Organizers report $6 million+ in Mass 2 50 grants, unveil city partnerships and community grants

Bob Rivers, chair of the Mass 2 50 effort, told attendees the initiative has secured substantial public and private support and that “the Healy Driscoll administration and the Massachusetts legislature… are the main underwriters of Mass 2 50, providing over $6,000,000 in grants through the Massachusetts office of travel and tourism, including $2,000,000 alone as the main sponsor of this year's Pops concert.”

Steven Chan, chief partnerships officer for the City of Boston speaking on behalf of Mayor Michelle Wu, described a suite of local activities and supports: a Tour 250 commemorative‑markers program across the city with an accompanying app and map, an expanded Independence Day parade route beginning at Copley Plaza, a FIFA fan fest on City Hall Plaza, and $150,000 in Boston 2 50 programming and marketing grants administered through the Boston Foundation to support local organizations.

Co‑chairs of the corporate engagement effort — Pam Eberhard (Fidelity) and Beth Boland (Foley & Lardner) — thanked corporate sponsors ranging from million‑dollar and multi‑hundred‑thousand dollar donors to smaller tiers and encouraged additional contributions, noting sponsorship opportunities starting at $10,000. Organizers provided a list of named corporate supporters and emphasized that private fundraising complements state underwriting.

Why it matters: The combination of public underwriting and private sponsorship finances programming across communities and museums, helps underwrite a nationally visible Esplanade concert, and funds smaller grants meant to amplify local commemorations throughout the summer.

What’s next: Organizers said additional sponsor lists and programming details will be published, and invited attendees to record short reflections with Mass Humanities after the event.