our approach
systems philanthropy
a new kind of philanthropy
ECCF’s unique Systems Philanthropy approach to change invests philanthropic dollars in collaborative, community-based initiatives tackling root causes of systemic social issues and making sustainable, population-level change.
Systems Philanthropy is a new kind of philanthropy that compliments the responsive nature of traditional giving.
grounded in three main components…
data-driven
Impactessexcounty.org, ECCF’s county indicator website, maps 100+ data points tracking quality of life across the region and provides the foundational analytics for our community leadership work.
community aligned
The voice of the community is embraced through strategic convening and collaborating to identify and amplify good work already happening.
engaged
ECCF is an engaged partner in the work, providing ongoing strategic support and greater financial resources to support long-term goals and deliver lasting outcomes.
systems philanthropy
impact by the numbers
ECCF is continuously learning, shaping, and sharing gained insights from our systems approach to social change. To date, we are encouraged to see increased impact.
invested in systems-based community leadership initiatives
individuals directly supported by systems-change efforts
organizations collaborating to address root causes of our most challenging issues
ECCF’s community leadership work is powered by contributions from our generous community.
systems philanthropy news
Time to create a statewide system of small business support
Strolling down Massachusetts’ Main Streets now looks very different than it did a year ago. Foot traffic is down. Online shopping and curbside pickup have largely replaced local, in-person experiences. And all across the state, small businesses that once breathed life and vitality into our communities — some of them for decades — are shuttering their storefronts for good.
Creating Change by Investing in People
As a society, we invest in roads and buildings, in water and electric systems because they are vital to our economic development and prosperity. So are people. But do we invest effectively in our human infrastructure?
Systems Philanthropy: Opportunity for Community Foundations
ECCF is thrilled to have its systems philanthropy approach included in The Philanthropic Initiative’s latest blog post highlighting trends they think will continue to gain momentum in 2020.
Fall Funders Summit Focuses on Systems Change
Twice each year, Essex County Community Foundation partners with other funders to bring together donor advised fundholders, foundations and individual, corporate and institutional donors to learn about and explore possible collaborations on the most pressing issues...
read the position paper
work & impact
get in touch
Stratton Lloyd
Executive Vice President & COO
(978) 777-8876 x126
s.lloyd@eccf.org
community voices
“The partnership between our five Community Action Agencies that has developed over the past two years is truly a testament to systems work. When crisis struck during the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to hit the ground running to support our clients. There is a rhythm, a trust, and a true working relationship that is not born overnight. We were hoping that the financial literacy program would create a system change — did it ever.”
-Kerri Perry, Community Action, Inc.
Empowering Economic Opportunity partner
how can we help?
We would love to hear from you.
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- 175 Andover Street, Suite 101
Danvers, Massachusetts 01923