Steppingstone Visionaries

Visionaries

Going First , and Going Bold .

What does it take to be the first—to blaze a trail?

Vision, conviction, leadership. A leap of faith.

Three couples took the leap for Steppingstone, collectively contributing $10 million and setting the pace to meet a generous endowment challenge.

They see a future where Steppingstone is not simply raising funds to meet immediate needs in real time, but is able to look out further—to deepen and expand its services for Scholars, recruit and retain excellent talent, and be a true luminary for college access and success in Boston and nationally.

They believe in Steppingstone as a strong investment based on more than 30 years of proven results.

They are leaders. As Steppingstone climbs toward its goals for organizational sustainability, they blazed a trail for the first leg of our journey—showing us a glimpse of all that is possible. They set us on a path, with hopes of inspiring others to help us all the way to the summit.

To Isabelle and Ian Loring, Karen and Brian Conway, and a third couple who wish to remain Anonymous: Please accept our sincerest gratitude, and know that your leadership has impacted Steppingstone for years to come.

Isabelle & Ian Loring

Karen & Brian Conway Anonymous Supporters

Isabelle & Ian Loring

Isabelle and Ian Loring are well known as long-time and devoted supporters of Steppingstone. Isabelle notably chaired the Board of Directors through some of the greatest challenges in Steppingstone’s history: a global pandemic and a national reckoning for racial equity. Her leadership in this capacity has impacted the organization in ways that always be remembered.

But, she and Ian did not stop there.

Knowing the importance of investing in staff excellence, they initiated the Loring Cornerstone Fund, comprised of endowed and annual gifts. This fund is key to sustaining the low student-to-program staff ratio that provides Scholars with individualized attention and support and fosters strong and often lasting relationships not only with students, but also with their families.

From the moment the Lorings were introduced to Steppingstone at a Gala years ago, the need for this kind of support was clear.

“That night I was so struck by Scholars’ stories,” says Isabelle, “which were obviously very different, but there was a similar theme. They were faced with obstacles to seek better educational prospects and had the bravery to apply to a program like Steppingstone, knowing that they would have 12 years of hard work ahead of them to achieve their goals.”

In the span of 12 years, Scholars grow from children, to adolescents, to young adults—transitioning into new learning environments and facing the complicated process of applications for college acceptance and financial aid. Throughout this journey, strong and lasting relationships are key.

“What emboldens us is the magnitude of talent and passion

of the Steppingstone staff, who stay true to the core of the mission,” says Ian. “We are in awe of their effort and talent, and inspired by the commitment they give to the Scholars and families.”

Moreover, in bolstering the endowment, the Lorings’ gift is a “cornerstone” for Steppingstone’s overall financial stability. This is a lasting investment, not only generating support for staff

“One of the best and most important organizations in Boston”

excellence but also freeing up funds year after year for all of Steppingstone’s priorities.

“What makes me happier than anything is to see that Steppingstone is just getting stronger,” Isabelle says. “We need Steppingstone more than ever to improve the world today and for future generations. It’s incredibly inspiring to be involved with an organization that is changing the trajectory of someone’s life.”

When looking at the successes of Scholars and Alumni, Ian notes, “it’s palpable. You can see the results.”

The impact of the Lorings’ generosity continues to grow as many friends join them in this investment. Isabelle gives “a profound heartfelt thanks to the many friends of Steppingstone and of Ian and me who contributed to the Loring Cornerstone Fund.”

She adds, “It means the world to us personally. I truly believe you have invested in one of the best and most important organizations in Boston, which is doing so much to transform the lives of deserving young people. So thank you!” •

Karen & Brian Conway

Like the Lorings, Karen and Brian Conway are true leaders and long-time supporters within the Steppingstone community. Throughout Brian’s 25+ years serving on the board, including his 18-year tenure as chair, they have seen Steppingstone’s impact on Scholars and on Boston many times over.

“Karen and I have been very close to the work of Steppingstone,” Brian shares, “so we both had the opportunity to see the need and to see what a further gift could do.”

It was important to the Conways to take leadership and establish an endowment for Steppingstone because at other organizations close to their hearts, they have seen the strong influence of board members being the first to step up.

With so many nonprofits doing excellent work in Boston, why prioritize a gift to Steppingstone?

“The students are the inspiration,” says Karen, noting that the program is kept dynamic and relevant by impressive Alumni involvement and mentorship. With this support, “Scholars continually rise to challenges and exceed expectations.”

