Nonprofit gatherings STRATEGIC PLAN AND FLEXIBLE FUNDING
2026-08-06 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Nonprofit Gatherings provide nonprofits and fiscally sponsored organizations with a space to connect, share, and learn. You’ll hear about the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts’ Flexible Funding grant opportunity and other resources, while also having time to ask about our new strategic plan, build relationships, and share what would be most helpful to your organization during these times of change.
August 6, 2026 | 10am – 12pm
De La Luz Soundstage
114 Race St, Holyoke, MA
Featuring a special presentation from President & CEO Megan Burke on the Foundation’s Strategic Plan
August 13, 2026 | 3pm – 5pm
Dpict in Eastworks
116 Pleasant St, Studio 255, Easthampton, MA
August 19, 2026 | 1pm – 3pm
Brick House Parents & Family Center
22 3rd Street, Turners Falls, MA
August 24, 2026 | 1pm – 3pm
Community Foundation of Western MA
333 Bridge St., Springfield, MA

Agosto clases para compradores de casa por primera vez de Way Finders
2026-08-08 08:00 - 17:00
Esta es una clase completa dividida en dos días:
8 y 15 de agosto.Horario: 9:00 am – 2:00pm
En persona, en la oficina Library Commons en Holyoke.
La clase cubre todos los aspectos de la compra de una casa. Diseñado específicamente para compradores de vivienda por primera vez, la clase está certificada por CHAPA, HUD y MassHousing. Se requiere completar la clase para calificar para ciertos productos de asistencia financiera de la ciudad y algunos préstamos hipotecarios.

First-time Homebuyer Workshop
2026-08-08 09:00 - 14:00
Become a certified first-time homebuyer with Way Finders! Learn from local real estate professionals about the homebuying process.
The course covers finding, financing, purchasing, and maintaining a home. Participants receive a certificate of completion that is necessary to access several down payment assistance programs and special mortgage products.
This is a two-part IN-PERSON workshop:
Saturdays, 9am-2pm
August 8 +15
Cost of the workshop is $75 per household, nonrefundable.

Mindful Miles 5K
2026-08-15 08:00 - 12:00
Mindful Miles 5K is Gándara Center’s annual community run and walk that brings people together to support mental health and recovery services across Massachusetts. The event raises funds for programs serving more than 18,000 children, adults, and families each year. Participants, sponsors, and community partners join the run to strengthen access to culturally responsive care and help ensure support remains available when people need it most.

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This year’s event continues the “On the Road to Our Golden Jubilee” theme as Gándara Center approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027. Every step taken during Mindful Miles helps move mental health forward and sustain programs that support individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth.

In-Service Training -- Death Doula Practices: Presence and Projects
2026-08-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Online via Zoom
Description:
Drawing on her experience as a community doula and hospice volunteer, Francesca Lynn Arnoldy will explore ways to cultivate a centered, calming presence during times of uncertainty and discuss the role of creative projects in supporting meaning-making, remembrance, and connection at the end of life.
Main Topics
• Components of the “DOULA Model of Care,” emphasizing attunement, compassion, and cultivating a supportive presence.
• Life reviews and remembrance gifts, including emotional considerations and practical approaches to creating legacy projects.
This workshop is for friends, family members, community caregivers, end-of-life doulas, hospice volunteers, and other care providers seeking practical tools and greater confidence in supporting individuals and families facing serious illness, impending loss, grief, and other significant life transitions.
Presented by: Francesca Lynn Arnoldy, Community Doula, Educator, and Author
Learning Outcomes:
In this training, staff will be able to:
Describe strategies for maintaining a calm, attentive presence during periods of uncertainty, intensity, and transition.
Discuss the emotional complexities and practical considerations involved in developing meaningful end-of-life projects with clients.
Apply adaptable approaches to informal and formal life reviews and the creation of personalized remembrance gifts.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Please note: Participants are sent a unique join-link sent in their registration confirmation email. This allows direct access to the meeting.

