Massachusetts Nonprofit Network to Help Nonprofits Seeking Stimulus Aid

April 9, 2009 — The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, the state trade association, recently received a $25,000 grant from The Boston Foundation to help ensure that the nonprofit sector “is appropriately considered” with regard to disbursements from the recently funded federal stimulus package.

“While we already do much to affect public policy in areas such as health care and lobbying options,” said Dave Magnani, executive director of the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (MNN). “The scale and unique aspects of current economic pressures require that we respond immediately and aggressively.”

The Nonprofits Lead to Recovery, as the project is called, will engage a consultant and, among other actions, develop a newsletter that will inform readers about stimulus disbursement issues and what they should be aware of as nonprofits.

To receive the newsletter, email to info@massnonprofitnet.org.

In a letter he recently sent to Gov. Deval Patrick, Magnani wrote, “We in the nonprofit sector are aware that much of the funding, both for infrastructure projects and for social spending, beyond tax cuts and subsidies for individuals, must be spent on projects and programs that the nonprofit organizations are historically and uniquely positioned to implement...

“Given the direct connections and physical proximity of nonprofits to the community, we believe we have the unique ability to get the dollar out on the street in the quickest manner, and in a way that responds most closely to the needs and vicissitudes of each community and project and we in the nonprofit sector will respond in a timely, transparent, efficient and professional manner.”

MNN, launched in January 2007 and currently numbering 500 organizations, provides advocacy, public awareness, and capacity building for its members.

The Boston Foundation is made up of 850 separate charitable funds, which have been established by donors either for the general benefit of the community or for special purposes, and serves as a civic leader, convener, and sponsor of special initiatives designed to build community.