News & Updates

Stay informed about the latest developments in Massachusetts philanthropy. Here you'll find announcements about new programs, updates on our initiatives, reports on our impact, and insights from our community of funders and nonprofits.

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Philanthropy Massachusetts announces 2026 award honorees

BOSTON, September 15, 2026—Philanthropy Massachusetts (PMA), the statewide philanthropy serving organization, is honoring three individuals and three foundations for their exemplary partnership, support, and care of nonprofits and the communities they serve. They will be officially recognized at PMA’s 57th Annual Conference on September 29, entitled “In a Commonwealth of Firsts:...

Sep 16th by Philanthropy MA leadershipimpactawards

Philanthropy Massachusetts names Claire Cooper VP of Member Programs & Engagement

BOSTON, September 10, 2026–Philanthropy Massachusetts (PMA), the leading statewide organization serving both philanthropy and nonprofits, has appointed Claire Cooper as Vice President of Member Programs & Engagement. Beginning September 17, Claire will lead the design and execution of high-quality programs that improve the experience of PMA members and strengthen the...

Sep 10th by Philanthropy MA philanthropyleadership

Philanthropy Massachusetts announces John Palfrey as keynote speaker for 57th Annual Conference

BOSTON, August 11, 2026—Philanthropy Massachusetts (PMA) today announced that John Palfrey, President of the MacArthur Foundation, will share insights and inspiration at PMA's 57th Annual Conference, taking place Tuesday, September 29th. This year's conference, In a Commonwealth of Firsts: Shaping What Comes Next, convenes funders and philanthropic advisors from across the region...

Aug 11th by Philanthropy MA philanthropydemocracy

Cummings Foundation awards Philanthropy Massachusetts $150,000

BOSTON, June 26, 2026– Philanthropy Massachusetts (PMA) has been awarded a $150,000 general operating grant by the Cummings Foundation, which PMA will apply to its work deepening relationships between funders and nonprofits, moving them from transactional to truly relational and from information-sharing to understanding and aligned action. “We are honored by...

Jun 26th by Philanthropy MA philanthropy

Philanthropy Massachusetts names inaugural Senior Fellows for Democracy & Civic Life and Philanthropy

BOSTON, June 23, 2026—Philanthropy Massachusetts (PMA) today announced a new Senior Fellows Program and named its two inaugural appointees: longtime Massachusetts civic leader Ira A. Jackson as Democracy & Civic Life Senior Fellow and Aixa Beauchamp, Co-Founder of the Latino Equity Fund at the Boston Foundation, as Philanthropy Senior Fellow.“As...

Jun 23rd by Philanthropy MA philanthropyfellows

Philanthropy Massachusetts hosts Grantmakers of Effective Organizations (GEO) National Conference

BOSTON, June 3, 2026—Philanthropy Massachusetts (PMA), the leading statewide organization representing philanthropic funders and nonprofit organizations, was delighted to serve as host for the 2026 National Conference of Grantmakers of Effective Organizations (GEO), which opened today at the Westin Boston Seaport Hotel. The Conference will focus on Transforming Philanthropic Culture...

Jun 3rd by Philanthropy MA philanthropydemocracy and civic life

Philanthropy Massachusetts promotes Jessica Berns to SVP of Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives

Philanthropy Massachusetts (PMA) is pleased to announce the promotion of Jessica Berns to Senior Vice President of Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives. Her appointment comes weeks after PMA’s Board of Directors adopted a new strategic plan for the 57-year-old organization.As a senior member of PMA’s executive team, reporting directly to CEO...

Feb 11th by Philanthropy MA leadershipimpactpartnerships

Philanthropy: Shaping What Comes Next

As we begin 2026, I’m pleased to share that the Philanthropy Massachusetts Board of Directors has approved our 2026–2030 Strategic Framework. Shaped through extensive engagement with funders across the Commonwealth, the plan clarifies how your organization—Philanthropy Massachusetts (PMA)—will focus its work and deliver greater value in the years ahead.What excites...

Jan 15th by Mary Skelton Roberts funder networksfundraisingleadership

150 Attend Philanthropy Massachusetts Community Foundation Summit

PLYMOUTH, Mass., October 30, 2025 – More than 150 people, including representatives from 15 community foundations throughout Massachusetts, gathered today for Philanthropy Massachusetts’ (PMA) 3rd annual Community Foundations Partnership Summit event featuring multiple learning and networking sessions.  Held at the Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor, the event featured expert speakers sharing how...

Oct 30th by Philanthropy MA fundersfunder networkstrends

Philanthropy Massachusetts Honors Five Philanthropic Leaders with Legacy Awards at Annual Conference

BOSTON, September 30, 2025 –Launching a new initiative recognizing leaders who have left a lasting positive influence on Massachusetts through philanthropy, Philanthropy Massachusetts (PMA) this evening honored five women and men as the inaugural recipients of its new Legacy Awards, at the conclusion of its newly expanded Annual Conference. Honored at a...

Sep 30th by Philanthropy MA awardsleadership trends

Boston Globe Publishes Mary Skelton Roberts' Letter on Philanthropy’s Response to Federal Cuts

The Boston Globe today published a Letter to the Editor from Philanthropy Massachusetts (PMA) CEO Mary Skelton Roberts, under the headline, “Amid sweeping cuts, philanthropy is meeting the moment.’’ Commenting on a July 12 Globe article, “Foundations step up as federal government cancels grants,’’ Mary acknowledges that while philanthropic foundations and donors can’t...

Jul 21st by Philanthropy MA nonprofitsgrantscapacity building

PMA Releases “Guide to Site Visits" with Advice, Checklists for Funders and Nonprofits

“Site visits” by funders, foundations, and other donors to the nonprofits they support are one of the most important ways donors learn about the impact of their support and what nonprofits need to succeed. But they can also be fraught with the potential for stress, miscommunication, inefficient use of time,...

May 8th by Philanthropy MA fundersnonprofitspartnerships

Taking the Pulse - Funder Survey Results

From February 18, 2025 to 27, 2025 Philanthropy MA surveyed funders across Massachusetts representing a mix of foundation types and funding priorities to understand how funders are responding to federal actions that impact the social sector. We received 92 replies from foundation staff and are sharing the data highlights back...

Mar 30th by Philanthropy MA surveytrendsfunders

Taking the Pulse - Nonprofit Survey Results

As part of our Taking the Pulse series, Philanthropy Massachusetts surveyed nonprofits statewide to understand how federal changes in policies or funding are impacting their ability to advance their missions, and whether they are noticing shifts in funder engagement this year.Exactly 200 nonprofit leaders responded to the survey. They represent...

Feb 23rd by Philanthropy MA surveytrendsnonprofits

Philanthropy was Built for this Moment

Every day, and it feels like every hour, a new headline comes out of Washington about policy changes and executive orders with profound implications for people throughout our country–including this week’s news about the Trump administration pausing all federal grants, which was quickly rescinded with a myriad of questions remaining. These efforts to “flood the...

Feb 3rd by Mary Skelton Roberts capacity buildingnonprofitsgrants

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