Well hello there!

Welcome to MACC's 2025 Report to Members.

This year hasn't been easy, we've seen our share of darkness.

Within that darkness all of you have been our bright spots.

Join us for a look back at moments where our collective strength shone through.

Like stars, some are big, some are smaller, all are important.

Scroll down to come on the journey!

MACC's 2025 Report to Members

Shining Through: Bright Spots and Stories of Strength


	Bright spots from our network events and initiatives: "This year, our network took bold steps forward in bringing our Strategic Framework to life. From launching the inaugural Data Justice Week of Action to prioritizing our nonprofit human services workforce and amplifying diverse voices at our annual Member Summit focused on workforce wellbeing, we focused on equipping members with the resources and expertise needed to navigate rapid change. In the face of policy and funding threats MACC provided stability, advocating to change the systems that limit our sector and communities, safeguarding members’ operational strength, and embedding Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) into every aspect of our work."

150 attendees had space to pause, breathe, and reconnect while learning from 9 incredible healers, teachers, and community leaders at MACC's 2025 Member Summit focused on workforce wellbeing.

We invested in IDEA with 3 panel events (on Native American Heritage Month, Black History Month, and Pride) 2 Powerful Voices, Lasting Impact mini-series, and 1 documentary screening and recognition of the 5th anniversary of George Floyd's Murder.

We coordinated 8 Action Alerts, shared 30+ webinars and 100s of advocacy tools, legislation analysis, scenario planning resources and more on our 2025 Policy Impact Hub to help members navigate to the chaos created by the current administration.

We recorded 12 workforce podcast episodes uplifting experts and leaders plus 13 monthly email digests with tailored workforce content delivered directly to member inboxes!

We brought our members together to connect and learn at 10 virtual "Zoom-In" sessions with 550+ attendees. We also created space with 4 quarterly CEO Gatherings for the executive leaders from our network to commiserate and support each other.

143 attendees from member organizations, funders, and local government leaders to expanded the Data Justice movement in MN at our inaugural Data Justice Futures event.


Rooted in Solidarity: "This year, MACC deepened our commitment to IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) sparking bold conversations, lifting up and centering historically excluded voices, and weaving equity into every part of our work. From panels to podcasts, we built spaces for truth, resilience, and solidarity to take root and grow."

Rooted in Solidarity: A Year of Listening, Learning, and Living our IDEA Commitment

Over the past year, MACC has written the next chapter in our journey toward equity, solidarity, and collective wellbeing. At the core of our journey is learning to live into our commitment to IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) from our 2024 Strategic Framework. This commitment shaped our priorities and the ways we engaged, ensuring that systemically excluded voices are uplifted and that we hold ourselves accountable to our values.

Internally our staff-led Culture Committee hosted quarterly dialogues for staff to explore ways IDEA can be a lens we apply to all our daily work. Another staff group, the Honoring Native Lands and Peoples (HNLP) workgroup, in collaboration with Native led MACC members, hosted our first Native American Heritage Month panel. The panel explored the intersections of Native communities and nonprofit human services and looked at the unique role we can play in repairing harm and rebuilding trust. Additionally through two years of continuous collaborative work, the HNLP group built an Action Plan and accountability structures with MACC's leadership to ensure long-term commitment to this work.

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Rooted in Solidarity: A Year of Listening, Learning, and Living our IDEA Commitment

Over the past year, MACC has written the next chapter in our journey toward equity, solidarity, and collective wellbeing. At the core of our journey is learning to live into our commitment to IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) from our 2024 Strategic Framework. This commitment shaped our priorities and the ways we engaged, ensuring that systemically excluded voices are uplifted and that we hold ourselves accountable to our values.

Internally our staff-led Culture Committee hosted quarterly dialogues for staff to explore ways IDEA can be a lens we apply to all our daily work. Another staff group, the Honoring Native Lands and Peoples (HNLP) workgroup, in collaboration with Native led MACC members, hosted our first Native American Heritage Month panel. The panel explored the intersections of Native communities and nonprofit human services and looked at the unique role we can play in repairing harm and rebuilding trust. Additionally through two years of continuous collaborative work, the HNLP group built an Action Plan and accountability structures with MACC's leadership to ensure long-term commitment to this work.

In February MACC hosted our first Black History Month panel, spotlighting the leadership of Black women in nonprofits. The conversation resonated across the network, affirming the need for spaces that center diverse leadership and lived experience. We built on this momentum to launch another new initiative: Powerful Voices, Lasting Impact (PVLI) a mini-podcast centering under-represented voices. These conversations opened doors to deeper understanding, directly sharing the perspectives of Black nonprofit professionals, and creating opportunities for our network to learn from their peers as individuals.

