our approach
systems 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. It is 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
Column: Systems of support help local students make gains
Though the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students is not yet fully known, what we do know – and what the early data confirms – is that learning has suffered, equity gaps have widened and the time to come together to create systems that work for all students is now.
A collaborative focus on hard-hit restaurants signals better days ahead
Arturo Acosta always dreamed of opening his own restaurant. The Dominican-born chef, who spent much of his career in Chile, made that dream a reality in July of 2018 when he opened Japú in Lawrence. It was a risk, he says, introducing the concept of Nikkei – a fusion of Peruvian ingredients and Japanese culinary techniques – to the local food scene.
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.
Regional Inclusive Growth Through Systems Philanthropy in Essex County
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED BY THE FOUNDATION REVIEW A February 2021 article The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI) wrote for The Foundation Review highlights the strategy and leadership of the Essex County Community Foundation in fostering inclusive economic growth across Essex...
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?
read the position paper
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
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Danvers, Massachusetts 01923
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