Celebrate the 30th – Sneak Peeks for Our “30th Year”

Today marks the SouthCoast Community Foundation’s 30th Anniversary! Join us as we celebrate three decades of community building and unveil our plans for this pivotal year.

What began with a $100,000 gift in 1995 has grown to $65 million in assets under management and thousands of grants awarded.

We’ve achieved these milestones—and many more—thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, fellow funders, nonprofit partners, and dedicated volunteers. We’re proud of the work we’ve done together—And we’re just getting started! Read on for a sneak peek at what’s to come during our anniversary year.

Stronger Together: Inspiring the Next 30 Years

Our 30th Anniversary Year runs from July 2025 through July 2026. For the next 12 months we will be announcing new ways to connect, get involved, and make a difference across the South Coast as we launch year one of our 5G/4C strategy (five strategic priorities, five gateway cities in four counties).

We’re excited to share that today we’re kicking off our anniversary year by announcing the launch of the Nonprofit Resilience Network (NRN). The NRN strengthens our longstanding commitment to supporting South Coast nonprofits that deliver the vital services our communities rely on. We’re committed to offering support beyond grants—including the learning opportunities, partnerships, and resources nonprofits need to thrive. Designed with, and directly in response to what nonprofits told us they need most, the NRN provides nonprofits with:

Targeted Technical Assistance Grants (TTAGs) and other organizational support to strengthen operations and build long-term capacity
A place to gather, learn, and connect with peers
Access to 1:1 coaching and consulting support
Free online resources

The NRN provides funders with:

Opportunities for pooled funding and cross-sector strategy
SouthCoast Indicators Project – a regional data dashboard
SouthCoast Funders Debriefs (Starting 2026)

The NRN provides consultants with:

Training for consultants just starting out, and those with more experience
Support in running a consulting business
Access and shared resources through consultant networks

We are committed to being here to connect and serve nonprofits, funders, and consultants—all three vital parts of the nonprofit ecosystem. This kind of dedicated nonprofit support is a hallmark of community foundations nationwide, and we're proud to make it a permanent part of our work here in the region.

We will offer introductions to NRN services and resources via Open Houses at our new Nonprofit Learning Center located at the first level of our 350 Union Street, New Bedford location. These sessions will focus on services for nonprofits, funders, consultants, and a virtual option for all. Join us to learn more:

Nonprofit Leaders: register for the Nonprofit Open House, Thursday, September 18 at 4:00pm
Funders: register for the Funder Open House, Monday, September 22 at 4:00pm
Consultants: register for the Funder Open House, Thursday, September 25 at 4:00pm
Nonprofits, funders, consultants and community members: register for the Virtual Open House, Friday, September 26 at 11:00am

NRN Fall Announcements & Learning Opportunities

When summer fades, NRN learning opportunities will shine. Our updated NRN webpage (coming September 2025), will highlight the NRN Fall Learning Series with sessions on board leadership and governance for executive directors, nonprofit collaboration, professional development networks, policy updates and more.

Beyond the NRN, we’re also investing in our own team to better serve our donors and nonprofits. This summer we’re piloting our annual CAP® Study Group Cohort with nonprofit leaders and financial advisors. By year-end, SCCF staff will earn the CAP® designation (Certified Advisor in Philanthropy) through the American College of Financial Services. Opportunities to join the next cohort open in early 2026!

Stay tuned – there’s more to come! More for nonprofits, more for our donors and fund advisors, and even opportunities for our fellow funders and nonprofit consultants. We hope you will join us on this journey so we can collectively grow and strengthen philanthropy across the region.

Ready to Celebrate? Don’t Miss Summer’s Last Blast!

As we look ahead to strengthening our region’s nonprofits and investing in our community’s future, we’re also making time to celebrate 30 incredible years together — and you’re invited!

This special evening will honor three decades of partnership, generosity, and impact across the South Coast while setting the stage for the next 30 years of opportunity.

Join us on September 12 at Fort Taber in New Bedford for Summer’s Last Blast—our 30th anniversary celebration and the perfect way to close out the summer in style.

We’re bringing you an unforgettable night with Radiance, a dynamic 10-piece band featuring hometown favorites Joaquin Santos and Marcus Tavares. Get ready for high-energy hits and nonstop dancing under the stars.

Enjoy fantastic food, incredible live music, gorgeous coastal views, and the best company around — all in support of our mission: Uniting People, Organizations, and Resources to Strengthen Our Communities.

🎟️ Space is limited. Register now before it sells out! It’s a party with a purpose — and you’re at the heart of it.

Join us at Summer's Last Blast!

With Gratitude

As we celebrate 30 years of service to the South Coast, we want to recognize the community members, nonprofit partners, donors, staff, and board members—past and present—who have helped shape this journey. Your vision, generosity, and commitment have laid the groundwork for everything we’ve accomplished together.

For three decades, this region has come together with purpose — investing time, talent, and resources to create meaningful, lasting change. Because of you, the SouthCoast Community Foundation is stronger, more responsive, and more connected than ever.

Looking ahead, we know the future will call for new ideas, deeper collaboration, and shared leadership. We’re ready to meet the moment, and we’re honored to move forward together.

With appreciation,

Melanie Edwards-Tavares

President & CEO

Looking Ahead: Join the 30th Anniversary Celebrations!

Thirty years of impact behind us. A future full of promise ahead. Join us for the journey.

July 19 — The Celebration Begins! Official Launch of Our 30th Anniversary Year
August – Launch of the South Coast Legacy Society
September 12 — Summer’s Last Blast, 30th Anniversary Edition
Nonprofit Leaders: register for the Nonprofit Open House, Thursday, September 18 at 4:00pm
Funders: register for the Funder Open House, Monday, September 22 at 4:00pm
Consultants: register for the Funder Open House, Thursday, September 25 at 4:00pm
Nonprofits, funders, consultants and community members: register for the Virtual Open House, Friday, September 26 at 11:00am
Stay tuned for additional 30th Anniversary announcements throughout the year including the launch of the Development Professionals Peer Network.