Pride Month and Juneteenth brought new opportunities to live our commitment. For our joy-centered Pride panel staff from MACC member Annex Teen Clinic were joined by ShaVunda Brown from Our Justice, while katie robinson moderated a conversation about the critical role human service nonprofits can play in advancing Queer rights and our rights to control our own bodies. Our PVLI podcast mini-series returned for a special Juneteenth edition celebrating Black resistance, perseverance, and joy, while tackling the importance of cultivating diverse, inclusive spaces.

These efforts reflect a growing movement within MACC. We are learning to listen more deeply, to lift up voices that lead us toward justice, and to move forward in solidarity. MACC remains committed to IDEA work, driven by the belief that everyone deserves wellbeing and our wellbeing is interconnected.

Even in systems that too often work against us, our network continues to grow, building strength and resilience through solidarity.

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	Bright spots from our Data Services team: "Our Data Services team had a bright year welcoming exciting new leadership and big changes for the team. They co-hosted the inaugural Data Justice Week of Action, propelling our local Data Justice movement forward. In hundreds of 1 on 1 consultations they helped members strengthen their database design and improve data strategy. They invested in the Data Network, a thriving peer cohort of shared learning and support. All while co-designing new functionality strengthening the Client Track database to drive impact and better meet member needs! Take a journey through some more of their bright spots below!"

3 members went live with brand new database builds tailored to meet their unique organization and client needs!

The team hosted 30+ convenings including trainings and data network meetings to build member skills and collaboratively improve the database!

1,927 users logged in to ClientTrack to track and access vital program data, 170,000 clients received tracked services, and 138,000 new clients were created in ClientTrack for the first time!

7 members co-created and implemented a brand new food visit check in process designed to meet increasing compliance needs AND create a smoother, easier process for clients!

The team led 12 Data Justice presentations to members, member boards, and foundations to expand awareness of Data Justice and continue building the field!

The team went through a huge transition welcoming a new leader, opening the door for fresh leadership, thinking, and a restructure to better support members by leveraging each team members unique talents!


Data Justice in Motion: "MACC's inaugural Data Justice Week of Action expanded our network's Data Justice movement: launching exciting reports, sparking powerful conversations, and uniting human service nonprofits, funders, and community voices to build equity and truth into our data practices. MACC's Data Justice work, co-led by our members, is advancing data sovereignty through transparency and accountability."

Data Justice in Motion: From Co-Creation to Collective Action

Our network's commitment to Data Justice took an exciting leap forward with the inaugural Data Justice Week of Action! Data Justice is an equity framework for upholding truth, learning, consent, and accountability in all our data practices. In collaboration with MACC members the Data Services team, are co-creating internal equitable data practices. As technology evolves rapidly, personal data has become even more susceptible to being exploited. The Week of Action brought together human services nonprofits, funders, and community members to learn together and collectively invest in equity, truth, and collaboration in data.

The week kicked off with the launch of the Data Justice Report co-authored by MACC's Data Services team and an internal workgroup of MACC members. The report was filled with original thought leadership, insights, case studies, and opportunities for action.

The week itself was anchored by a panel event co-hosted by MACC and Twin Cities Innovation Alliance called Data Justice Futures: Data Justice in Philanthropy. This event explored the powerful changes we can see when philanthropy centers Data Justice in their work. The event included panelists who are leading the way in centering justice in their data work: Tsega Tamane (Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation), Kate Vickery (Headwaters Foundation for Justice), and Michelle Shevin (Ford Foundation). They shared the importance of equitable data practices and offered inspiring proof that change IS possible. Panelists offered forward-thinking insights to spark ongoing conversations about Data Justice.

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Data Justice in Motion: From Co-Creation to Collective Action

Our network's commitment to Data Justice took an exciting leap forward with the inaugural Data Justice Week of Action! Data Justice is an equity framework for upholding truth, learning, consent, and accountability in all our data practices. In collaboration with MACC members the Data Services team, are co-creating internal equitable data practices. As technology evolves rapidly, personal data has become even more susceptible to being exploited. The Week of Action brought together human services nonprofits, funders, and community members to learn together and collectively invest in equity, truth, and collaboration in data.

The week kicked off with the launch of the Data Justice Report co-authored by MACC's Data Services team and an internal workgroup of MACC members. The report was filled with original thought leadership, insights, case studies, and opportunities for action.

The week itself was anchored by a panel event co-hosted by MACC and Twin Cities Innovation Alliance called Data Justice Futures: Data Justice in Philanthropy. This event explored the powerful changes we can see when philanthropy centers Data Justice in their work. The event included panelists who are leading the way in centering justice in their data work: Tsega Tamane (Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation), Kate Vickery (Headwaters Foundation for Justice), and Michelle Shevin (Ford Foundation). They shared the importance of equitable data practices and offered inspiring proof that change IS possible. Panelists offered forward-thinking insights to spark ongoing conversations about Data Justice.

