The Boston Foundation (TBF) seeks to nurture a sense of community among the people of Greater Boston. This work is done with the understanding that a community is far more than a geographic locale. Community consists, rather, of relationships among a group of people whose lives are inextricably linked and who, for all of their differences, have many customs, aspirations, and values in common. TBF seeks to reinforce these shared values, encourage mutual respect, develop practices of common concern, and enable all people to realize their full potential. At the heart of the foundation's policies is the deep conviction that the community of Greater Boston cannot flourish unless each of its members is treated fairly. The Boston Foundation believes that the vitality of the Greater Boston community depends on the ability of people to be responsible for themselves and concerned about one another. Its policies and programs promote these essential characteristics of a vibrant community.

The Girls’ Coalition is funded by The Boston Foundation Community Fund--specifically, the Out-of-School Time initiative, which provides funding for the following:

• Systems development and capacity building (largely through intermediaries)
• New or existing high-quality programs, primarily in Boston, that seek to expand the number of children and youth served, with sound strategies for resource development and, where applicable, coordinated with the academic goals of the schools (priority is given to organizations that deliver programs of a significant scale)
• Programs that specifically seek to connect the learning goals of schools with after-school programs (particularly in literacy and mathematics)
• Advocacy, technical assistance, and training programs (largely through intermediaries)

The Girls’ Coalition has been receiving funding from The Boston Foundation since 2000.