WALTHAM, Mass., October 29, 2026 – 180+ community foundation leaders, staff, and partners from across Massachusetts gathered today for Philanthropy Massachusetts’ (PMA) 4th annual Massachusetts Community Foundations Partnership (MACFP) Summit, a full day of learning, engaging, acting, and partnering.
Held at the Conference Center at Waltham Woods, this year's Summit centered on the theme, “Community Foundations as Engines of Change: Helping to Shape What Comes Next for Massachusetts.” The gathering provided an opportunity for community foundation colleagues to exchange ideas, explore emerging challenges and opportunities, and strengthen relationships across the statewide network.
The day's programming featured a morning plenary and fireside conversation with keynote speaker Ralph Serpe, President & CEO of the Adams County Community Foundation, who shared perspectives on the collective voice and power of community foundations and the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change.
Attendees also participated in a Waltham Spotlight Conversation, highlighting the local philanthropic and nonprofit landscape, followed by job-function breakout sessions designed to encourage peer learning and the exchange of practical insights among colleagues working in similar roles across different foundations.
Afternoon concurrent sessions offered additional opportunities to explore timely topics, share experiences, and learn from peers and presenters. Beyond the formal programming, attendees had opportunities to build connections, reflect on their work, and participate in wellness activities throughout the day.
The annual Summit continues to serve as an important convening for Massachusetts' community foundations, creating space for candid conversations, shared learning, and stronger connections across organizations. As community foundations navigate an increasingly complex philanthropic landscape, their ability to collaborate, leverage collective resources, and respond to the needs of their communities remains essential.
Through the Massachusetts Community Foundations Partnership, Philanthropy Massachusetts is proud to support this growing network and provide opportunities for community foundations to learn from one another and collectively shape what comes next for the communities they serve.
Represented at the Summit were:
· Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
· The Boston Foundation
· Brookline Community Foundation
· Cambridge Community Foundation
· Cape Cod Foundation
· Essex County Community Foundation
· Greater Lowell Community Foundation
· Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation
· Community Foundation for Nantucket
· Foundation for MetroWest
· Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts
· Southcoast Community Foundation
· Somerville Community Foundation
· Watertown Community Foundation
· Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts
· Greater Worcester Community Foundation