A companion social media campaign expanded our collective understanding of Data Justice and created connection and conversation with others advancing data sovereignty through transparency and accountability. Data involves everyone because careless and exploitive usage of data negatively affects all of us and the communities that our member organizations serve.

A highlight of the week was a spoken word piece by local artist Brotha Ase, who in his third artistic collaboration with our network created an original work titled "Data Point". The piece captured the urgency of ethical data practices and illustrated how the harm from data misuse can spread like an infection.

The Week of Action opened a dialogue between nonprofit human services and philanthropy about how our actions create or limit equitable, transparent, and accountable data practices in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Our network is responsible for a lot of data and it shapes people's lives. As we advance the field of Data Justice in Minnesota, our network always moves with integrity and care, ensuring that nonprofits, funders, and community members remain invested in embedding equity, truth, and collaboration in data.

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	Bright spots from our Human Resources Services team: "Our Human Resources team was a rising star this year, meeting growing workforce needs with compassionate leadership. They embedded IDEA in every training, consultation, and handbook update, supporting everything from accommodations for neurodivergence to equitable compensation. They launched a new benefits platform simplifying open enrollment and giving employees better access with intuitive, self-service options. Leadership burnout continues to challenge our sector, but our team's steady guidance, and empathetic partnership helped members navigate change with resilience and equity at the center. Take a journey through some more of their bright spots below!"

MACC's payroll team processed over 16,000 pay checks and direct deposits over the course of 26 pay periods managed over $34,000,000 in payroll expense for members!

MACC's benefits team managed 86 separate and unique benefits plans, updated 23 Employee Benefits Guides, and successfully processed 117 COBRA claims.

Onboarding was booming! 5,322 candidates applied to jobs at our members, the team supported 183 job openings and managed 732 external job board postings and resulting in 335 new hires!

The team supported 1,099 active employees last year, managing 12,492 employee-related changes, and 3,448 transactions including offer letters, promotions, job changes, and more!

A new, user-friendly benefits platform streamlined Open Enrollment and created new self-service options for member employees.

Our member's workforce needs continue to grow and the team grew with them onboarding 4 new members to the Human Resources service!


Investing in the Humans of Human Services "Nonprofit workers have been holding the line through crisis after crisis and they’re burning out. At MACC, we refuse to accept a system that chews up the people caring for and building up our communities. We’re putting workforce wellbeing at the center, helping our network pause, breathe, and build spaces for care, resistance, and renewal so we can keep showing up strong for our communities."

Investing in the Humans of Human Services: Workforce Wellbeing at the Center

Nonprofit human services professionals have carried immense weight in recent years—responding to crisis after crisis, from the pandemic to rising political violence in 2025—all while facing growing need and shrinking resources.

MACC’s members were clear: they were overwhelmed and burned out. We knew we couldn’t solve these systemic issues alone, but we could respond. We expanded and deepened our Workforce Solutions initiative. Our approach was rooted in the belief that human services work is deeply human, and the people doing it deserve care and investment.

In 2024 and 2025, we strengthened our approach by focusing on accessible, actionable support. Our Workforce Podcast featured local leaders exploring topics like shared leadership, pay equity, mental health, creating meaningful boundaries, and thriving through uncertainty. Guests like Molly Peterson (NAMI), Julie Bluhm (Bluhm Forward), and Jean Loyd brought deep insight into resilient leadership.

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	Bright spots from our Financial Services team: "Our Finance team made bold moves this year! They retired an overly complex financial software launching two simpler, user-friendly, nonprofit-focused platforms. This transition was a massive project demanding technical expertise, patience, and close collaboration with members. They also secured a new audit partner with deep nonprofit knowledge, would could skillfully navigate the complicated compliance requirements our members have as human services nonprofits. Through it all, the team worked hard to listen closely, show up as partners, and build trust along the way. Take a journey through some more of their bright spots below!"

A new accounting software: Sage Intacct brought an easy, intuitive interface, and stronger built-in controls made with nonprofits in mind!

A new expense software: Ramp streamlined the expense process, integrated fully with the new finance platform and offered more perks (like 1.5% cash back) and more for members!

Our new partner for financial audits Abdo, brought the twin benefits of a relationship focused approach and deep nonprofit expertise.

Our Accounting team managed about $30 million in annual combined operating budget across 8 member organizations.

Our Behavioral Health Billing team helped members collect more than $1,566,000 in revenue by processing around 2,000 claims representing over 15,000 hours of therapy services provided by members!

Our Behavioral Health Billing team also grew this year adding 2 new members: MoveFwd and CornerHouse!


