Action
Action Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit Community Action Agency founded in 1965 in Gloucester, Massachusetts, delivering free housing, energy, education, employment, and community services to low-income residents across Cape Ann and 31 Massachusetts cities and towns.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1965
- HeadquartersGloucester, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Action does
Action Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit Community Action Agency founded in 1965 and headquartered in Gloucester, Massachusetts, providing housing, energy, education, employment, and community services to low-income residents across Cape Ann and 31 cities and towns in Massachusetts. The organization's service portfolio spans emergency shelter, supportive housing with case management, 67 owned affordable housing units (including the 30-unit Harbor Village Passive House-certified development opened in 2021 and a 13-unit single-room occupancy property acquired in 2023), Adult Basic Education and HiSET/GED preparation, COMPASS Youth Program (ages 16-24), job training across trades and healthcare, career coaching, LIHEAP/HEAP fuel assistance, weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades via the LEAN network, and multilingual immigration and public-benefits navigation. In 2025, Action Inc. reported serving 7,443 neighbors across Essex County; other reported outcomes include 98% Supportive Housing retention, 140 people housed through HUD-funded programs, 3,400 individuals helped with heating costs, and 420+ people helped to avoid eviction via CSBG.
The organization operates a "No Wrong Door" centralized service hub at 180 Main Street, Gloucester (renovated and consolidated in 2024) and a consolidated Energy Services location at 5 Centennial Drive, Peabody. Revenue derives from federal, state, and local government grants (LIHEAP, HUD Continuum of Care, CSBG, CDBG), private foundation grants (notably a $1,000,000 award from Massachusetts Alliance for Supportive Housing for affordable housing acquisition), individual and corporate donations, and event fundraising (the 60th Anniversary celebration raised over $200,000 in 2025). All programs are delivered free of charge to income-eligible residents; Action Inc. has no public revenue figure and is funded primarily through pass-through federal dollars rather than earned revenue. Action Inc. is a member of the national Community Action Partnership network and was named an ACEEE "Leaders of the Pack 2024" honoree for energy affordability leadership.
There is no proprietary AI or software platform; core technology is limited to a client intake and appointment scheduling system and utility budget and data systems to administer Energy Services. The organization is governed by an 18-member Board of Directors and led by CEO Peggy Hegarty-Steck, with C-suite comprising Chief Program Officer Jennifer Beloff, Chief Financial Officer Jill Cluett, and Chief Operating Officer Allison Lex, plus eight division/director-level roles. The organization is wholly independent with no parent company or external equity ownership.
Action firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Action
- Legal name
- Action Inc.
- Website
- https://actioninc.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1965
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Action Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit Community Action Agency founded in 1965 in Gloucester, Massachusetts, delivering free housing, energy, education, employment, and community services to low-income residents across Cape Ann and 31 Massachusetts cities and towns.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Action industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Human Services / Community Action Social Services
- NAICS
- Community Housing Services (62422), Other Community Housing Services (624229), Administration of Housing Programs, Urban Planning, and Community Development (925), Child and Youth Services (624110)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public & Affordable Housing Programs (Subsidies, Vouchers, Public Housing) (BPAIANAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Affordable Rental & Multifamily Housing Finance Programs (LIHTC/Tax Credits/Subsidized Loans) (FSALAKAF), Local Public Health & Human Services Administration (BPAIACAK)
Keywords
Where Action is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Gloucester
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Action business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Government Grants and Programs: Primary revenue source from federal, state, and local government funding including LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program), HUD Continuum of Care grants, Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), and Community Development Block Grants. These programs fund housing assistance, fuel assistance, homelessness prevention, and supportive services.
- Private Foundation Grants: Funding from private foundations such as Massachusetts Alliance for Supportive Housing (MASH) which provided a $1,000,000 grant for affordable housing preservation.
- Individual and Corporate Donations: Tax-deductible contributions from individuals and businesses. The organization is a 501c3 nonprofit with federal tax ID Number 04-2389332. Their 60th Anniversary celebration raised over $200,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales, donations and raffle tickets.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Other | Free services for income-eligible residents |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Action product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Action Inc. is a non-profit Community Action Agency that provides free social services to low-income residents of Cape Ann and 31 surrounding Massachusetts cities and towns. Its offerings span Community Services (housing/benefits navigation and immigration support), Education (Adult Basic Education, ESOL, HiSET/GED prep, COMPASS Youth Program), Housing (67 owned affordable units, an Emergency Shelter, and HUD-funded Supportive Housing), Employment (Job Training and Career Services), Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP Fuel Assistance), and Energy Efficiency & Weatherization under the LEAN program. All services are delivered at no cost to income-eligible residents and funded via federal/state/local government grants, private foundation grants, and donations.
