EVENTS OF NOTE

A private independent foundation established in 1852, Sailors’ Snug Harbor of Boston began its charitable work by providing assistance to sailors who were “broken down by infirmities brought on by diseases in foreign climes, exposures and hardships.”

In its early years, the organization founded and managed a retirement home for needy sailors. But in more recent times, Sailors’ Snug Harbor has extended its grant making to assist elderly men and women, and Massachusetts fishing families.

With a unique and long history of charitable work, Sailors’ Snug Harbor continues to be an innovator in philanthropy. The foundation’s annual elder program luncheons, the most recent held last month, provide forums typically not offered to the nonprofit community by grant making institutions.

The luncheons bring together grantees (that often compete for philanthropic dollars) in order to share information and ideas, and unite providers behind common goals for improving the lives of older citizens.

The November luncheon featured an information exchange with highlights of 15 different organizations working to help elders in need.

Massachusetts State Senator Patricia Jehlen completed the luncheon program with remarks and a question-and-answer session concerning legislative initiatives affecting older adults.

Reposted from Grantmakers in Aging