Standing Strong Together: "The chaos we're facing isn’t accidental, it’s a strategy. Nonprofits and the communities we support are being targeted, discredited, and defunded. MACC is organizing, amplifying our collective voice, and fighting back against policies rooted in fear and control. Our members, our network, our sector, and our communities are stronger when we stand together."

Standing Strong Together: Advocacy in a Time of Chaos

Since early 2025, one thing has been clear: chaos and cruelty aren’t the exception, they're the plan. Human Services nonprofits faced an onslaught of executive orders, rulings, and policy changes. MACC members have heroically adapted to keep programs running, retain staff, and protect our communities from the fallout of policy decisions rooted in fear and control.

With the launch of MACC's strategic framework in early 2024, we laid the foundation for a stronger advocacy infrastructure. In 2025 we activated it. Federal chaos was converging with state anti-fraud narratives creating a dangerous mix of challenges to the operational stability of our members.

We wanted to uplift the value of nonprofits and our workforce and push back against reactionary policies plans that would undermine their ability to serve our communities. We worked collaboratively with the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and sector leaders to amplify our network's voice locally and federally. We organized committee testimony, sent letters to policy makers, and mobilized our network with action alerts to reinforce the truth: nonprofits are reliable, transparent stewards of public funds and critical partners in delivering the services communities rely on every day.

+ Read more!

Standing Strong Together: Advocacy in a Time of Chaos

Since early 2025, one thing has been clear: chaos and cruelty aren’t the exception, they're the plan. Human Services nonprofits faced an onslaught of executive orders, rulings, and policy changes. MACC members have heroically adapted to keep programs running, retain staff, and protect our communities from the fallout of policy decisions rooted in fear and control.

With the launch of MACC's strategic framework in early 2024, we laid the foundation for a stronger advocacy infrastructure. In 2025 we activated it. Federal chaos was converging with state anti-fraud narratives creating a dangerous mix of challenges to the operational stability of our members.

We wanted to uplift the value of nonprofits and our workforce and push back against reactionary policies plans that would undermine their ability to serve our communities. We worked collaboratively with the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and sector leaders to amplify our network's voice locally and federally. We organized committee testimony, sent letters to policy makers, and mobilized our network with action alerts to reinforce the truth: nonprofits are reliable, transparent stewards of public funds and critical partners in delivering the services communities rely on every day.

We grounded our advocacy in stories from our members to remind policymakers that federal cuts, new executive orders, and burdensome state administrative policies have real consequences: program closures, layoffs, and vital resources withheld from communities.

At the State level we leveraged our partnerships in the State Grant Reform Coalition to prevent policies creating redundant, duplicative oversight. We fought back against misinformation painting all nonprofits as fraudulent and advocated against cuts to direct appropriations that would cut off funds to vital community work.

To support our members through the whiplash we created a central resource hub. We wanted to be a reliable, grounded source for information, tools, and strategies so our network could meet the moment. This hub helped members stay informed, take action quickly, and plan for different scenarios in the rapidly changing political landscape. We hosted policy briefings to help members make sense of the chaos. Just as importantly, we created space for nonprofit leaders to come together to share information, vent frustrations, and feel less alone.

We don't know what's next, but one thing remains clear: MACC thrives because of our connections to one another. No matter what's ahead we will continue to be a source of stability, solidarity, and action.

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	Bright spots from our IT Infrastructure Services team: "Our IT Infrastructure Services team brought on new members helping keep their tech infrastructure reliable and secure. Our team wrangled any unruly “cyber-gremlins” so members didn't lose time to tech headaches. We also built up our cybersecurity muscles to keep us safer from increasingly frequent and sophisticated phishing attacks. Beyond digital support, members took advantage of MACC’s collaborative office space. With our move two years ago we chose a space that could belong to our members as well as our staff! It was great to see that intention come to life as members used our space for co-working time, interviews, meetings, and more! Take a journey through some more of their bright spots below!"

Our Infrastructure team supported 599 active users each month that includes managing employee logins, laptops, inboxes, personal and shared files and more!

MACC's IT Help Desk answered 2,036 calls last year which included 255 password resets, whew!

8 members used our collaborative MACC office space for their organizational meetings including; board meetings, trainings, orientations, and more!

Our Infrastructure team hosted and managed 824 personal and shared inboxes each month!

The team launched 12 Know Before trainings and 4 phishing tests to ensure MACC staff are practicing good security to keep the sensitive member data we work with safe.

Well, that's all for now!

Thanks for coming along with us to look back through some of our bright spots from the past year. When things get dark, it's more important than ever to find and hold onto those bright spots.

The incredible, diverse, vibrant, passionate, committed, creative, tenacious, and just down right awesome people that make up our MACC staff team and our MACC network will always be bright spots for us.

Keep shining on. We'll see you next year!