Ilex Foundation, 84 Revere St, Boston, MA 02114, US

The Beacon Hill Civic Association works to preserve the historic character of the neighborhood and advance the quality of life for its residents. The association was founded in 1922 and is housed in a former Boston police station that was sold to the association for $1. Its offices include a community room, gymnasium, nursery school and elderly housing for senior members of the community. More than 1,000 Beacon Hill households and more than 100 businesses are members of the association. Membership dues support many of the association's activities, which include negotiating zoning and licensing agreements, cleaning up the neighborhood, hosting social events and decorating the neighborhood for the holidays. The cost for membership is $50 per household and $100 per business. Executive Director Suzanne Besser runs the association, supported by a board of 35 directors and by a large force of community volunteers.