MACC makes collaboration real. We're building on a strong foundation with 25 years of working together to build the solutions to our network's shared, complex problems.
Over the years MACC has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of our network. This year, our evolution took another powerful step forward with a new strategic framework bringing renewed momentum and clarity to our work.
We are so proud of our MACC team and what we were able to accomplish with our network this past year. Take a glance back through some of the highlights of our work as we bring our network's vision for dynamic, thriving, equitable communities to life!
Things are really falling into place.
Celebrating 25 Years: A Journey of Renewal and Transformation
Since our founding 25 years ago MACC has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of our network.
The Pandemic showed the vital role nonprofits play in helping our communities reclaim the resources they need to weather storms and build connection, wellbeing, and power. The Pandemic also crystalized the need for our network to challenge the status quo and take on the systemic barriers blocking meaningful, lasting change in our sector.
We needed a strong foundation to build on and create momentum for the years of deep systems work ahead. The journey to our new Strategic Framework took nearly two years and was grounded in continuous engagement with our staff, network, and key sector partners.
Our new Mission, Vision, and Commitment to IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) represent a shared agreement between MACC and our network about what we value and the change we're working toward. Our Strategic Framework anchored by our two priorities, Systems Change and IDEA, lays out a path for how we get there.
+ Read more!
We needed a new, strong foundation to build on and create momentum for the years of deep systems work ahead. The journey to our new Strategic Framework took nearly two years and was grounded in continuous engagement with our staff, network, and key sector partners.
Central to our process was an intention to design a living framework. Through a series of adaptive conversations our whole MACC team took on the collective responsibility of embedding our Mission, Vision and IDEA Commitment into all our work. Staff were given the space to embody our values and take ownership both for designing the way the framework shapes their work and connecting personally with our Vision.
In January of 2024 we publicly launched the framework with a fun, Netflix-inspired series. The video series uplifted the voices and the people instrumental in bringing our framework to life. Our framework affirmed both our path forward and our unique MACC way of moving collectively with collaborative solutions. We're excited to build on this solid foundation and use the momentum to power the next 25 years of work together!
+ Return to Report
Living Our Framework: Empowering Change at the Annual Summit
Our recent 2024 Member Summit was a powerful opportunity to tangibly show how our strategic priorities are shaping the collective work of our network.
Each year the Summit is our space to gather together our network of 60+ organizations, bring in new perspectives, and build collective knowledge and energy around our network's shared priorities.
We were excited to carry forward the joy and energy from our 2023 Summit with a mix of virtual and in person sessions, time to focus on our personal and collective wellbeing, and ideas and speakers to challenge the status quo!
Each day of the 2024 Summit focused on a different area of our shared work.
Each year the Summit is our space to gather together our network of 60+ organizations, bring in new perspectives, and build collective knowledge and energy around our network's shared priorities. We were excited to carry forward the joy and energy from our 2023 Summit with a mix of virtual and in person sessions, time to focus on our personal and collective wellbeing, and ideas and speakers to challenge the status quo!
Each day of the 2024 Summit focused on a different area of our shared work:
Day 1: gave us tools to heal in community with others and practices to safely center marginalized voices when challenging the status quo.
Day 2: built momentum for Pay Justice by changing the funding paradigm for human services nonprofits.
Day 3: expanded our understanding of Data Justice as we learned from local leaders and allies in the movement
The Summit host team, a partnership of MACC and Member staff, intentionally designed an event that not only built momentum and energy for our strategic work, but was also a welcome moment of healing, respite, and connection for our network.
Celebrating 25 Years with a New Space and Renewed Purpose
As MACC celebrates its 25th anniversary, we're embarking on a new chapter marked by a new strategic framework AND fresh new digs! 25 years ago our journey began downtown at 414 South 8th street. At that time MACC Member The Family Partnership generously shared their space to incubate the newly-created MACC organization. This "childhood home" was where our first dedicated staff members worked, helping to grow the network.
Over the years, MACC evolved and grew. Slowly we took over the first floor, and then eventually the 2nd floor too! Our old space, while full of memories, also had a growing list of maintenance challenges and no longer fit our hybrid workforce.