Will Bike 4 Food Fundraising Meet Up
2026-08-20 18:00 - 20:00
Aug 20 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Free

Will Bike 4 Food will be here in less than two months! We’re excited to welcome more early registrants than ever – and there’s still time to sign up. Consider joining this fun-filled cycling event that raises both awareness of food insecurity and funds to provide nutritious food for communities across Western Mass. Check out our upcoming event in August!
WILL BIKE 4 FOOD FUNDRAISING MEET UP
Thursday, August 20
Northampton Bicycle, 319 Pleasant St Northampton, MA
6-8PM
Meet new and returning cyclists and ask questions about the event in person! Leave with excitement and fundraising tips to help meet your fundraising goals.
RSVP form coming soon!

7th Annual Canines Against Cancer Support Walk
2026-08-21 17:00 - 21:00
The 7th Annual Canines Against Cancer Support Walk is a fun-filled community fundraiser benefiting Each Moment We’re Alive Cancer Support Services. Now in its 7th year, this special event brings together families, friends, cancer survivors, supporters, and their dogs for an evening of walking, food, music, and activities. Every step helps ensure that free support groups, survivorship programs, and resources remain available to cancer survivors and their families as they navigate life during and after treatment.

Beyond Posting: Sustainable Social Media and Outreach Strategies for Community Engagement
2026-08-25 08:30 - 10:00 | Virtual Event
Many organizations consistently post on social media, send newsletters, and promote events, yet still struggle with low attendance, poor online engagement, and outreach fatigue. During periods of burnout, staffing shortages, and funding cuts, communication efforts can easily become reactive, inconsistent, or disconnected from the communities organizations hope to reach.
This workshop explores practical social media and communication strategies that help organizations increase visibility, strengthen trust, and improve participation without relying on constant content production or overextending staff and volunteers. Participants will examine common outreach mistakes, audience engagement patterns, messaging strategies, and low-cost promotional approaches that support more sustainable community engagement.
Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Identify common communication barriers that reduce community participation during periods of burnout, low staffing, and funding cuts
Analyze how messaging, timing, accessibility, and audience targeting influence attendance, trust, and participation
Explore low-capacity social media and outreach strategies that support sustainable engagement without relying on constant content production

This workshop is no cost to HSF Members

Bio
Ysabel Garcia is a communications strategist and public health professional leading outreach campaigns, engagement strategies, and public-facing communications for nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and public health initiatives. She has coordinated multi-channel social media campaigns that generated thousands of views for public education campaigns, increased attendance at large-scale community events, and engaged audiences across the United States and internationally. Her work also includes independently building a mental health communications and education platform that gained national and international recognition, including an invitation to the White House.
Over the last decade, she has facilitated trainings on cultural humility, mental health, and leadership development, including serving as a trainer for the Human Service Forum’s Supervisory Skills Certificate Training Program.
Ysabel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology and a Master’s degree in Public Health, grounding her work in human behavior, systems thinking, and social context.

HSF Annual Sponsors:

Taller de Credito
2026-08-25 09:30 - 14:00
Nuestro Taller de Éxito Crediticio le proporcionará las herramientas que necesita para alcanzar sus metas financieras.
Aprenderá directamente de un consejero certificado de Way Finders a través de actividades interactivas y atractivas. Después de completar su taller, tendrá la oportunidad de reunirse con un consejero de vivienda certificado por HUD para discutir sus objetivos individuales. También tendrá la opción de recibir un informe de crédito tri-merge soft-pull gratuito valorado en $ 39.99 (a través de proveedores en línea).
Este curso es un taller de un día programado para el 12 de Julio 2025 Way Finders 1780 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103.
Habrá señalesra guiarte a nuestro taller. El taller comenzará puntualmente a las 10AM 12 de Julio 2025. Ya sea que desee comprar un automóvil, pagar su deuda de préstamo estudiantil o comprender cómo construir su crédito, Way Finders está aquí para ayudarlo. Nuestro Taller de Éxito Crediticio le proporcionará las herramientas que necesita para alcanzar sus metas financieras. Aprenderá directamente de un consejero certificado de Way Finders a través de actividades interactivas y atractivas

How to be a successful renter
2026-08-27 09:30 - 12:30
Getting an apartment these days is very competitive. There are many tenants looking for quality rentals, and landlords can be pickier than ever. Learn how to up your game and increase your chances of getting the apartment you desire. In this workshop we will cover:

Understanding your credit score and addressing any credit issues.
How to figure out what you can afford – and what resources can help
Understanding a rental agreement or lease
How to communicate effectively with a landlord

And lots more topics that will help you become a successful tenant. After this workshop, you can schedule a one-on-one meeting with our HUD-certified housing counselors to review your free credit report (valued at $39.99). Together you will discuss your individual goals.
This is a FREE one-day workshop held on Thursday, August 27, from 9:30am-12:30pm at Way Finders’ Springfield Housing Center.

