Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0002-3866-6209
Document Type
Research Report
Publication Date
Spring 5-2026
Abstract
This report examines the development, performance, and impact of the Massachusetts Community Mediation Center Grant Program during its first 12 years, covering fiscal years 2013 through 2024. Established under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 75, Section 47, the Grant Program provides operational and programmatic funding to qualified community mediation centers offering free or low-cost dispute resolution services through trained community volunteers. The Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration at the University of Massachusetts Boston administers and evaluates the program.
Over the period examined, the Commonwealth’s annual appropriation increased from $650,000 in FY2013 to approximately $3.2 million in FY2024. This investment stabilized community mediation centers, expanded staffing and volunteer capacity, and supported statewide initiatives addressing youth conflict resolution, housing stability, re-entry mediation, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. In FY2024, the state’s investment generated more than $30.4 million in estimated cost savings, leveraged resources, and economic benefits for the Commonwealth and participating parties.
The report documents substantial growth in community outreach, training, and access to services. In FY2024, centers reached more than 681,000 people through outreach and education, provided conflict resolution training to 5,018 participants, opened more than 4,000 cases, and mediated 2,305 cases. Sixty-five percent of mediated cases resulted in full agreements. Among surveyed participants, 92 percent reported satisfaction and 94 percent indicated that they would recommend mediation to others. The racial diversity of both mediators and participating parties also increased considerably during the reporting period.
Drawing on longitudinal program data, annual evaluations, financial analyses, grant records, and interviews with current and former center leaders and Program Advisory Committee members, the report identifies lessons concerning operational funding, statewide collaboration, performance-based grantmaking, data collection, and community access. It recommends increased and sustained funding, targeted support for staffing, simplified performance criteria, continued investment in data infrastructure, expanded mediator training, stronger institutional partnerships, and continued prioritization of equitable access.
Community Engaged/Serving
Part of the UMass Boston Community-Engaged Teaching, Research, and Service Series. //scholarworks.umb.edu/engage
Recommended Citation
Palihapitiya, Madhawa and Zeferino, Karina, "12-Year Report of the Massachusetts Community Mediation Center Grant Program (Fiscal Years 2013 – 2024)" (2026). Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration Publications. 47.
https://scholarworks.umb.edu/mopc_pubs/47
Included in
Dispute Resolution and Arbitration Commons, Peace and Conflict Studies Commons, Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation Commons, Public Administration Commons, Public Affairs Commons, Public Policy Commons
Comments
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