Notes from an NPO Conversation at GMA Foundations
Last month we were joined by leaders from non-profits working to advance policy change in Boston and Massachusetts. Our guests explored with us the challenges facing advocacy work as well as the building blocks to effective advocacy that set the stage for progress. We were particularly interested in learning about communicating these challenges and successes with funders.

From teen pregnancy to voter turnout, organizations advocate for legislative and policy agendas that will improve the lives of individuals and families, recent immigrants, low-income communities, and everyone in between. The message for funders? 1) Don’t lose sight of the individuals and families who need these changes, and 2) Patience is key.

Key Themes
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Compassionate AND Smart

During this past winter, GMA Foundations represented several of our clients in MassNeeds.org,  a funder collaborative focused on responding to urgent needs through the winter months.

Established to promote funding for housing, fuel, food and other basic human needs, the collaborative serves as a clearinghouse of information for donors and an advocate for hundreds of worthy nonprofits throughout Massachusetts.  Although spring weather now seems likely, the nonprofits listed on the MassNeeds resource list continue their important work.

Why is compassionate funding so smart?

Imagine two types of philanthropy, both directed to the poorest segments of society. One is called smart and the other compassionate. Continue Reading »

Several themes run through the portfolio of the Dolphin Trust grants to Boston area organizations. Most of the organizations supported by the Trust deal with middle and elementary-aged youth, incorporate experiential education, and outdoor learning. Several focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. Continue Reading »