Catchafire Day
2026-08-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
HSF Members have saved almost $2,000,000 by using pro bono support and services through CATCHAFIRE. Will your project push us over?
If you work at a HSF member organization, YOU have access to Catchafire (not just the senior leaders). Not sure how to use it? Join us as HSF Executive Director Becca Cooolong walks through how easy it is to use this time and money saving resource. for everyone!
Following the informational hour Becca will give technical assistance to start or move forward your projects.
Support for Catchafire is thanks to The Beveridge Foundation, Community Foundation of Western Mass, and the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation.

HSF Annual Sponsors:

Financial Wellness Lunchtime Series
2026-09-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Online via Zoom
Presented by Liberty Bank and HSF, the Academy for Financial Wellness is a step-by-step program designed to help you
build financial independence. Through expert-led sessions, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to
manage your money, improve your credit, and achieve short term and long financial goals. Create your path, register today!
This five part series is no cost and is presented by Dawn Creighton; Liberty Bank, with guests. The series runs over Zoom every Monday from 9/14 to 10/12 from noon to 1pm (lunch hour for most people).

Series Topics

Why Bank?– assess your financial health to set goals for your short and long term financial wellness.
Budget Like a Pro– – Create & maintain a personalized spending plan that fits your life
Build and Repair Credit– Tools designed to help improve your score and uncover financial opportunities
Become a Homeowner-Learn about buying a home and understand mortgage options & down payment programs available to you
Meet with a Financial Advisor– Build a personalized plan for yourself with expert advice

HSF Annual Sponsors:

In-Service Training - Scope of Aquired Brain Injury
2026-09-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Online via Zoom
Description: The Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIA-MA) is dedicated to educating the public about brain injury, as well as providing the latest information and resources to survivors, professionals, caregivers, and families. The “Scope of
ABI” presentation highlights what a brain injury is, its prevalence, and ways in which one may be able to utilize resources and support services at BIA-MA. We review the common causes of acquired brain injury (ABI), discuss factors which affect recovery and
outcomes, and describe common consequences of ABI – including cognitive, physical, and behavioral changes.
Presented by: ​Helen Stewart, Consultant & Amy Chapman-Johnson – NeuroResource Facilitator

60's Groovy Gala
2026-09-19 17:00 - 19:30
Get ready for a far-out evening of psychedelic style, retro rhythms, and flower-power flair as Berkshire Hills Music Academy presents our annual gala, featuring this year’s “Let’s Get Groovy” 1960s-inspired theme!
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the talents and accomplishments of the adults we serve while raising critical funds to support BHMA’s mission. The evening will feature delicious food, cocktails, live entertainment, performances by BHMA participants, a Groovy Grab wine pull, exciting auction opportunities, and our first-ever paddle raise.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or attending for the first time, you’ll enjoy a fun and meaningful evening filled with music, community, and purpose.
To learn more, purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or make a donation, visit berkshirehills.org/groovygala

60's Groovy Gala at Berkshire Hills Music Academy
2026-09-19 17:00 - 22:00 | Berkshire Hills Music Academy, 48 Woodbridge St, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
Get ready for a far-out evening of psychedelic style, retro rhythms, and flower-power flair! This retro evening will feature music, dinner, dancing, and auctions — all in support of the participants and programs that make BHMA so special. We’re turning back the clock and turning up the fun. It’s time to party like it’s 1969! As we build toward this special night, we invite you to be part of it in a meaningful way. Sponsorship is one of the most effective ways to support BHMA while also celebrating alongside our community. Each level offers a unique opportunity to engage, be recognized, and make a lasting difference. Visit berkshirehills.org/groovygala to learn how to make an impact and purchase tickets. Whether you’re a longtime member of our community or new to BHMA, we’d love to welcome you to campus for a joyful night of celebration, connection, and fun!

