Jake Mellen is a program associate at GMA. He supports the operations of 10 foundations that focus on a range of issues including food and housing insecurity, community organizing, and economic sustainability.

In his work with family, corporate, and private foundations, Jake has helped implement holistic grantmaking approaches, improved application efficiency for potential grantees, and worked with families to involve future generations in grantmaking. He has researched funding approaches to complicated issues such as racial inequity in education and food insecurity in New England.

Jake studied Sociology and Public Health at Boston University. Prior to GMA, Jake worked in the nonprofit sector in development and program management. Most recently, his work at Fathers’ UpLift helped create a pathway to dignity for fathers exiting the criminal justice system. Jake is passionate about fostering criminal justice reform, health equity, and voter’s rights.