About Us

SmallCanBeBig.org is a new online model for charitable giving designed to help local families on the brink of homelessness by harnessing the power of small, direct donations. The site works with well-regarded Massachusetts charities to identify families in need and provide people who’d like to give a uniquely personal way to help – 100% of every donation goes directly to address a specific expense or urgent bill that gets a family back on their feet, so donors know exactly who they’re giving to and how their money makes a difference.

Inspired by Mayor Thomas Menino’s belief in finding innovative solutions to community problems, SmallCanBeBig.org was launched in 2009 by Boathouse Group, Inc. to help address a developing homeless crisis in Massachusetts.

With emergency aid budgets stretched thin and traditional charity models unequipped to deal with the magnitude of the problem, more families than ever before are at risk of becoming homeless. SmallCanBeBig.org hopes to mobilize a new base of donors at a time when the economy has made things tougher for everyone — for those who need help and for those who want to help.

About Our Partners

SmallCanBeBig.org works closely with a select group of charitable organizations across Massachusetts. These charities specialize in preventing families on the verge of homelessness from going over the edge – together, they’ve helped stabilize and re-house thousands of Massachusetts residents. Their hands-on experience and expertise are invaluable to SmallCanBeBig.org.

About Boathouse Group, Inc.

Boathouse Group, Inc. is an independent agency that creates communications, campaigns, companies and, in this case, a charitable giving site. Its clients include Merrill Lynch, TomTom, NSTAR, Caritas Christi and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and its president is John Connors.