Supervisory Skills Certificate Series- Fall 2026
2026-09-24 09:00 - 10:30 | Online via Zoom
Give new supervisors the skills they need to succeed. If you are planning on promoting, or have just promoted someone to a supervisory position help them hit the ground running with this 8 week course. With HSF’s strong team of seasoned presenters covering a wide range of knowledge from different points of view, we cover theory, soft skills, and hard facts. Conversation topics range from harassment law and cybersecurity to finding common purpose in a team and how to transition from peer to supervisor, and much much more.
Register an individual who is eligible for a certificate, or a space for your agency to send someone different to each session depending on who the topic will benefit most.
This series is presented over Zoom. Series runs 8 consecutive weeks starting September 24th, 9am-12:30pm all session. Full series is $1500 for members, $3000 for nonmembers.
Reimbursement available through the Commonwealth Corporation Express Fund (more information below). Are you an HSF member and NOT eligible for the grant? Please use promo code HSF50 for a special 50% off discount. Additional discounts available for groups of 4 or more attendees. Email Jeff Tingley
Series Dates and Topics

Supervising Former Peers and Establishing Healthy Boundaries- Thursday September 24th

This training equips internally promoted leaders with the tools to successfully manage former peers while fostering trust, accountability, and healthy team dynamics. Leaders will explore the psychological and practical aspects of transitioning into authority roles, develop strategies for setting and enforcing boundaries, refine their leadership identity, and enhance their communication and feedback techniques.
Presented by Will Weche; Willful Change LLC

Employment Law- Thursday October 1st

Avoid missteps that can lead to expensive and time-consuming litigation. Learn from practicing attorneys on the wording of the law, along with how that wording is actually applied. Covering a wide range of subjects to clear up misconceptions and acknowledging pitfalls, this session is packed with useful information that every organization needs.
Presented by Skoler-Abbott

Culturally Responsive Supervision- Tuesday October 6th

Join us as we take a deep look at the many aspects that make up our identities and how they impact our leadership, our organizations and the people we serve. Improve our skills in having conversations about our differences in a way that encourages learning and growth while building intersectional resilience. We will strengthen our ability to have important dialogues, navigate predictable tensions and avoid pitfalls that lead to disconnection. This session helps supervisors cultivate trusting, creative and connected diverse working relationships.
Presented by Regi Wingo and JAC Patriss; Growing a New Heart

Retention: Rewards and Accountability – Thursday October 15th

People don’t leave jobs; they leave bad supervisors. This session puts a focus on how a supervisor can strengthen and grow those who report to them, creating an environment where employees want to stay. Covering how to multiple the strengths of your team, how to discipline in a way that productive, and how to praise, we will learn how to create a work environment centered on retention.
Presented by Diana Brooks; Diana Brooks Associates

Cyber Security- Wednesday February 25th

With the threat of cyber attacks continuing to rise, with an increased focus on social engineering, no one can afford to hide their heads in the sand and pretend that everything is ok. With a focus on practical, simple, daily steps that one can take, this session seeks to minimize risk to you, your organization, and your clients.
Presented by Chris Wisneski; Whittlesey

Resource Sharing and Catchafire Overview- Thursday October 29th

Let’s continue to fight the narrative of resource scarcity in nonprofits. Join us as we will highlight some of the most useful free resources for nonprofits we’ve discovered, and we invite you to share the tools and supports that have been most valuable to you. Let’s learn from one another and keep building stronger connections! We will also take a look at Catchafire- a worldwide network of professionals volunteering to lend their expertise to nonprofit organizations pro bono, that our member organizations have access to through HSF.
Presented by Becca Coolong and Jeff Tingley; Human Service Forum

Team Building and Conflict Resolution- Thursday November 5th

Through discussions that will include team activities and individual reflection, forge a shared understanding of team-building and the essential skills for conflict resolution and negotiation that facilitate the development of strong, cohesive, effective teams. Make your team stronger than the sum of their parts, drive unity, and be able to address conflict when it does happen.
Presented by Dr. Lucie Lewis and Janine Fondon

Leadership Communication- Thursday November 12th

This session looks at the building blocks of communicating clear messages to others. In a core aspect of leadership that is often taken for granted, those who excel at communicating often excel in supervision. Learn to avoid noise and interference, and how to properly process feedback to fine tune your messages for clearer understanding.
Presented by Jeff Tingley; Human Service Forum

Express Program Reimbursement Program
Applications need to be in 21 days before the first date of the series (by September 3rd). After the series ends you will be able to request the reimbursement from Commonwealth Corporation.
The Supervisory Skills Series is listed under course ID # C-15680
Application and more details HERE
HSF Series Sponsor

