Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporation

The mel king institute for Community building (the institute), which the Association co-founded and operates, fosters vibrant and thriving Massachusetts communities by advancing the skills, knowledge and leadership ability of professional practitioners and volunteer leaders in the Community Development field. To achieve its mission, the institute leverages collaborative educational partnerships that offer high quality learning opportunities to professionals and volunteers in the Community Development field, encourage innovation, and promote and institutionalize systemic success. In addition to offering courses and workshops, the institute operates a number of programs, including a mentoring program, a training program for public housing tenants called the resident leadership academy, and the alliance for racial equity.

The member initiatives program seeks to strengthen the capacity of the Association's member organizations to meet the various needs of their communities in such areas as affordable housing, economic Development, small business Development, resident services, Community organizing and fundraising. As part of this program, the Association conducts peer groups to serve as learning and networking opportunities for practitioners; collaborates with other organizations to offer trainings and develop partnerships; provides technical assistance to local organizations; collects and shares information about best practices in the field; and provides group sponsoredinsurance.

The Community Development policy program aims to help Community Development corporations (cdcs) with their housing, economic Development, and Community Development activities by creating a supportive policy environment. This includes working with local, state, and federal agencies and elected officials to design and fund various programs and it also includes working with private intermediaries, banks, foundations, and corporations to develop programs and establish partnerships.