NPO Conversation Series

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.

REINVENTION : GMA’s NPO Conversation on Tuesday, April 30th (new date)

From the 100-year old charity to the start-up organization, nonprofits are constantly reinventing themselves. Whether it is a change in mission, a change in board, or a change in image, organizations are trying new things to continue to matter.

How has your organization continued to reinvent itself in order to continue living your mission, meeting your goals and securing funding? How do you and your colleagues infuse your organization with new ideas and energy? How will your organization stay relevant?

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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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