To Uphold DEI In Its Hiring Practices, Boston-Based Education Nonprofit Withdraws Application That Would Provide A $250K Federal Grant

Nonprofit 826 Boston is willing to lose significant funding from the federal government to uphold DEI.

The Massachusetts-based organization, which offers writing, tutoring, and publishing services for educational purposes, will no longer seek federal funding. In a letter, it confirmed that the decision follows the Trump administration’s directive for agencies to dismantle DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs if receiving federal grant and contracts. Standing on its mission to support students and reflect the diversity of its community, the nonprofit will withdraw its application to receive a $250,000 federal grant for the 2025–2026 AmeriCorps program year. The organization made this decision in order to uphold DEI in its hiring practices, according to CBS News.

“826 Boston’s six Writers’ Rooms in Boston Public Schools are staffed with one full time Writers’ Room Manager and two AmeriCorps service members,” Executive Director Corey Yarbrough stated in a letter, per the organization’s website. “These individuals work to support educators and provide individualized writing and academic support to students on a daily basis. …Given recent policy changes in federal funding, 826 Boston has decided to withdraw its application for funding for the 2025-2026 AmeriCorps program year… This decision, ultimately, allows us to continue the work many of you have come to love about our organization amplifying youth voices and sharing diverse stories.”

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is aligned with 826 Boston’s decision and told CBS News:

“Non-profits, businesses, law firms, universities are all going through that choice. Do we speak out and stand up for what’s right in this moment, or do we stay silent and capitulate and let the bullies have their way? I know what the answer is for the residents of Boston and what they want to see out of their city government.”

Looking ahead, 826 Boston intends to apply for other grants and nurture relationships with new donors and foundations that share its stance. Already, it has received a $75,000 donation from the New Commonwealth Fund, which consists of Roxbury Black and Latino leaders. The organization has also received 500 new donors, averaging $25 per donor.

“I think people really want to support a place they believe in with their contributions, and so, we’re giving them a chance to do that,” Jenna Leschuk, 826 Boston’s senior director of program development, mentioned, according to CBS News.