We needed a space that was not only accessible and member-friendly, but also inviting and functional. It needed better parking, flexible meeting spaces, modern technology, and a central location for our geographically diverse network. It was a tall order but our staff Space Planning Committee took on the challenge.
After a lengthy search we landed at 3433 Broadway. The move itself was a massive effort, involving sorting, moving, and archiving decades of paper files, furniture, decor, and knickknacks. Over several days staff drove back and forth to transport MACC to its new home piece by piece.
We officially celebrated our grand opening in May 2023. With a giant, colorful MACC wall decal, fresh paint, and even some twinkling fairy lights we made the space our own. The office quickly became a hub for meetings, co-working for staff AND members. We've even hosted a few big member meetings and events!
Our new space, with its wall of windows feels like just the right, bright, space to welcome an equally bright next chapter supporting our members and meet community needs in innovative ways.
Advancing Data Justice: Building Capacity and Elevating Voices for Equity
MACC's Data Justice journey is one of continuous learning and collaboration. Data Justice is building equity into all aspects of our data practices. It's a framework for promoting data practices that uphold truth, learning, consent, and accountability.
This work, led by a growing group of MACC and member staff known as the Data Network, exemplifies MACC's mission of making collaboration real. This group has worked together to challenge the status quo of data practice in our sector and leveraged their collective wisdom and experiences to build a shared solution.
In 2023, our Data Network focused on understanding and defining what Data Justice means in our unique MACC context. The MACC team collected and synthesized member experiences and knowledge into tangible resources members could use to advance Data Justice at their own organizations and throughout our network. This effort led to the co-authoring of the Data Justice Standards.
The MACC team also developed a process for member Data Administrators to share about Data Justice and how they're driving change within their organizations. This knowledge sharing builds a common understanding and language of Data justice in our network, and deepened the dialogue about the need for Data Justice in nonprofits. Data Justice even had a whole day at MACC's 2024 Member Summit!
The Data Team and network have mapped out a multi-year strategy to expand the conversation into philanthropic and funding circles. The goal is to encourage funders to consider access and equity in their work and engage as partners and collaborators, rather than extractors of data from our organizations and communities.
Looking ahead the team continues to build momentum for Data Justice - empowering members to advocate for Data Justice, creating innovate tools to engage funders and partners, and leveraging MACC as a platform for change.
Evolving Workforce Solutions: The Next Generation of Ask MACC
The pandemic accelerated the evolution of an already changing workforce. As we emerged from the acute emergency we took some of our tools and learning and repurposed them. Ask MACC was a pandemic innovation to connect our network to resources, learning, and expert guidance. This year we created the next generation of the tool: Ask MACC: Workforce Solutions.
Hearing from all corners of our network about their workforce challenges, we were able to zero in on the areas our network needed resources the most: recruitment, skill building, culture, and employer value proposition.
We launched the Ask MACC: Workforce Solutions web hub in May 2023. The hub featured resources, articles, toolkits, and podcast episodes that elevate the expert voices within our network and provide members with ideas from their peers. Our podcast has become a great tool for uplifting the experts within our network and showcasing creative solutions for our rapidly changing workforce environment.
Additionally, we hosted trainings and Zoom sessions combining known best practices in workforce development with emerging practices around Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA). We also launched a monthly curated digest, delivering fresh resources direct to member inboxes each month.
Looking ahead, we're excited to explore the ways our workforce continues to adapt and evolve and dive deeper into how IDEA intersects with all workforce issues.
Navigators in a Complex Funding Landscape
MACC's Finance team often wears multiple hats when it comes to working with funders. In the wake of the Feeding Our Futures scandal, the scrutiny on our network has increased exponentially.
MACC's Finance team helps normalize the power dynamic by translating funder jargon into reasonable, actionable requirements for members. They speak the funders' language, negotiating more effective ways to meet the complex, occasionally duplicative, and often confusing funding requirements. This includes helping funders understand the real-world costs of compiling documentation, which often takes member staff away from program time and community engagement.
This past year the team has supported members helping them survive and navigate an increasingly demanding and challenging reporting status quo. One recent example included a last minute request for extensive documentation that resulted in over 1 pound of printed paper...for a single report.
