The James G. Connolly Tribute Fund Award
THE LEGACY
Named in honor of Mass Mentoring Partnership’s late Board Chair, the James G. Connolly Tribute Fund honors the memory of Jim Connolly and his dedication to youth mentoring. With the generosity and support of Citizens Financial Group, the Connolly family, and Jim’s friends and colleagues, MMP created the fund in 2010 to continue Jim’s legacy in the field of mentoring. The fund distributes awards annually to mentoring and youth-serving programs working to enhance their impact and strengthen mentoring in their communities.
Last year, the Connolly Fund recognized programs that had responded effectively to the COVID crisis, and this year–its final year–the Connolly Fund is accepting proposals for a $30,000 award that will support the expansion and enhancement of innovative programming that utilizes youth-adult relationships as a key strategy to support youth mental health.
Jim embodied, symbolized, and believed in the power of mentoring. The board and staff of Mass Mentoring Partnership have been proud and honored to work with the Connolly family to honor Jim’s life and advance youth mentoring as a tribute to his character.
Chronology of the James G. Connolly Tribute Fund Awardees
2022
Theme: Enhance and expand innovation programming that utilizes youth-adult relationships to support youth mental health
Coaching4Change
LevelUP Life Coaching (The Boston Project Ministries)
2021
Theme: Programs that have responded in an innovative and effective way to meet the needs of young people affected by the COVID-19 crisis
Falmouth VIPs
Boston Adult Technical Academy
2020
Theme: Support empowering relationships for youth in the City of Boston
Youth Options Unlimited- Boston
2019
Theme: increase mentor diversity and cultural responsiveness
Generations Inc
18 Degrees
Strong Women, Strong Girls
2018
Theme: Supporting Older Youth
Silver Lining Mentoring
ROCA
2017
Theme: Supporting Immigrant Youth and Families
Partners for Youth Disabilities
Enroot
2016
Theme: Strengthening My Brother’s Keeper Initiative
Burke High School
Hyde Square Task Force
2015
Theme: Diversity and Cultural Competency
Big Sister
Sociedad Latina
2014
Theme: Strengthening Youth Adult Relationships in Targeted Regions
EV Kids
Freedom House – Multicultural Dropout Outreach Collaborative
Boys and Girls Club of Cape Cod
2013
Theme: Career Readiness and Workforce Development
Boys and Girls Club of Holyoke
Girls Inc of Lynn
Project COACH
2012
Theme: Parent Engagement
LUK Mentoring Program
Girls Inc of Lynn
2011
Theme: Program Expansion for Academically Focused Mentoring in Targeted Region
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County – Lunch Buddies in Holyoke
Family Services of Merrimack Valley
2010
Theme: Academic Support
Big Sister – Staci Davidson