Product overview
Action Inc. is a non-profit community action agency offering a comprehensive portfolio of social services rather than a unified technology product. The organization's services include Community Services (housing navigation, benefits assistance, immigration support), Education (Adult Basic Education with HiSET/GED prep, COMPASS Youth Program), Housing (67 affordable housing units, Emergency Shelter, Supportive Housing/Homelessness Prevention), Employment (Job Training, Career Services), and Home Energy Assistance (Fuel Assistance, Energy Efficiency/Weatherization). These programs are delivered through physical service centers in Gloucester and Peabody, MA, and are funded through federal, state, and local partnerships rather than as a software product.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Community Services Provides one-on-one navigation assistance for housing applications, public benefits (SNAP, Medicaid/MassHealth, SSI/SSDI), legal advice referrals, eviction support, and tenant/landlord dispute resolution. Also includes multilingual immigration support services for low-income residents of Cape Ann.
- Adult Basic Education Prepares adults 18+ to pass the HiSET/GED through four course levels including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Offers job readiness training and career support, with classes held in-person and online on weeknights.
- COMPASS Youth Program Safe and flexible program for out-of-school young adults ages 16-24 to pass the HiSET/GED. Provides one-on-one counseling, tutoring, college and job preparation, career counseling, life skills coaching, and connections to paid internships and employment.
- Affordable Housing Provides 67 affordable apartment homes for individuals and families on Cape Ann, including the 30-unit Harbor Village completed in 2021 at 206 Main Street, Gloucester. Harbor Village is one of the first affordable housing projects in Massachusetts to be Passive House certified.
- Emergency Shelter Safe shelter for adults 18+ experiencing homelessness, providing daily meals (breakfast, bagged lunches, dinner), case management, and connections to medical care, clothing, and behavioral health counseling.
- Supportive Housing & Homelessness Prevention Provides permanent housing and supportive case management services to adults with disabilities and long histories of chronic homelessness. Participants receive housing with ongoing guidance from case managers who coordinate services and resources.
- Job Training Connects participants with trainings in trades, healthcare, and office administration including Central Sterile Processing Technician, CDL, Construction Supervising, Electrical, Hoisting, Machinery, Medical Assistant, Nurse Aide, Office Administration, Patient Care Technician, Phlebotomy, and Welding.
- Career Services Personalized coaching to explore job options, develop resumes, write cover letters, improve interview skills, job search support, and Career Interest Assessments. Also assists with free community college applications.
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP/Fuel Assistance) Free resource helping eligible households pay winter heating bills for any heating source (gas, oil, electric, propane, wood, kerosene). Includes application assistance, emergency heating response, utility payment plans, and protection from utility termination.
- Energy Efficiency & Weatherization No-cost energy improvements for homeowners and renters receiving Fuel Assistance or National Grid discount rates. Services include weatherization (insulation, air sealing, weather stripping), heating system repairs/replacements, and appliance upgrades (lighting, air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines).
Quantifiable outcome
- 98% housing retention rate for CoC program participants
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Action
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Action technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Action partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.
- ABCD (Action for Boston Community Development)coreCollaborative partner in the Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN). ABCD and Action Inc. work together with ACEEE recognition for delivering energy efficiency to income-eligible households. LEAN achieved 5,718 metric tons GHG reductions (electric) and 16,445 metric tons (gas) in 2023.
- National GridcorePrimary utility partner supporting energy efficiency programs. National Grid financially supports LEAN program work and offers Arrears Management Program (AMP) for eligible customers with 100% past due bill forgiveness.
- EversourcecoreUtility partner providing financial support for the LEAN energy efficiency program serving low-income households.
- North Shore Community Development CoalitioncoreDevelopment partner for Harbor Village affordable housing project. Six-year collaborative effort creating 30 Passive House certified affordable apartments with retail space.
- North Shore Community Action Program (NSCAP)coreSister agency partnership in energy services. NSCAP and LEO transitioned energy efficiency services to Action Inc. NSCAP continues to provide fuel assistance and other community services in Peabody area.
- LEO Inc.coreSister agency partnership in energy services consolidation. LEO continues to provide fuel assistance and other services in the Lynn area.
- Community Action PartnershipcoreNational membership organization of 1,000+ Community Action Agencies dedicated to helping people in need and eliminating poverty. Action Inc. is a member of this network.
- Wellspring HouseminorGloucester nonprofit providing housing, job training, and education programs. Co-partner in Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund and holiday initiatives.
- Pathways for ChildrenminorGloucester nonprofit for early education, childcare, and family support. Co-partner in Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund. Head Start provider serving 270 children.
- The Open DoorminorLocal food pantry and community meals provider. Partner in holiday giving initiatives and community support services.
- Sawyer Free LibraryminorHosting free computer basics training course and serves as community resource hub for Cape Ann residents.
- Massachusetts Housing & Shelter AlliancemajorStatewide advocacy organization for housing and shelter. Created impact materials regarding CoC funding changes. Co-founder of MASH with United Way and CSH.