This past year the team has supported members helping them survive and navigate an increasingly demanding and challenging reporting status quo. One recent example included a last minute request for extensive documentation that resulted in over 1 pound of printed paper...for a single report. Desk audits and monthly statements often take hours to compile with detailed payroll reports with benefits breakdowns, bank statements, and invoices for every single grant-related transaction.
The Finance team is able to serve as a mediating party helping funders understand the real-world cost of pulling member staff away from their program work. MACC spends the time on financial reporting and negotiating with funders so our members can spend their time serving their communities.
Strengthening Our Data Network with Care and Strategy
MACC's Data Network grew organically out of a need for data-focused staff at our members to connect and learn with others doing similar work. This past year the Data team felt the momentum building for significant change - the network was outgrowing some of its existing support structures.
With the addition of two new Data team members, the team restructured to leverage unique skills and balance responsibilities. This included creating a Data Network Lead role led by Lucy Geach. Lucy launched their work by convening 1-1 sessions to gather member insights. They also worked with members to understand their priorities through surveys and conversations during Data Network meetings. This process enabled the Data team to identify and develop strategic content tailored to member needs, shift Data Network meeting structures, and add the more formal practices and routines that create a welcoming spaced that fosters connection and collaboration.
Throughout the changes the team remained hyper-focused on the human needs of the individuals in the group. The team focused on delivering the high-value content members were asking for, in ways that fit into members' busy schedules.
This intentional approach allowed space to develop new content such as fun and creative "Reporting Season Survival Guide" multiple new workshops, and more formal practices for supporting connection and collaborating between members. By emphasizing care and respect they created forward momentum and cultivated an environment of creativity, support, and freedom.
These change have led to increased member capacity to think strategically about their data and its use. With careful and kind investment the Data Network continues to be a generative and supportive space that provides a powerful platform for peer collaboration, learning, and connection.
Journey of Transformation: Honoring Native Lands and People
Early in 2023 MACC stopped our practice of Land Acknowledgement statements. Through direct member feedback and our own learning, we learned that our past practice was harmful and committed to deeper learning and action.
A small group of MACC staff formed the Honoring Native Lands and Peoples Pod to explore alternatives that would be more meaningful and impactful. Through early research, exploration, and learning this small group identified and advocated for an action-based methodology.
Recognizing the need to move beyond words, the work group undertook extensive research to develop a comprehensive strategy to engage all MACC staff in developing and executing a shared action plan. Collaborating extensively with MACC's Culture Committee and the Senior Management Team, the work group refined the approach and built buy in across the organization.
As momentum grew, the group introduced the formal plan to MACC staff, initiating engaging learning activities and regular staff discussions.
Looking ahead, we are excited about fostering deeper conversations within our MACC team and connecting with members as we explore this transformative journey further. We also hope this work can become a model for MACC when exploring how to meaningfully engage in understanding harm and working through repair with other communities. This work marks exciting learning for our organization and underscores our commitment to meaningful change in the ways MACC as an organization honors Native Lands and Peoples.
Supporting Member Growth and Change
One of the most critical supports MACC's Finance team provides is a stable, reliable foundation to help our members navigate growth and change!
When one of our members, the Community Action Center of Northfield (CAC), underwent a period of rapid expansion MACC's Finance team was there to help. CAC was responding to growing needs in their own and neighboring communities for food access, homelessness, and all basic services. They were the only provider in their region with the capacity to scale up quickly to meet these needs. The team dove into action securing new funding, creating new programs, and expanding their team. Additionally CAC broke ground on its first housing development, managing the complexities of a large capital campaign amidst expanding services.
As the CAC team handled the challenges and complexities of expanding their work, they needed expert guidance to navigate the financial complexities that came with it! MACC's Finance team jumped in to partner with them on understanding their reserves, investments, restrictions, and budgeting strategically for an expanding organization. Additionally the MACC team helped them make sense of the increasingly complex financial reporting requirements coming from their new funding partners.
