickets or sponsorships, please contact Carla Beaudoin at cbeaudoin@thelennyzakimfund.org.

May Grantee Spotlight: Queer History Boston

“From a safety perspective in the 1980s [The History Project - our former name] makes complete sense. But we’re in a different time and place, and we’re looking to be much more out and clear about who we are, what we do, and who we serve,”

Save the Date: Join us in reflecting on LZF's 30 Year Impact Study this October!

Registration information to follow.

Congratulations to 2026's Massachusetts Council of Nonprofits Award Finalists!


We are so proud of all our current and former grantee partners who will be celebrating this year on June 17th. Congratulations to Children's Services of Roxbury, Circus Up, Healthy Waltham, and On The Rise for all your hard work - the LZF community will be rooting for you! Learn more about these nominations here.

Turn Your DAF Into Action - And a Match

Are you a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) holder? Join the #HalfMyDaf movement and help move charitable dollars off the sidelines and into the communities that need them.


If you commit to spending down half of your DAF by Thursday, June 18, 2026, your donation to The Lenny Zakim Fund may be eligible for a dollar-for-dollar match up to $5,000, and we could even receive a $25,000 bonus match.


It's easy: make a grant to LZF, save your grant confirmation, and submit your pledge at halfmydaf.com. Grants over $250 qualify, and the more donors who participate, the better our chances.


Let's put philanthropy into action - your impact could be doubled.

#HALFMYDAF

About The Lenny Zakim Fund



The Lenny Zakim Fund is a 501(c)(3) public, nonprofit organization that relies 100% on the generosity of our donors to support our annual operating budget, which includes our annual grants program. Since its founding in 1995, The Fund has awarded over $13.5 million in grants to over 430 grassroots organizations throughout eastern Massachusetts.

For more information, please visit www.thelennyzakimfund.org.

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