Who We Are

Ken Emerson

Ken Emerson, Communications Advisor, is the principal editor and writer of the Foundation’s internal and external communications. In addition to creating communications materials, he helps develop and implement EMCF’s communications strategy and supports the president’s relations with the philanthropic community and government policymakers. Before joining the Foundation in 2008, Emerson devoted more than a decade to helping nonprofits such as Massachusetts General Hospital, the Philadelphia Orchestra, Harvard University, the Social Science Research Council, and the Alliance for Justice develop effective branding, communications and fundraising strategies and materials.

Emerson earned a BA from Harvard and an MA from Yale, both in English, and taught at Princeton as the first recipient of the Philip Anschutz Distinguished Visiting Fellowship in American Studies. The former articles editor of the New York Times Magazine and op-ed editor of New York Newsday, he has written for publications ranging from Rolling Stone to the Wall Street Journal. He is the author of Doo-Dah!: Stephen Foster and the Rise of American Popular Culture and Always Magic in the Air: The Bomp and Brilliance of the Brill Building Era, editor of Stephen Foster & Co.: Lyrics of America’s First Great Popular Songs, and co-editor of Rethinking the Urban Agenda: Reinvigorating the Liberal Tradition in New York City and Urban America.

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In the Spotlight

Nine Organizations Selected to Receive Social Innovation Fund Awards

The Edna McConnell Clark Foundation is investing up to $42 million over three years in nine organizations whose evidence-based programs promise to transform the life trajectories of thousands of low-income youth. In support of these grantees, the Foundation is establishing the True North Fund to leverage public money from the SIF and private money from the EMCF and institutional and individual philanthropic partners to effectively capitalize and expand programs that can serve more vulnerable young people.

A Families-First Approach to Foster Care

(Youth Villages) The New York Times, February 21, 2011

Nonprofit Pairs Up Nurses With Struggling First-Time Moms

(Nurse-Family Partnership) Huffington Post, March 14, 2011

Enlisting Professionals as Part-time Educators

(Citizen Schools) NBC Nightly News, October 15, 2010

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Highlights from the News

May 07, 2009
With Stimulus Aid Coming, Charities Need to Build on Success
The Chronicle of Philanthropy,
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November 11, 2008
Charity begins in the office
The Financial Times,
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March 29, 2008
Nonprofits look to invest in themselves
The Financial Times,
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March 09, 2008
For Good, Measure
The New York Times Magazine,
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January 10, 2008
Three charities win money to vastly expand operations
Chronicle of Philanthropy,
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January 06, 2008
Can foundations take the long view again?
The New York Times,
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December 21, 2007
New fund to help charities add efficiency by growth
The New York Times,
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December 20, 2007
Doing due-diligence on your donations
The Wall Street Journal,
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December 12, 2007
For-profit lessons for nonprofit giving
Marketplace (National Public Radio),
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November 12, 2007
How long should gifts grow?
The New York Times,
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October 19, 2007
Fantasy philanthropy baseball- Compete for capital!
Slate.com,
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September 06, 2007
Way to grow: Charities use business practices to rapidly expand their programs
Chronicle of Philanthropy,
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May 21, 2007
Business-oriented venture philanthropists
Financial Times,
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February 16, 2007
Uncharitable thoughts: Are foundations elitist, anti-democratic, and In danger of losing their tax exemptions?
Slate.com,
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February 09, 2006
A singular focus on kids: Clark Foundation sees success in its controversial youth program
Chronicle of Philanthropy,
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