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Eastern Bank Foundation Recognizes Community Leaders Working To Expand Civic Knowledge and Strengthen Democracy With 2026 Community Advocacy Awards

BOSTON, MA, June 25, 2026 – Eastern Bank Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Eastern Bank, today announced the 2026 Community Advocacy Award recipients, recognizing 11 organizations across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island advancing civic education and giving people a stronger voice in the decisions that shape their communities. From fostering public storytelling and volunteering to neighborhood engagement, this year’s honorees are doing the on-the-ground work of keeping democracy responsive, inclusive, and accountable.

“These leaders and their organizations are protecting fundamental rights and opening opportunities for everyone to participate in civic engagement and education, often with little more than their own deep motivation and commitment inspiring them,” said Turhan Dorsey, President and CEO of the Eastern Bank Foundation. “At a moment when civic knowledge can feel uncertain, their work reflects what democracy looks like in practice and we are proud to raise awareness about their efforts.”

This year’s honorees include:

• ACLU of Rhode Island, and Executive Director Steven Brown
• Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation, and Director Danielle Allen
• Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights, and Chair Jenise Campbell-Means
• The Disagreement, and Co-Founders Catherine Cushenberry and Alex Grodd
• Indivisible Outer Cape, and Leader Pam Poindexter
• Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action (JALSA), and President & CEO Cindy Rowe
• Massachusetts Voter Table, and Executive Director Shanique Rodriguez
• Merrimack Valley Project, and Executive Director Julio Mejia
• Neighbor 2 Neighbor, and Executive Director Dalida Rocha
• New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights, and Director Lisa Kovack
• Queer History Boston, and Executive Director Joan Ilacqua

Each year, Eastern Bank Foundation recognizes organizations and nonprofit leaders addressing some of the most pressing issues affecting the communities Eastern Bank serves. Community Advocacy Award honorees are convened for a discussion and an award presentation, and each organization receives a grant in support of their continued work. For more information and to learn about the 2026 honorees, visit Celebrations For Good.

About Eastern Bank Foundation
Eastern Bank Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Eastern Bank, supports grassroots community solutions and collaborates with community-led organizations working to build economic inclusion, mobility, and social justice in four focus areas: advancing equity in the small business ecosystem, enriching early childhood development, securing safe and affordable housing, and promoting workforce development. Because the roots of social and economic injustice run deep, we employ a variety of levers – including Philanthropy, Employee Volunteerism, and Collaboration – to strengthen the communities we serve. Learn more here.

Media Contact:
Andrea Goodman
Eastern Bank
[email protected]  
781-598-7847
 

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