- Gloucester Housing AuthoritycoreProperty owner of McPherson Park (97-unit senior housing). Partnered with Action Inc. for $200,000+ energy efficiency upgrades including boiler replacement.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves12 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Action competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD): ABCD is the largest Community Action Agency in New England and a direct peer to Action Inc., co-partnering with it in the Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN). Both agencies operate as designated CAAs delivering housing, energy, education, and employment services to low-income residents with comparable federal block grant funding models.
- North Shore Community Development Coalition: North Shore CDC is a development partner on Action Inc.'s Harbor Village project and serves overlapping Cape Ann/North Shore low-income populations with affordable housing development, foreclosure prevention, and homebuyer education—making it a directly comparable nonprofit housing/community development peer in the same geography.
- Wellspring House: Wellspring House is a Gloucester-based nonprofit providing housing, job training, and education programs that directly overlap Action Inc.'s mission. They co-partner on the Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund and serve the same Cape Ann low-income population, making them a tightly comparable local CAA-style peer.
- The Open Door: The Open Door is a Gloucester-based food pantry and community meals provider that partners with Action Inc. on holiday giving and community support. While focused on food insecurity, it operates in the same nonprofit social services space targeting the same Cape Ann low-income population with similar community-led service delivery.
- LEO Inc. LEO Inc. is a Lynn-area Community Action Agency that partnered with Action Inc. to transition energy efficiency services to Action Inc. while continuing to deliver fuel assistance and community services. It is a directly comparable Massachusetts CAA peer with overlapping service lines and funding sources.
- North Shore Community Action Programs (NSCAP): NSCAP is a Peabody-area Community Action Agency that transferred its energy efficiency program to Action Inc. while retaining fuel assistance and other services. It is a sister CAA serving overlapping North Shore communities with comparable LIHEAP and CSBG programming.
Regional players
- Harborlight Community Partners: Harborlight Community Partners is a Beverly-based nonprofit providing affordable housing and supportive services on the North Shore of Massachusetts. It is highly comparable to Action Inc.'s housing services portfolio (affordable rentals, supportive housing, homelessness prevention) but operates primarily in Beverly/Salem rather than Cape Ann.
- Housing Assistance Corporation: Housing Assistance Corporation operates on Cape Cod with a comparable mix of affordable housing development, homelessness prevention, fuel assistance, and education programs. It is a directly comparable CAA-style nonprofit serving a different but geographically proximate Massachusetts coastal low-income population.
Broad incumbents
- Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance (MHSA): MHSA is a statewide advocacy and funding coalition for housing and homelessness programs, co-founding MASH with United Way and CSH. While broader in scope than Action Inc., MHSA is a key strategic partner and comparable advocacy-driven nonprofit operating in the same housing/shelter policy and funding ecosystem.
- National Grid: National Grid is a major utility partner that funds Action Inc.'s LEAN energy efficiency program and Arrears Management Program. As a regulated utility with mandated low-income program spending, it is a comparable but much larger incumbent operating in the same low-income energy affordability space in Massachusetts.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Action social profiles
Digital presenceAction financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Action leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Action funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
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Action M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Action
What does Action do?
Action Inc. is a non-profit Community Action Agency that provides free social services to low-income residents of Cape Ann and 31 surrounding Massachusetts cities and towns. Its offerings span Community Services (housing/benefits navigation and immigration support), Education (Adult Basic Education, ESOL, HiSET/GED prep, COMPASS Youth Program), Housing (67 owned affordable units, an Emergency Shelter, and HUD-funded Supportive Housing), Employment (Job Training and Career Services), Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP Fuel Assistance), and Energy Efficiency & Weatherization under the LEAN program. All services are delivered at no cost to income-eligible residents and funded via federal/state/local government grants, private foundation grants, and donations.
Is Action a public or private company?
Action is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Action founded?
Action was founded in 1965. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Action based?
Action is headquartered in Gloucester, United States, in the North America region.
How does Action make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Government Grants and Programs are the primary driver. The others are private Foundation Grants and individual and Corporate Donations.
Who are Action's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), North Shore Community Development Coalition, Wellspring House, The Open Door, LEO Inc. and North Shore Community Action Programs (NSCAP). Regional players are Harborlight Community Partners and Housing Assistance Corporation. Broad incumbents are Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance (MHSA) and National Grid.
Does Action have an API?
No public API is recorded for Action.
What industry is Action in?
Action's product category is Human Services / Community Action Social Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAIANAA, Public & Affordable Housing Programs (Subsidies, Vouchers, Public Housing), with a secondary code of FSALAKAF, Affordable Rental & Multifamily Housing Finance Programs (LIHTC/Tax Credits/Subsidized Loans). Its NAICS code is 62422 and its SIC code is 8300.