The Massachusetts Immigrants and Refugees Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition is a network of left-of-center advocacy groups and community organizations based in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The Coalition claims to be the largest organization advocating for the “rights and integration of immigrants and refugees” in the New England region. ¹

Background

The Massachusetts Immigrants and Refugees Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition is a network of left-of-center advocacy groups founded in 1987 that claims to be the largest organization advocating for the “rights and integration of immigrants and refugees” in the New England region. ^{2 3}

The organization advocates for, and provides assistance in, assisting increased immigration to the United States and the integration of refugees into U.S communities. ¹

Activities

The Massachusetts Immigrants and Refugees Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition holds advocacy campaigns, arranges both educational sessions and leadership training courses, and advocates for policies to advance the welfare services available to immigrants and refugees. It advocates against immigration restrictions, assists green card holders in becoming citizens, and helps migrants register to vote. It also works with member organizations that provide legal representation and other services to migrants. ¹

Affiliates

The Massachusetts Immigrants and Refugees Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition is a founding member of the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA), which, as of 2025, was co-chaired by former MIRA executive director Eva A. Millona. ¹

As of 2025, the MIRA Coalition reported having more than 140 member organizations: this includes refugee resettlement agencies, social service providers, community groups, faith-based groups, and civil and human rights advocates. ^{1 3}

Financials

In 2022, the Massachusetts Immigrants and Refugees Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition reported revenues of $3,743,986, expenses of $3,104,960, and net assets of $4,311,312. ⁴

Funding

In 2011, the Massachusetts Immigrants and Refugees Advocacy Coalition received $80,000 from the Herman and Frieda L. Miller Foundation. ⁵

In 2012, the MIRA Coalition received $130,000 from the Herman and Frieda L. Miller Foundation. ⁶

In 2015, the MIRA Coalition received $85,000 from the Herman and Frieda L. Miller Foundation and a total of $73,341 from Endowment for Health. ^{7 8}

In 2017, the MIRA Coalition received $136,050 from the Boston Foundation. ⁹

In 2020, the MIRA Coalition received $200,000 from the Barr Foundation. ¹⁰

In 2021, the MIRA Coalition received $240,000 from the Barr Foundation and $375,000 from the Klarman Family Foundation. ^{10 11}

In 2022, the MIRA Coalition received $92,826 from Endowment for Health, $125,000 from the Klarman Family Foundation, and $150,000 from the Barr Foundation. ^{12 13 14}

In 2023, the MIRA Coalition again received $92,826 from Endowment for Health as well as $125,000 from the Klarman Family Foundation and $150,000 from the Barr Foundation. ^{15 16 17}

In 2024, the MIRA Coalition received $65,000 from the Herman and Frieda L. Miller Foundation. ¹⁸

As of 2025, the MIRA Coalition listed the Cummings Foundation as a “Generous Supporter.” ¹⁹

Leadership

As of 2025, Elizabeth Sweet was the executive director of the MIRA Coalition, a position she had held since 2022. She was previously the chief operating officer of HIAS (formerly known as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society). ²⁰

1. “About Us.” Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition. Accessed September 21, 2025. https://miracoalition.org/about-us/
2. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Massachusetts Immigrants and Refugees Advocacy Coalition. 2022. Box L.
3. “MIRA Members.” Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition. Accessed September 21, 2025. https://live-mira-coalition.pantheonsite.io/about-us/members/.
4. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Massachusetts Immigrants and Refugees Advocacy Coalition. 2022. Part I, lines 12, 18, 22.
5. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Herman and Frieda L Miller. 2011. Part XV, line 3 – Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment.
6. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Herman and Frieda L Miller. 2012. Part XV, line 3 – Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment.
7. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Herman and Frieda L Miller. 2015. Part XV, line 3 – Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment.
8. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Endowment for Health. 2015. Part XV, line 3 – Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment.
9. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Boston Foundation. 2016. Schedule I. Part II – Grants and Other Assistance to Domestic Organizations and Domestic Governments.
10. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Barr Foundation. 2021. Part XV, line 3 – Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment.
11. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Klarman Family Foundation. 2021. Part XIV, line 3 – Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment.
12. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Endowment for Health. 2022. Part XV, line 3 – Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment.
13. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Klarman Family Foundation. 2022. Part XIV, line 3 – Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment.
14. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Barr Foundation. 2022. Part XIV, line 3 – Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment.
15. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Endowment for Health. 2023. Part XV, line 3 – Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment.
16. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Klarman Family Foundation. 2023. Part XIV, line 3 – Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment.
17. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Barr Foundation. 2023. Part XIV, line 3 – Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment.
18. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Herman and Frieda L Miller. 2023. Part XV, line 3 – Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment.
19. “About Us.” Massachusetts Immigrants and Refugees Advocacy Coalition. Accessed September 21, 2025. https://miracoalition.org/about-us/.
20. “Our Staff.” Massachusetts Immigrants and Refugees Advocacy Coalition. Accessed September 22, 2025. https://miracoalition.org/people/elizabeth-sweet/.