Annual Appeal Year-End Story #2

Top Ten Reasons to Donate to BNCLT

1. BNCLT does work few others are doing.

BNCLT is one of the few organizations that has centered its work around preventing displacement of families in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan by acquiring and stewarding the smaller, scattered-site buildings that are most at risk of speculation. By purchasing these buildings – many times in partnership with organized tenants – we seek to prevent the displacement of BIPOC low income renters and ensure people are able to remain in permanently affordable and community-controlled homes.

2. BNCLT is fortifying our sanctuary for our residents.

In these politically uncertain and dangerous times, we are committed more than ever to fortifying our organization as a place of sanctuary for our residents. BNCLT is a place where residents know they won’t have to pay more than 30% of their income on rent, where people can voice their opinions, build relationships, feel a sense of solidarity, and have each other’s backs. 

3. BNCLT is committed to deep community control.

BNCLT became a community land trust (CLT) because we believe the people in charge of our organization should be the ones who are most affected by our decisions – our residents and neighbors, in solidarity with members holding relevant expertise. Our board reflects these three groups of people, as does our growing membership. We are continuing to deepen our model of community control, particularly in our evolving property management structure. 

4. BNCLT is building the world we want to live in.

In partnership with groups that are fighting the world as it is, we’re building the world we want to live in.* We are part of the growing Solidarity Economy movement, which seeks to transform our economy to prioritize people over profit. We are working with low interest and mission-aligned lenders to finance our new affordable condo building at 355 Park Street, as well as our Semi-Permanent Loan Pilot – which will stabilize 5 of our buildings. In addition to supporting our work, these tools can be replicated by our CLT peers. 

5. BNCLT is exploring pathways to asset building for our rental residents.

Over the past year, we have been working with a cohort of BNCLT residents to explore pathways to asset building and ownership, particularly for low income rental residents. We are analyzing the feasibility of rental-to-ownership conversions, limited equity coops, and other shareholder equity structures. 

6. BNCLT is growing, and we can’t do it without you.

As an organization that is building alternatives to many broken systems, we are steadily growing and evolving. This year we are continuing to take big strides, and we rely on you to support the kind of growth that builds solidarity, new systems, and a network of buildings and families across our neighborhoods. 

7. You can be part of the web of community support our team of residents, members, and staff leans into.

Our Annual Appeal is such a gratifying time of year, when we feel the steady presence and support of our community. Each and every donor is part of this web of support. Our CITC donors play a special role, by helping us leverage matched funds that close the gap in our fundraising goals. And our Sustainer Members make a big difference by making a long-term commitment to support our work and ensuring we are accountable to our broader community. 

8. We have a really fun backyard summer party to appreciate our donors and members!

We always have a great time, and we hope to see you there next year 😊

9. You could be eligible for our new T-Shirt!

Sustainer Members and CITC Donors are eligible for a free BNCLT T-Shirt! Once you contribute, please request your T-Shirt here.

10. We love our neighborhoods as do you.

Please help maintain and expand your local CLT’s capacity to be a vital place of respite and strength for our neighborhoods. Thank you so much!

**Learn more about the "resist and build" framework here and here.