BOSTON (November 9, 2023) – Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA) today announced a $3 million transformational grant from the Yawkey Foundation to support plans to build La CASA: The Center for Arts, Self-determination, and Activism. IBA’s La CASA, once complete, will be New England’s largest Latinx arts, culture, and neighborhood community center. As a major Latinx-led nonprofit in New England, IBA is creating La CASA to expand its comprehensive approach to addressing inequities through a wide range of programs and services that empower and uplift our community. La CASA will be home to IBA’s bilingual youth development, financial empowerment, resident services, and arts programs, as well as its administrative and property management offices.

“We are incredibly thankful for the Yawkey Foundation’s transformational gift, which will help fund Boston’s new home for Latinx community empowerment and arts, and for their long-term commitment to IBA,” said Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, CEO of IBA. “With this grant, the Yawkey Foundation has taken a critical step towards closing the philanthropy gap of investment in Latinx serving and led nonprofit organizations. La CASA is central to our mission of empowering and engaging individuals and families to improve their lives through high-quality affordable housing, education, and arts programs.”

This multi-purpose space will be the heart of the work of IBA and will honor and carry on the purposeful philanthropic legacy of Jean and Tom Yawkey to advance underserved communities, in honor of the Yawkey Foundation’s many years of support of IBA.

“The Latinx population is one of the fastest growing demographic groups in Massachusetts, and La CASA will have a transformative community impact by providing a home to inspire young leaders and bring arts and culture to life,” said Aixa Beauchamp and Thomas Meléndez, La CASA campaign’s co-chairs. “We’re thankful for this significant investment from the Yawkey Foundation, which will be critical in making our vision for La CASA a reality.”

The open, two-story multi-purpose room will allow for large community events and meetings. The space, which is connected to the adjacent amphitheater and O’Day Playground, will create further activation in the South End community of Villa Victoria. Additionally, it will be a community asset serving Greater Boston as a much-needed addition for affordable arts and community gathering space.

“Yawkey Foundation has supported IBA for more than 15 years, because our Trustees have seen the impact of its vibrant, inclusive artistic programs and dedication to community-building,” said Maureen H. Bleday, Yawkey Foundation CEO. “The opportunity to help IBA develop what will be a major hub of Latinx arts and empowerment is truly compelling, and aligns with how the Yawkeys understood the importance of cultural institutions for enriching lives by inspiring curiosity, creativity, and pride.”

La CASA, a four-story, 26,000 SF, LEED Silver+, ADA compliant project, will enable IBA to expand its usable space by 65%. Beyond the physical space of the new building, La CASA represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for IBA to enhance and invigorate the arts scene and to create bold new initiatives to address the root causes of inequities and create opportunities for social and economic mobility for families. La CASA will be a place where Greater Boston’s Latinx community can thrive.

About Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA) – Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción – is a leading community development corporation and dynamic community builder that empowers and engages individuals and families to improve their lives through high-quality affordable housing, education, and arts programs. For more than five decades, IBA has built an affordable, safe, healthy and supportive environment for diverse residents, while developing leaders. IBA has evolved into a driving force in the South End and across the city as a leading non-profit owner and developer of affordable housing.

About Yawkey Foundation – The Yawkey Foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the philanthropic legacy of Tom Yawkey and Jean Yawkey, whose eight decades of quiet generosity supported individuals and families in the communities that were closest to their hearts – Massachusetts and Georgetown County, South Carolina. Having awarded more than $550 million to date in charitable grants to organizations focused on Health Care, Education, Human Services, Youth and Amateur Athletics, Arts and Culture, and Conservation and Wildlife, Yawkey Foundation is committed to preserving and sustaining the charitable values of the Yawkeys by investing in impactful nonprofits providing resources, opportunity, and dignity to the vulnerable and underserved. For more information, please visit www.yawkeyfoundation.org and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest updates.