History
Founded in 1974, the Northshore Education Consortium (NEC) was among the first educational collaboratives established in Massachusetts, created to deliver high-quality, innovative programs for students with diverse learning needs.
By the early 2000s, a combination of statewide education budget cuts and rising operational costs made it clear that additional funding sources were essential to sustain and strengthen NEC’s programs. In response, NEC’s Board of Directors took a strategic step to ensure the organization’s long-term stability.
In 2005, the Board established a nonprofit fundraising arm dedicated exclusively to development efforts. The Friends of the Northshore Education Consortium is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization (EIN #61-1479553) that supports NEC through grants, special events, and major gift donations, funding both general operations and programmatic initiatives.
Guided by a volunteer advisory board of educators, parents, and local business leaders, Friends of NEC implements a comprehensive fundraising strategy and shares a deep commitment to ensuring NEC’s continued success and impact.
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Highlights
- Revenue of $547,868
- $33,000 in proceeds generated from our annual Festivus 5K for Autism
- $247,000 received in grant support from local foundations and businesses
- $42,000 donated through our annual appeal
Friends of NEC Annual Report
Each year, Friends of NEC reports its financial data from the previous fiscal year.http://www.nsedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2024-25-Friends-Annual-Report-for-website.pdf
2025 Friends of NEC Annual Report
2024 Friends of NEC Annual Report
2023 Friends of NEC Annual Report
2022 Friends of NEC Annual Report
2021 Friends of NEC Annual Report
2020 Friends of NEC Annual Report
2019 Friends of NEC Annual Report
2018 Friends of NEC Annual Report
2017 Friends of NEC Annual Report
Friends of NEC Board
Cindy Johnson, Friends of NEC President, EBSCO & Parent of a thriving NEC graduate
Luisa Coppola, Friends of NEC Vice President, Rockland Trust
Elma Mandzo-Jonvanic, Friends of NEC Treasurer, Pentucket Bank
Graham Bacheller, Friends of NEC immediate past President, Lincoln Investment
Carmen Posteraro, Salem Five Bank
Alison Famico, proud Parent of NEC student
Shannon Perry, proud Parent of NEC student
Staff
Fran Rosenberg, Executive Director
Ann Noyes, Grants Coordinator
Sarah Seiler, Development Director
Cummings Foundation
Friends of the Northshore Education Consortium is proud to be one of just 150 local nonprofits selected to receive funding through the Cummings Foundation’s highly competitive major annual grants program. Chosen from a pool of 630 applicants in 2023, Friends of NEC was awarded a total of $225,000 in grant funding, distributed over three years, as part of the Cummings Foundation’s $30 million investment in nonprofit organizations making a meaningful impact in their communities
1% for the Planet Nonprofit Partner
Friends of NEC Outdoor Adventure Program is an approved nonprofit partner of 1% for the Planet, a diverse and global network of businesses, nonprofits, and individuals working together to ensure that our shared planet and our future generations thrive.