When one of our members, the Community Action Center of Northfield (CAC), underwent a period of rapid expansion, MACC's Finance team was there to help. CAC was responding to growing needs in their own and neighboring communities for food access, homelessness, and all basic services. They were the only provider in their region with the capacity to scale up quickly to meet these needs. The team dove into action securing new funding, creating new programs, and expanding their team. Additionally, CAC broke ground on its first housing development, managing the complexities of a large capital campaign amidst expanding services.
MACC's finance team helped remove some of the uncertainty so CAC could focus on its core mission of standing in solidarity with the individuals and families in their community, while making smart choices through these complex decisions.
Partnering with MACC's Financial experts helped the Northfield team confidently embrace the growth and change, and focus their time on what they're experts in: delivering the resources and services that make them a hub of support and care for their community!
Building a Culture of Inclusion: Transforming HR Policies at MACC
Building culture takes time. Wading through organizational policies and handbook language can feel wonky and overwhelming, but over time seemingly small policy changes can build real momentum and have a meaningful impact on employee's lives.
Embedding IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) into all our work is one of MACC's strategic priorities. This past year our Human Resources team found their unique role in advancing this strategy by partnering with members to make practical policy shifts that make room for the complexity and diversity of the employee experience.
MACC started with our own Handbook and policies. We revised our parental leave and bereavement policies to embrace a more holistic view of family, restructured our PTO donation policy to create better access and more flexibility. We also shifted our hiring process to actively pursue wage equity in job postings and enhance the accessibility of the interview process, prioritizing a positive candidate experience.
MACC started with our own Handbook and policies. We revised our parental leave and bereavement policies to embrace a more holistic view of family, restructured our PTO donation policy to create better access and more flexibility. We also shifted our hiring process to actively pursue wage equity in job postings, and enhance the accessibility of the interview process, prioritizing a positive candidate experience.
Crucially, these changes were part of a broader effort and collaboration with MACC's HR Members. Members contributed their own ideas for policy changes often challenging MACC to innovate further. MACC's HR consultants could then share those ideas out to other member organizations creating a self-reinforcing cycle of positive change.
HR played a critical role as partners helping articulate the rationale behind each detailed policy change and bringing real-world examples from other organizations who'd successfully implemented similar changes. The result has been a dynamic exchange of ideas and a steady advancing of equity principles within MACC and among its member organizations.
Moving forward, MACC remains committed to building on this momentum, continuing to foster an environment where equity is a fundamental feature of organizational culture across our network.
Steadfast Guidance: MACC's Role in Navigating Change and Building Trust
In a nonprofit landscape marked by rapid turnover and a sector in flux, MACC is a steadfast anchor and trusted guide for our network. The past few years our members have navigated unprecedented challenges and the constant pressures have taken a toll. Almost 40% of our network has gone through an executive transition within the last two years. More than half of our member organizations have seen their top leader turn over since 2020.
Extended high turnover creates a ripple effect well beyond the executive level. Leaders across our network are grappling with post-pandemic burnout, while simultaneously adapting to the pressure for new ways of working, and new styles of leadership.
Core to MACC's value to our members is the continuity of knowledge and trust our deep bench of professionals can bring. Our HR, Finance, Data, and IT teams safeguard business critical information and ensure operations like payroll, benefits, financial reports, hiring, and more continue smoothly through big transitions.
In a nonprofit landscape marked by rapid turnover and a sector in flux, MACC is a steadfast anchor and trusted guide for our network. The past few years our members have navigated unprecedented challenges and the constant pressures have taken a toll. Almost 40% of our network has gone through an Executive transition within the last two years. More than half of our member organizations have seen their top leader turn over since 2020.
Our teams are committed to mitigating the disruptive impacts of change by providing the grounded balanced counsel that helps build trust with new leaders. Our teams help new leaders navigate change with confidence by making sure nothing gets dropped or missed. MACC's stability cultivates an environment where change can be embraced as a catalyst for progress.
MACC's reliability helps our members remain resilient amid constant change, ensuring that our members can thrive no matter the environment.
Thanks for coming along with us to look back at some of the highlights from our work this past year.
We're excited to carry forward the momentum we've created with the launch of our new framework.
We're building on a strong foundation of 25 years of collaborative innovation as we step forward with renewed clarity and purpose into the work ahead. See you next year!