Portuguese Non-Profit Organizations in Massachusetts

The Prince Henry Society of Taunton represents a unique blend of fraternal brotherhood and community service, bringing together business and professional people of Portuguese descent who share a commitment to giving back. Established in 1980, this invitation-only organization in Taunton, MA was founded on a vision of strengthening the Portuguese-American community through three interconnected goals: charitable contributions, educational scholarships, and active service to the region. What distinguishes the Prince Henry Society in the Taunton community is its emphasis on both professional excellence and personal connection—members form strong fraternal bonds while working collectively toward meaningful impact. The organization's selective membership approach, which welcomes individuals with at least one Portuguese parent, ensures that each member is genuinely invested in the Society's mission and willing to contribute their time and resources. Since its founding, the organization has demonstrated remarkable dedication, contributing over half a million dollars to local charities and scholarship programs while recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to community life. The Prince Henry Society of Taunton preserves and celebrates Portuguese heritage in America while actively shaping the future through educational support for young people of Portuguese descent. With regular community events and fundraising initiatives, the organization continues to enhance its image and strengthen the bonds within the Taunton Portuguese-American community as it looks toward sustained growth and service.

Founded in 1980 by visionary leaders Milton Ferreira, Anthony S. Catojo, Jr., and Gabriel "Gabe" Moura, the Prince Henry Society New Bedford Chapter emerged from a passionate commitment to celebrate and preserve the contributions of Portuguese Americans. Based in New Bedford, MA, this fraternal organization has grown into a respected community institution that weaves together cultural pride, educational opportunity, and neighborly support. What sets the Prince Henry Society apart is its deep fraternal bond among members—a fellowship united by shared heritage and dedication to mutual advancement. The organization serves as a bridge between Portuguese-American professionals and the broader New Bedford community, recognizing that cultural preservation and community service are inseparable. Over more than two decades of active involvement, the Society has touched countless lives through meaningful action: feeding families in need, providing thousands in charitable donations to local organizations, hosting annual youth outings, and organizing community blood drives. The Society's scholarship program stands as a testament to its educational mission, having invested over $750,000 in the futures of more than 750 students of Portuguese descent. Membership in the Prince Henry Society is by invitation, limited to business and professional individuals of Portuguese descent who demonstrate commitment to the organization's three-pronged mission. This selective approach ensures that each member actively contributes to heritage preservation, educational betterment, and charitable work. The New Bedford Chapter, along with sister chapters in Fall River and Taunton, represents a living legacy of Portuguese-American excellence and community responsibility that continues to enrich New Bedford's cultural landscape.

Founded in 1980 by three Portuguese-American businessmen from New Bedford, the Prince Henry Society emerged from a shared vision to create a meaningful service organization for the Portuguese-descended community. Named after the famous Portuguese navigator to symbolize leadership and strength, the organization established its Fall River chapter that same year, recognizing the significant Portuguese heritage present in the region. Today, the Prince Henry Society Greater Fall River Chapter stands as a cornerstone institution serving the Fall River, MA area, embodying the values of civic engagement, cultural pride, and mutual support that defined its inception. The organization's mission—to promote the civic, cultural, economic, educational, and social betterment of individuals of Portuguese descent—reflects a holistic commitment to community development across multiple dimensions of life. What distinguishes the Society is its dual focus on both individual advancement and collective community welfare. Through scholarship recognition programs, the organization honors Portuguese-Americans who have distinguished themselves and contributed meaningfully to their communities. Through community outreach, it identifies local humanitarian needs and responds with practical support. The Society also serves as a cultural custodian, maintaining historical monuments and fostering international connections that strengthen bonds between Fall River's Portuguese community and Portugal itself. Membership in the organization is reserved for businesspersons and professionals of Portuguese descent who demonstrate genuine commitment to advancing these shared objectives. Integrated within the Massachusetts State chapter structure since 1984, the Fall River chapter benefits from coordinated support while maintaining its local focus and responsiveness to community needs.