The 41 organizations that make up the MassNeeds funding collaborative have banded together to provide twice as much support for Massachusetts' residents this winter. Altogether, they have committed $8.4 million that will be distributed to more than 150 nonprofits throughout the state to ensure residents' most basic needs - food, shelter and warmth - are met.

"Every year when cold weather hits, tens of thousands of Massachusetts residents are forced to choose between heat, food, medicine and other necessities," said Kathy Tobin, energy programs director at Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD). "We are very concerned about the desperate situation faced by seniors, children and families struggling to heat their homes through the bitter New England winter."

As thousands of individuals face the possibility of their long-term unemployment benefits expiring in the new year, they may need additional assistance in 2013. 

Foundations and organizations that provide annual funding might benefit from nonprofit accounting software, which can help board members audit funds and make sure the correct amount is being distributed to various programs each year.