The Arc of Massachusetts Receives $135,000 Grant from Cummings Foundation
Funding to Support “After I’m Gone,” a Project Helping Families Plan for the Future
WALTHAM (June 4, 2025): The Arc of Massachusetts is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $135,000 grant over three years from Cummings Foundation’s $30 Million Grant Program to support its groundbreaking “After I’m Gone” initiative. This innovative project helps families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism prepare for the future – particularly when aging caregivers are no longer able to provide lifelong support.
With more than 70% of individuals with IDD and autism in Massachusetts living with family, and an increasing number of caregivers over the age of 60, the question of “what happens next” is both urgent and widespread. The Arc’s “After I’m Gone” project will offer a pathway for individuals and families to plan effectively for life transitions through education, regional networks, resources, and peer connection.
“We are deeply grateful to Cummings Foundation for investing in this transformative work,” said Maura Sullivan, CEO of The Arc of Massachusetts. “For too many families, the future feels uncertain. This support will help us build tools and relationships that honor each person’s vision for a full life – now and beyond the caregiver’s lifetime.”
The project will be led by former Executive Director Leo Sarkissian, who is now serving as Innovation Development Director. “Over the course of the three-year grant, The Arc will engage individuals with disabilities, their families, and local organizations to implement planning strategies that are personal, sustainable, and inclusive. This grant will help fill a need for so many families and self-advocates,” said Sarkissian.
This grant is part of Cummings Foundation’s annual $30 Million Grant Program, which supports Massachusetts nonprofits that are improving the lives of community members across a wide range of sectors, including human services, education, healthcare, and social justice.
To learn more about “After I’m Gone” and The Arc of Massachusetts, visit www.thearcofmass.org.
About The Arc of Massachusetts
The Arc of Massachusetts enhances the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism and their families through advocacy for community supports and services that foster social inclusion, self-determination, and equity across all aspects of society. Founded in 1954, The Arc has 17 local chapters and a reach of more than 250,000 people statewide.
About Cummings Foundation
Woburn-based Cummings Foundation, Inc. was established by Joyce and Bill Cummings. Since its founding in 1986, Cummings Foundation has awarded more than $500 million to greater Boston nonprofits. To learn more about Cummings Foundation, visit www.CummingsFoundation.org.
