A group of Vineyard citizens has launched a new philanthropic initiative, the Martha’s Vineyard Donors Collaborative (MVDC). Its principal goal is to expand the universe of donors contributing to the Vineyard’s nonprofit, voluntary organizations.

“We Vineyarders have always taken care of each other and the Island. We have formed the MVDC to involve the broadest group possible in Island giving, including seasonal residents and visitors, said Bea Phear, president of the new organization. The MVDC believes that people who live on the Vineyard, even if only for a portion of the year, have an interest in supporting efforts to improve the quality of life for all Vineyarders. The collaborative will establish a vehicle to identify potential donors, especially new donors, and connect them to organizations that reflect their interest and passions.

The MVDC will not solicit funds, nor will it choose among organizations to support. “Island nonprofits already conduct sophisticated and effective fund-raising campaigns. We nevertheless think that many of these agencies would benefit from an added effort to expand the overall pool of resources and supplement existing development programs,” said Sam Feldman, chairman of the new group.

The collaborative will work to identify part-time residents with long-term ties to the community and· encourage them to actively participate in Island-oriented philanthropy. “We want to provide an opportunity for people to enrich their own experience of the Vineyard by contributing to ongoing initiatives to protect the Island s unique beauty and character,” said Ms. Phear. The MVDC will sponsor educational forums and networking events designed to connect potential donors to the entire spectrum of conservation, cultural, educational, health, and community service providers and advocacy organizations.

The MVDC board of directors currently includes Mr. Feldman, Ms. Phear, Robin Leeds, lnez Janger, Susan Dickler, Carole Cohen and Sig Van Raan.

The MVDC is presently recruiting an executive director to organize and coordinate its day-to-day activities. Inquiries should be e-mailed to MVDCCollaborative@aol.com.