Martha's
Vineyard
Donors
Collaborative

About MVDC

MVDC is self funded and does not solicit funds for itself, does not choose among organizations to support, and does not provide access to donors without their permission. 

Mission

The Martha’s Vineyard Donors Collaborative (MVDC) is an advocacy organization devoted to strengthening the non-profit community on the Vineyard.  It does this by increasing the total amount of money donated to Vineyard charitable organizations and by helping those organizations improve their own capabilities.

The MVDC increases philanthropic giving on Martha’s Vineyard by:

• Educating potential and existing donors about the significant problems and needs of island non-profits ;
• Asking them to give to the Vineyard to help preserve the character of the island;
• Introducing donors to the large and diverse Vineyard non-profit community to help them find organizations that reflect their interests and passions;
• Thanking and recognizing significant donors.

The MVDC helps Vineyard non-profits improve their own capabilities by:

• Offering workshops and services to help them follow Best Practices;
• Providing technical assistance and networking/collaborative opportunities

MVDC has assembled a Directory of Non-profits with detailed information about many organizations and it supports all areas of the non-profit sector including health, human services, housing,education, the arts, recreation and the environment.

The Need

With its natural beauty, historic charm, cultural heritage, celebration of the arts, recreational opportunities and wonderful mix of people Martha's Vineyard is a very special place and the island's non-profit community plays a critical role in keeping it that way. Almost anything you love about the Vineyard is protected, maintained or made possible by our charitable organizations.

Most importantly, these organizations provide a safety net for those who live and work here year round; the fabric, the backbone of the island. They preserve and protect this place we love. If they can’t maintain their lives what kind of place would “The Vineyard” be?

Our non-profit community is in jeopardy due to island economics. Costs are growing faster than revenues; some are running big deficits, programs and services suffer or are cut.

These agencies need more revenue to provide essential services. Their lifeblood has been the generosity of our seasonal community but summer fundraising events no longer provide enough to fill a budget gap. The summer community, for example, has been extremely generous to Community Services but despite the success of their Possible Dreams Auction even they need more to meet today’s needs. 

Some organizations are applying for grants. Some are trying to get more summer donors to participate in annual giving and planned giving campaigns but they all need our help.

Find out what you can do to help; click here.

Board of Directors
MVDC was founded in early 2003 by a group of full and part-time Island residents with strong ties to the community, and a dedication to its future.

We are, ourselves, donors, and we aim to increase Island philanthropy by facilitating connections and building relationships between potential donors and nonprofits.

Beatrice Phear, Chairperson & Secretary
Inez K. Janger, President
Meg Bodnar, Vice President & Treasurer
Jeremy Biggs 

Carole Cohen                                                     
Cindy Doyle     

Samuel M. Feldman

Gerald S. Jones

Robin Leeds

Julie Skinner

More details about our board members...

Executive Director
Peter Temple