Advancing Our Impact Through Philanthropy

At a time when public funding is increasingly constrained, private support has become more important than ever. Government funding remains essential to the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) model, but philanthropy allows MACA to go further by supporting innovation, expanding access to care, and responding to the evolving needs of children and families across the Commonwealth. Together, public and private investment make it possible to build a system that is both strong and responsive.

That’s why MACA is expanding its engagement with the philanthropic community as a key part of ensuring the long-term sustainability and impact of its work—thanks to the strategic clarity that came from our partnership with The Bridgespan Group.

Expanding the role of our philanthropic community aligns with MACA’s long-standing commitment to sustainability. As Executive Director, Tom King enters his 20th year with the organization; his leadership reflects a consistent focus on building systems that endure, systems rooted in collaboration, partnership, and a shared commitment to children and families.

MACA’s recent efforts are already making a meaningful difference. With two years of grant funding from the Mildred’s Dream Foundation, along with support from the Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate (OCA), we have developed two explainer videos. The first is designed for younger children and their families, and the second currently, in development, targets adolescents at risk for exploitation.

The intended audience of these animated, age-appropriate videos includes children from newly arrived immigrant families, LGBTQ+ youth, and children of color; cohorts of children who are often at higher risk of abuse but less likely to access services. By increasing visibility and reducing barriers, this project helps ensure that more children can benefit from the support they need.

We are pleased to share the first video in this series below.

MACA also received funding from the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation to expand access to Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI), an evidence-based mental health treatment. This investment supports the training of clinicians in Essex County and the Cape and Islands region, strengthening the ability of local communities to respond quickly and effectively when children disclose abuse.

In addition, MACA is grateful for support from the Elphaba Fund, established by author Gregory Maguire, most well-known for his books Wicked and Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. This funding helps strengthen the organization’s foundation, supporting its leadership, infrastructure, and ability to respond to emerging needs across the state.

Beyond foundation support, MACA continues to value the contributions of individual donors and corporate sponsors. These partners play an essential role in sustaining the organization’s work and supporting key initiatives, including statewide convenings such as the annual Healing, Hope, and Justice conference, which brings professionals together to strengthen the response to child abuse.

MACA is committed to continuing to grow its philanthropic partnerships and to sharing the impact of this work more broadly. By working together with public agencies, private funders, and community partners, MACA is helping to ensure that every child in Massachusetts has access to the care, support, and justice they deserve.