And, Brian adds, Steppingstone’s entire approach is backed by data. “Education is a proven lever for social and economic mobility,” Brian explains. “It’s been demonstrated that early intervention is required and has better outcomes,” and Scholars join Steppingstone in fifth or sixth grade. Brian also notes an economist’s study

“Education is a proven lever for social and economic mobility.”

which found learning environments that set higher standards demonstrated more consistent academic achievement. Steppingstone, Brian attests, is a program with high standards—and “Steppingstone’s program works.”

With this in mind, Brian and Karen are committed to Steppingstone’s success today and tomorrow—which manifests as a generous gift designated for both the annual fund and an endowment.

The Conways value this combination, while recognizing that people have different preferences. “Everyone’s got their own view of what the right balance is and what they can do,” says Karen. “An endowment is important for long-term sustainability to the organization. What we’re really trying to do is get people to think about what kind of a stretch commitment they can make, and then apportion that between endowment and annual support.”

Whatever the breakdown of annual vs. endowed support, Karen affirms: “All kinds of gifts and support of Steppingstone matter.”

It’s also important to remember the “why”—and this is something Brian has been ruminating while participating in the Advanced Leadership Initiative at Harvard, a program focused on social impact.

“I’m interested in the idea of equal opportunity, and the opportunity gap, and in some sense, social and economic mobility is pretty fundamental to what makes America special, the so-called ‘American Dream.’ We all want everyone to have the ability to advance in society, socially and economically. In order for that to be true, you’ve got to have equal opportunity, and we haven’t had equal opportunity.

“So I’ve been focused on: what have been the barriers to mobility, what have been the barriers to opportunity, and what can you do about that?

“As I said before, one proven lever is education. Investing in education is one way to lift the standard of living for everybody. But also, investments in education at the individual level for that person can improve their lot in society or economically. It can be literally life-changing for people.” •

Anonymous

In Honor of Kendric Price

Kendric Price was not a Steppingstone Scholar in name, yet he had much in common with Steppingstone Scholars: dreams of college, the drive to get there, and a desire to give back to his community. Sadly, Kendric’s life was cut short suddenly in 2019, at the age of 32.

The Kendric Price Memorial Fund in his honor honors all Steppingstone Scholars.

The anonymous creators of this fund met Kendric by chance, sitting near one another at a basketball game. While chatting, he shared about the nonprofit he started to help kids out in his neighborhood, after moving back to Boston following his college graduation.

The couple says Kendric’s nonprofit “involved a lot of fun things including sewing, playing basketball, and getting together on the weekends. But he also taught business basics.

“Kendric was incredibly likable, an excellent listener, and extremely curious. He loved to think about new ideas and opportunities for start-up businesses. He was well down the road to starting a company to help showcase high school athletes to colleges when his life tragically ended.”

The couple was motivated to continue Kendric’s legacy, understanding “he was

trying to better a system that hadn’t served him well.” Kendric sought mentors in coaches, teachers, and bosses, and the couple remembers occasions when he asked these mentor figures for help and did not receive it.

“So when we thought about, how would you best honor Kendric’s life, it was to do something that gave back, that supported people when they needed the help.”

Now, the Kendric Price Memorial Fund does just that, by supporting compensation and professional development for two Steppingstone Advisors. Acting as mentors and champions of Scholars, Steppingstone Advisors help Scholars and their families navigate challenges on the path to college, which are numerous, especially for students of color.

“Steppingstone is one of the most uplifting organizations you could possibly support.”

For the couple, long-time Steppingstone supporters, this seemed like a good fit— because “Steppingstone makes a huge difference in a kid’s life. A lot of what Steppingstone does is provide students with the tools to get a better education so that they can reach their goals and help their communities. I think that’s what Kendric was all about.”

In addition to honoring Kendric and supporting Advisors, they speak to the importance of an endowment with an understanding of the challenges nonprofits face.

“To not have to worry about the operating costs every year is a huge benefit for the students and the community Steppingstone serves. But also it’s a huge weight off the shoulders of the people who work at Steppingstone. To know that you’re going to be adequately, generously funded makes a difference in the working environment of any organization. It’s a stress reliever.”

Why an endowment now?

“I think educational equity is a topic that is very much at the forefront of people’s minds these days with all that the country has been through and continues to go through. I think people are recognizing that not everybody starts on the same footing, but there are going to be some communities that need more help than others—and that as high as the taxes are in Boston and as much as the city spends on education, it’s not enough.

“So that’s why I think it’s important now. And I think Steppingstone is one of the most uplifting organizations you could possibly support.” •

If you are interested in learning more about how you can support Steppingstone with your own visionary gift, please contact Kate Wood, Chief Advancement Officer, at kwood@steppingstone.org.