EVENTS OF NOTE

Panel discussion and reception on December 6th

Since 1982, GMA Foundations has been engaged by philanthropists across the country to help build strategic grantmaking programs, strong operations and effective governance.   Thousands of trustee decisions – ordinary and extraordinary – have shaped so much good.

In this digital age, philanthropic giving increasingly flows to data-rich nonprofits that show measurable results.  And yet, funders do break free of the data and fund creative, early-stage, unproven ideas, despite the risk.  These bold moves have altered seemingly inevitable paths, shining light on new models and fostering systemic change.  Creativity and innovation continue to be essential to solving some of our most difficult social issues.  The philanthropic community is poised to lead.

Energizing conversation often propels us to set aside fear of failure and take bold action.  With that in mind, we celebrate our 30^th anniversary in conversation with philanthropists who dare to do things differently, who have embraced risk for social good. Continue Reading »

The Herman and Frieda Miller Foundation recently awarded its second round of grants for its new Innovation Fund.

The Innovation Fund is broadly conceived as a resource that supports innovations, tools, and practices that help social justice organizations and their allies improve conditions and institutions in pursuit of an involved, informed, and active public.

The Fund complements the core grantmaking program of the foundation that funds organizing and advocacy in Greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts.

The seven grantees represented a diverse set of organizations that were experienced at community organizing and advancing public policy. Most represented strong coalitions and all were working in concert with other community partners. Nearly all of the projects had a regional or statewide emphasis.

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NPO Conversation : December 11, 2012

We invite leaders of nonprofit organizations to join us each quarter for a brown-bag lunch discussion about issues, ideas, and concerns in the nonprofit and philanthropic community.

The meetings are a time for us to “talk shop” and move beyond the usual conversation between foundations and nonprofit organizations. Each session focuses on a particular topic. Guests will learn a little about GMA and a lot about their peers’ perspectives on important issues.

Topic for the next NPO Conversation:  NEW Rules of Engagement

Regardless of the population you serve – the elderly, disenfranchised, students, artists – or your focus area – the environment, the arts, health, civic engagement or education, you are most likely considering ways for your organization to engage more people, more often and more deeply. Continue Reading »