Massachusetts Nonprofit Network

Context:

Massachusetts has one of the most robust nonprofit sectors in the country, with 22,000 active organizations, comprising 17% of the state’s workforce. The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (MNN) is the only statewide organization in the Commonwealth dedicated to uniting and strengthening the entire nonprofit sector through advocacy, public awareness, and capacity-building. Founded in 2008, MNN is a growing organization, focused on developing its policy and advocacy capacity for its nearly 900 nonprofit and for-profit affiliate members that represent every subsector and region of the state. Its three goals are to:

1. Advocate for the nonprofit sector on key policy issues;
2. Promote the importance and impact of the nonprofit sector; and
3. Provide a range of products and services to support nonprofits across the state.

In addition, MNN is a key convener, providing networking and support for its members with the annual Nonprofit Awareness Day at the State House, regional meetings, and an annual, full-day conferences for nonprofit professionals from across the state.

One of the most important elements of MNN’s mission is to advocate for policies that support Massachusetts nonprofits and against those that make it more difficult for nonprofits to pursue their charitable missions. Among its current priorities are: strengthening nonprofit and government partnerships; ensuring fair tax policy and supporting accountability; encouraging innovation and talent; and increasing philanthropy, volunteerism, and civic engagement. This work on behalf of nonprofits in Massachusetts sometimes requires engagement on national issues, like helping the field better understand new tax laws and working with partners to encourage participation in Census 2020 so that the Commonwealth’s residents receive their fair share of federal funds for social programs, which currently stand at more than $16 billion for Massachusetts.

Subscribe to MNN's newsletter and check out the events calendar to keep up with the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network.