What
We Do

Yes, SeaChange is a nonprofit which is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. We are further classified as a “public charity” because of our diversified funding. We have full-time paid staff and a volunteer board of directors. All support for SeaChange is tax-deductible.

SeaChange was founded in 2006 in the belief that some of the skills developed in finance, technology, and real estate could, if combined with empathy and humility, help nonprofits navigate challenges and seize opportunities while meeting the needs of funders. After an initial focus on education and youth development, we gradually expanded into grantmaking in support of mergers and sustainable collaborations (later spin-offs and restructurings), high-impact lending, and analysis & advice. In 2021, we expanded into higher education. Our work will continue to evolve in response to the challenges faced by nonprofits and the unmet needs of funders.

We have worked with nonprofits of all sizes and operating in all issue areas. We particularly value engaging with smaller, community-based groups that are typically the most under-resourced.

We believe that our mission, culture, and values make SeaChange distinctive. We know of no single organization providing our range of offerings—loans, grants, analysis, advice, insights —for nonprofits and funders. However, there are organizations—CDFIs, grant-making collaboratives, community foundations, and consulting firms—that do some of these things individually and at a much greater scale than us.

We maintain a lean, high-quality team by partnering with others wherever possible. We pilot new ideas with our own money before seeking outside support. We organize our discrete, on-going activities into separate “funds” structured to meet the needs of nonprofits and the participating funders. We embrace risk.

The majority of our operating budget comes from the reimbursement we receive for the costs associated with managing our funds. This is bolstered by restricted and unrestricted support from foundations, and unrestricted support from individuals, including board members. Our individual supporters believe in the nonprofit sector and in our approach; most have been deeply involved with other nonprofits as donors, volunteers, and board members.

Probably not.  Our highest and best use is to support nonprofits pro-bono, to undertstand what they need, to support them with grants and loans, and to refer them to others,  (There are are loads of people doing work-for-hire for nonprofits. SeaChange does not need to enter the fray.) It is very rare that we would the best provider of services and it is inconststent with our mission.  But we are happy to faciliate a meeting or host (and pay for) a dinner if we mutually agree that would be helpful.

We are driven by the facts, professional and level-headed, entrepreneurial, and creative. We prize our independence of thought and action. We respect our partners and one another. We strive to do no harm.

Our work is rife with potential conflicts. We try to be thoughtful about how to identify and manage conflicts. Here is our formal policy for managing conflicts.

Here is the link to our grant and loan applications: Apply

Our grants and loans come from the funds that we manage. SeaChange leads the evaluation on the basis of which we may recommend a grant/loan which is then approved, or not, by the participants in the associated fund. (The funders generally follow our recommendations but not always.) We can usually get back to you with a decision within two weeks of our evaluation being completed. We are committed to keeping nonprofits informed about the status of evaluation, recommendation and approval process.

We welcome your financial support, your ideas, and your time. While anyone can make a donation to SeaChange, some of our funds are subject to securities regulations. Our funds may not be appropriate for you or may no longer be open to new participants. If you are interested in learning more about SeaChange or its funds please email info@seachangecap.org.

In addition to providing grants and loans, SeaChange supports nonprofits by providing a “safe” space for discussion, and through referrals, advice, and portfolio management. We take an observer seat on the finance committee (or board) of almost all borrowers.

We try to add value by sharing what we have learned in our work with the broader community through calls, meetings, articles, and events.

SeaChange operates within a network of funders and nonprofits who trust us with the resources (e.g. funds, ideas, information) we need to help nonprofits address their complex challenges. Our long-term success depends on the quality of this network which in turn depends on our reputation for professionalism and fairness in balancing the sometimes conflicting interests of its members.

Each grant and loan is judged at completion against its original expectations. Our target is that 80% or more meet or exceed these expectations. We evaluate our advice and analysis by the actions and decisions they support or encourage. We evaluate our operations for efficiency and effectiveness in light of the financial and human resources that we employ.

We look forward to hearing from you. Call us at (844) 869-7842 or email us at info@seachangecap.org. We promise to get back to you within 5 business days.