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) works to sustain the Vineyard by expanding philanthropy and strengthening island nonprofit organizations. We are an advocacy organization founded on the premise that the local community is critical to maintaining the character of the island and that island nonprofits are critical to sustaining the local community and many of the things we all love about the Vineyard.

 We do this by:

• Advocating for the nonprofit community and their vital contributions to the MV community,
• Educating donors about the needs of the  island and the philanthropic opportunities nonprofits offer,
• Providing capacity building workshops and technical support to the nonprofits.

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 and interim Treasurer
Inez K. Janger, President

Gerald S. Jones, Secretary                                   
Cindy Doyle     

Eric Glasgow

Samuel M. Feldman

Robin Leeds

Julie Skinner

More details about our board members...

Executive Director
Peter Temple