The Corey C. Griffin Foundation Celebrates a Decade of Giving Back

President Chandra Clark

Since 2014, the Corey C. Griffin Foundation (coreycgriffinfoundation.org) has stretched its philanthropic arm across the city. Thanks to beloved events like the Boston Marathon, Boston Winter Ball (coming up Feb. 10), Coreyfest and Summer Happy Hour, the organization has raised money and awareness to improve the lives of underprivileged youth through education, healthcare, and faith and character development. Ten years later, the foundation is only growing, with President Chandra Clark at the helm. “I believe that I was called to the role of president because of my personal connection to the youth we serve,” she shares. “The trajectory of my life changed because of the mentors and advocates who invested in my personal and professional development.” Here, Clark reflects on the anniversary, her time with the foundation and what’s in store for the future.

The Griffin Family: Mike Griffin, Sophie Mussafer, Rob Griffin, Cathy Griffin, Casey Griffin Guidicello and Bryan Guidicelli

1. How does it feel to be celebrating 10 years of the foundation?
In our 10 years of existence, we have been able to positively impact the lives of over 20,000 youth. To have that type of impact is surreal and incredible. In its initial stages, Corey’s friends and family remained diligent in their commitment to honor his legacy of philanthropy through the establishment of the foundation. Daily we witness the bountiful harvest of the seeds that have been sown throughout the past 10 years.

2. Does the foundation have anything special planned to mark the anniversary? Our annual CoreyFest will serve as a special time of celebration for the foundation as 2024 also marks its 10th year.

3. What has been your most memorable experience as the foundation’s president?Our first Corey’s Kids Christmas is one of my most memorable experiences as President. Through the generosity of our donors, we provided 2,000 laptops to our youth, whom we lovingly call our Corey’s Kids. To witness the joy and excitement in the room was indescribable.

4. How has the foundation evolved since its beginnings?
The Foundation has progressed significantly since its inception. Our organization has recently reached a milestone by transitioning from functioning as a startup into a growth phase. Within the past two years, we’ve launched our Emerging Leaders Council, expanded our Board of Directors and hired our first President. Additionally, we’ve continued to elevate our capacity to fund our grantee partners through the increased support of the Boston Winter Ball, Boston Marathon and CoreyFest.

5. What opportunities are put in place for NextGen philanthropists to make an impact within the foundation?
Our NextGen philanthropists, known as our Emerging Leaders Council, are supported and encouraged to transform their passion into impact through experiential philanthropy. Throughout the year, council members support the foundation by organizing fundraising and volunteer events for our program partners. The council members also serve as community advocates and ambassadors for our mission.

6. How have you personally seen the impact of the foundation?
Throughout the many years that I have served as a nonprofit leader, I have never experienced the type of love and sincerity that exudes from this foundation. Every day, we receive testimonials from our students, parents, program partners and donors sharing stories of the transformational impact of our work. I can witness firsthand the human, social, physical and financial capital that allows us to remain faithful in our commitment to being a mission-driven organization.

7. Can you share insight into the foundation’s long-term goals and visions for the future?
I am excited to share that we recently approved our inaugural strategic plan. In efforts to strengthen our ability to serve and support our Corey’s Kids, our goals and vision for the future entails: Heightening awareness surrounding our mission and impact; expanding our programs and partnerships to better serve our youth and grantee partners; deepening our impact within the community through the leadership of our Emerging Leaders program; launching a fundraising campaign to build our grantmaking endowment.