MAC Overview

The mission of the Multicultural AIDS Coalition (MAC) is to mobilize communities of color to end the HIV epidemic. MAC has a 35-year history of delivering culturally and linguistically appropriate, evidence-based HIV/STI/hepatitis and substance misuse prevention and care services focused on BIPOC and other residents of Greater Boston. We prioritize sub-populations that are disproportionately impacted by HIV. In addition to direct care services, MAC provides: (a) technical assistance and capacity building to public and private agencies that serve marginalized populations; (b) local, regional, and national community mobilization support and management; and (c) community-based research on a range of topics; and (c) fiscal sponsorship and management services for aligned organizations. The current (FY 2025) budget is $3.8 million.

Our services are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, attracting clients who often are uncomfortable accessing services elsewhere. The core programs were all originally shaped by members of the communities they serve, either launched at MAC or starting as stand-alone agencies that later merged with MAC. Casa Iris, which serves Latinx communities, was started by a Latina woman living with HIV, in her living room. Women Connecting Affecting Change was founded in 1992 by community women, several living with HIV, to address the epidemic with affirming and respectful care for women of color marginalized by multiple stigmas. MAC’s LGBTQ+ services, known as CONNECTED Boston, are built upon the Men of Color Against AIDS (MOCAA) program that was created in 1993 by two Black gay men and merged with MAC in 2002. The  Africans For Improved Access program began in 2001, by a coalition of African immigrants based at MAC. It grew quickly and was the first state-supported effort to reach African immigrants and now collaborates to serve Haitian immigrants. 

MAC has enjoyed strong support from city, state, and federal health agencies; local and national foundations; corporate and other institutional funders; and individual donors.

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1. Responsibilities of the Board

 

As the highest leadership body of the organization and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board is responsible for:

• determining the mission of the organization and understanding its collective purpose

• selecting, supporting, and evaluating the chief executive

• strategic and organizational planning

• ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management

• fundraising and resource development

• approving and monitoring the organization’s programs and services

• enhancing the organization’s public image

• assessing its own performance as the governing body of the organization

• ensuring legal and ethical integrity

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   2. Responsibilities of Individual Board Members

 

Each individual board member is expected to:

• know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs as well as understand its collective purpose

• faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements and board materials in advance of meetings

• serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization

• fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the organization to advance its mission

• leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to achieve the organization’s mission

• make a personal financial donation

• help identify personal connections that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing, and influence public policy

• prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings

• participate fully when on board committees or task forces

• engage in learning opportunities to better understand the community we serve

• respect the experiences of all who bring their voices and lived experiences into the boardroom and the organization

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   3. Other responsibilities of board members

• uphold the legal duties and laws regarding nonprofit governance

• follow the organization’s bylaws, policies, and board resolutions

• sign an annual conflict-of-interest disclosure and update it during the year if necessary, as well as disclose potential conflicts before meetings and actual conflicts during meetings

• maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of the organization