Executive Director

Do you believe in the power of philanthropy as a catalyst to transform the wellbeing of individuals, families, communities, and systems? Will you operate with an infectious optimism for building a better future for Downeast Maine and a stronger, more effective behavioral health system for children in the State of Massachusetts? 

Do you have the commitment and sophistication to build coalitions to influence reform of complex systems as well as the passion, interest, and empathy to support underserved rural communities on the ground?

Do you share the fundamental belief that effective community solutions emerge from within the community from those impacted most? Are you committed to empowering communities to unleash their power, talents, diverse voices, and creative energy to drive community transformation and sustainability?

Do you feel charged to connect people, resources, and ideas to address the most profound community and systemic needs for comprehensive impact and solutions? 

Do you have the gravitas to serve as an exemplary spokesperson and representative for the Trustees to promote the values and work of the Trust to a diverse set of audiences? 

Do you have the entrepreneurial spirit and resourcefulness to work effectively in a small, lean organization, leveraging resources and facilitating effective partnerships for outsized impact?

If so, we invite you to keep reading and consider the untapped opportunities for you to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

VALUES AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The Trust is guided by the following principles: 

• Respect – The Trust draws inspiration and direction from its abiding respect for its history, donor founders, and lean but engaged grants management approach that have served the Trust well. Building on that history, the Trust is not afraid to break down unproductive patterns or silos.
• Learning – The Trust continuously learns about its targeted issues and what it takes to create change. The Trust understands that it is not all knowing. The Trust is committed to be a listening and learning organization, always seeking out new knowledge, perspectives, and experiences.
• Impact – The Trust strengthens its impact when playing a facilitative and catalytic role. By inspiring others to act, the Trust achieves far more than acting in isolation. In funding for both immediate change and sustainability, the Trust lays the groundwork for truly transformational change.
• Equity – The Trust is committed to relationships and opportunities that are both equitable and diverse.
• Collaboration – The Trust leverages support for its mission by collaborating with a variety of community partners, other funders, and experts. The Trust operates with the belief that a respectful and productive relationship between trustees, dedicated staff, and nonprofit partners yields optimal results.
• Empathy – The Trust recognizes the challenges nonprofit leadership and management face in pursuing their goals. Rather than withdraw funding in the face of a crisis, the Trust troubleshoots with its nonprofit partners to overcome obstacles.

THE GRANTMAKING PROGRAM

The Adams Trust works in collaboration with other funders, policy makers, and advocates to sustain creative problem solving led by dynamic nonprofit leaders. Its work is focused on Downeast Maine and Massachusetts with a distinct strategic emphasis in each geographic area. At the same time, it seeks to apply what is learned across both states, especially as it relates to the behavioral health and wellbeing of youth.

The Trust began its work in Downeast Maine in 2000, supporting community-based nonprofits to improve the quality of life there. The Trustees recognized the abundant natural resources and the resilient population of the region while also aware of the significant community needs and lack of philanthropic investment. With a focus on increasing opportunities for communities and families to succeed, the Trust makes grants to strengthen the nonprofit infrastructure and encourage linkages among the service providers.

With its “place-based” approach, the Trust addresses a range of issues, including fisheries, economic development, substance use response, the arts economy, and services for children and families. It helped to create the Downeast Nonprofit Network which continues to draw together executive directors from these different sectors and fosters collaborative initiatives.

In 2002, the Trust launched its behavioral health work in Massachusetts in response to the crisis of “stuck kids,” i.e., children languishing in hospitals because of a severe shortage of therapeutic resources for them. The response was and remains clear – support reforms in the behavioral health delivery system for children.

The behavioral health strategic priorities include: 1) advocacy efforts to advance access to service and reduce stigma; 2) demonstration projects to address emerging behavioral health issues; 3) community-based arts therapy to provide complementary treatment options; and 4) school-based resources to mitigate the impact of behavioral health issues on learning.

Upon the recent death of Beatrice D. Adams, the assets of the Trust have grown to approximately $80 million, increasing the grantmaking capacity to over $3 million. Accordingly, the Trust is at an important inflection point. It is transitioning from a part-time team to its first full-time staff responsible for the grantmaking program. The Trust is currently governed by a board of three trustees and receives critical staff support from two advisors with deep backgrounds in the focus areas.

The Trust is a completely virtual organization with access to conference rooms and temporary office space in downtown Boston as needed.