United Way of Massachusetts Bay (UWMB) has committed a total of $56 million over seven years to 124 organizations as part of a strategic initiative to address poverty and economic injustice.

As part of its new community impact strategy, UWMB will invest $8 million annually “in partners and solutions that are working to create positive, population-level change in communities across its footprint.” According to UWMB, 12 targeted communities—including Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Quincy, Revere, Salem, and Taunton—are home to two-thirds of people living below the poverty threshold in the area served by the nonprofit.

The program aims to advance financial well-being and inclusion and reduce the wealth gap by providing access to services, resources, and tools to help individuals increase income, build credit and savings, and reduce debt; provide affordable, high-quality early education and out-of-school-time programs for children and youth; connect young adults ages 16 to 24 who are disconnected from school and work, with education and career pathways; and increase community-wide access to safe and stable housing and related services.

“Philanthropic efforts must evolve in order to meet the pressing issues of our region,” said UWMB president Bob Giannino. “We believe that together with our partners, we will move toward a future where every individual in our region, across race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, will be empowered to meet their financial goals and achieve financial well-being.”

“The partnership and funding we have secured are undeniably game changing for our organization,” said Jehu Leconte, founder and CEO of EDEN, a grantee. “Together, we are dedicated to building resilient communities where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive financially.”

For a complete list of recipients, see the UWMB website.

(Photo credit: Getty Images/lewkmiller)