HSF Annual Sponsors

Jazz Strut by Northampton Jazz Festival
2026-09-25 16:00 - 23:59
We kick off the 2026 Northampton Jazz Festival’s 15th year with the Jazz Strut on Friday Sept. 25. Stop by Pulaski Park at 4:00 PM for two student jazz combo performances, and then stroll, sip and dine your way through downtown Northampton to the sounds of jazz ensembles at eight different establishments across town. The Jazz Strut features free evening jazz performances in breweries, bars and restaurants with a 5:30 PM early set, a 8:00 PM late set, and the 10:00 PM jam session that runs ‘til midnight. Each ensemble plays for two hours, so you can catch a lot of live jazz and good times on Jazz Strut night. Please patronize the host establishment by ordering food and drink while you enjoy the music!

Alianza 5K Cider Donut Dash
2026-09-26 10:00 - 13:00
Lace up for a fall morning at Ashley Reservoir, where the community comes together with purpose, and for a sweet finish of cider and donuts. The Alianza 5K: Cider Donut Dash brings people together to raise awareness, support survivors, and help build a future free from domestic violence.
Run fast, walk with friends, or bring the whole family to cheer on the community. We promise there’s a place for everyone at the start line (and yes, plenty of donuts waiting at the finish).
Held just ahead of October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this event serves as a meaningful kickoff by bringing our community together to show up and stand with survivors. Proceeds support Alianza DV Services, whose programs provide free and confidential advocacy, shelter, prevention, and support services to survivors of domestic violence and their families throughout our region.
Date: Saturday, September 26
Time: 10:00 AM 5K Starts/10:05 AM Walk Starts
Location: Elks Club, Holyoke, MA

Cider Donut Dash
2026-09-26 10:00 - 13:00

Jazz Fest Day by Northampton Jazz Festival
2026-09-26 11:00 - 18:30 | Downtown Northampton, Downtown, Northampton, MA, 01060, United States
Now in its 15th year, Jazz Fest Day 2026 features internationally touring jazz musicians performing in seven downtown Northampton venues throughout the day. From the “Ask Me About Jazz!” interactive jazz concert for elementary aged kids and their grownups to rising jazz star saxophonist Sarah Hanahan, pianist William Hill III and vocalist Champian Fulton, among many others – the Northampton Jazz Fest offers an intimate, up-close and personal experience of live jazz. Staged throughout the eclectic, artistic and walkable city of Northampton, this free jazz festival has become known nationally as a beacon of the spirit and joy that live music in an accessible community can offer.

Northampton Jazz Fest presents saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin WE DREAM
2026-09-26 19:30 - 21:00 | Academy of Music, Northampton, MA, 01060, United States
Six-time GRAMMY nominee Lakecia Benjamin is an alto saxophonist, arranger, composer, bandleader and educator.
Known for her captivating live performances, her music offers a unique meld of R&B, several strains of jazz, and funk.
Her warm, resonant tone – that has been compared to Johnny Hodges – lends itself to any form of music she chooses to play. Her acclaimed albums Phoenix (2023) and Pursuance: The Coltranes (2020) have firmly established her among jazz’s foremost artists, with praise from The New York Times, The Guardian, and DownBeat.
Named Alto Saxophonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalist Association and Jazz Scholar by the Library of Congress, Benjamin’s prominence continues to rise. In 2024, she released Phoenix Reimagined (Live) on Ropeadope, featuring collaborations with John Scofield, Randy Brecker, and JeU “Tain” Watts.
Her newest album, We Dream, released on June 5 on Artwork Records, reflects a powerful response to the moment we’re living in and a commitment to being, in her words, “a bright light in a dark space.”
Featuring Oscar Perez (Piano), Elias Bailey (Bass), Jonathan Barber (drums)

Walk For Every Body
2026-09-27 10:30 - 14:00
Join us for the second annual Walk For Every Body on September 27 in downtown Northampton!
Bring your friends, family, coworkers, or create a team to support accessible, community-based healthcare across Western Massachusetts. The walk will be followed by a Block Party featuring local organizations, activities, entertainment, and more.
Register today and be part of a community that believes healthcare is for everybody: TapestryHealth.org/tapestrywalk9-27
