Welcome to MNN’s Nonprofit Trainings and Events Calendar! Here you’ll find trainings and events across the state to help you network, learn & give back. Browse the full calendar below or use the categories and tags to filter by region or event type.
To submit an event, click the button below.
All submissions will be approved by MNN staff prior to being posted (typically within 24 hours). You must be an MNN nonprofit or affiliate member to submit an event. Not a member yet? Annual membership starts as low as $75 and includes unlimited job postings and many other year-round benefits. Click to learn more and join.
For questions concerning MNN’s Nonprofit Trainings and Events Calendar please contact events@massnonprofitnet.org.
How can you secure more meetings, more resources, and ultimately just “more” from corporate partnerships? In this 1.5-hour session, we will cover the alphabet soup of corporate-nonprofit partnerships and specifically how small to mid-sized organizations can create win-win partnerships that support both business objectives and your nonprofit mission. In this interactive session, Laura Goodman will share not only best practices but also some tangible tools and templates for effectively building corporate relationships to accelerate mission impact.
The summer months are ideally slower, when we set aside time for relaxation and rejuvenation. But we’re fundraisers, and down time seems like a luxury.
Let’s at least get in the summer mindset. Let’s think about self care, which includes learning and dreaming and thinking big as we prepare for the busy fall fundraising season. To do so, let’s share what podcasts inspire us and what books and blogs help us think beyond the tasks at hand.
Come to this summer version of Fundraising Friday to swap resources with other development professionals and volunteers. And we’ll share a few success stories along the way!
Fundraising Fridays are monthly hour-long “coffee talks” facilitated by thought leaders from the social sector. These discussion groups, held at 9:00 am the first Friday of each month, are free and open to any and all nonprofit professionals and volunteers interested in fundraising and development issues (EDs, DDs, development staff, volunteer leaders, consultants, etc.). Participants will come away with a greater understanding of the topic at hand and connections to nonprofit peers who share similar interests and concerns.
How do you support foreign-born students and bring immigration into the classroom? Participants will learn how to empower immigrant students, create more welcoming classrooms and center the immigrant voice across the curriculum in the free virtual conference, 2023 Immigrant Student Success: Strategies and Tools for K-12 and Adult Educators, on July 11 and 12.
Hosted by The Immigrant Learning Center’s Public Education Institute with generous support from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, this virtual conference features experts from across the nation.
The 2023 Immigrant Student Success virtual conference is free of charge but you must register to participate. Certificates of completion available by request. This virtual conference is for K-12 and adult educators, administrators, counselors, volunteers and librarians. Learn more and register here: https://www.ilctr.org/promoting-immigrants-2/immigrant-student-success-conference-2023/
More than three years after an unprecedented period of challenge for nonprofit organizations began with the COVID-19 pandemic, what do individual and institutional donors need to know about how nonprofits are faring today, how they are experiencing funders, and what big challenges they face? Was 2020 a watershed year, leading to permanent shifts in how funders interact with nonprofits or just a blip? Is trust in nonprofits increasing, and are funders continuing to streamline processes and provide more unrestricted support? What is the financial condition of nonprofits today, as they face rising costs and an uncertain economy? This webinar will feature new CEP research exploring these, and related, questions including the connection between funding practices and nonprofit staffing challenges. This webinar is aimed at both grant-makers and individual donors seeking to support nonprofits effectively.
Moderator: Elisha Smith Arrillaga, Vice President, Research, CEP
Christina Im, Analyst, Research, CEP
Katarina Malmgren, Associate Manager, Research, CEP
Shaheer Mustafa, President & CEO, HopeWell
Brenda Solorzano, CEO, Headwaters Foundation
This event is co-sponsored by Philanthropy New York.
State of Nonprofits 2023: What Funders Need to Know is a report of CEP’s Nonprofit Voice Project.
How do you support foreign-born students and bring immigration into the classroom? Participants will learn how to empower immigrant students, create more welcoming classrooms and center the immigrant voice across the curriculum in the free virtual conference, 2023 Immigrant Student Success: Strategies and Tools for K-12 and Adult Educators, on July 11 and 12.
Hosted by The Immigrant Learning Center’s Public Education Institute with generous support from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, this virtual conference features experts from across the nation.
The 2023 Immigrant Student Success virtual conference is free of charge but you must register to participate. Certificates of completion available by request. This virtual conference is for K-12 and adult educators, administrators, counselors, volunteers and librarians. Learn more and register here: https://www.ilctr.org/promoting-immigrants-2/immigrant-student-success-conference-2023/
This July, we’re celebrating more than our nation’s independence. We’re also celebrating unprecedented data freedom for all nonprofit fundraisers in Massachusetts, thanks to impala.
impala is a groundbreaking new online platform that provides free access to the nearly 3 million profiles of every grantmaker and grantseeker in the US: grants given & received, impact, people, financials and much more.
Join us on July 12th, from 11am-12pm ET, for a virtual celebration of impala’s early progress and to learn more about how your nonprofit can benefit:
Learn how you and your colleagues can register in just 2 minutes
See how you can use impala to tell your story and get discovered by funders
Find out how to build smarter prospect lists of funders who are more likely to support you
In partnership with Philanthropy Massachusetts, impala is providing free, premium access to its platform for all MA nonprofits, for 24 months, with grant support provided by the Barr Foundation and The Boston Foundation.
We are on a mission to create a level playing field for data, and believe that neither your background, your resources nor your location should determine whether you can access the data, insights, and relationships that your nonprofit needs to succeed.
In under 6 months, over 1,000 nonprofit fundraisers in Massachusetts have joined the platform, but we know barriers to access remain, which is why we need your help. Join this webinar to get connected on impala and invite a colleague (or two) so they can do the same.
Essential data for grantseekers has never been more accessible and actionable. Check out impala to see everything it has to offer!
Register Here
Special thanks to the incredible coalition of organizations co-hosting this virtual program:
Philanthropy Massachusetts, Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, TSNE, Boston Women’s Fund, Foundation for MetroWest, The Boston Foundation, UTEC, and Jacob’s Pillow.
Can you imagine how good it will feel to have the first draft of your appeal finished at the beginning of September instead of rushing it out the door at the last minute?
Join expert fundraising coach and trainer, Jenn Hayslett to get a jump on your appeal before the fall year-end crunch.
This two-part lively and hands-on series of workshops will give you everything you need to plan your appeal in July so you are ready to rock and roll with your letter in the fall.
Annual appeal letters are still an important part of the nonprofit fundraising equation – and all too often they are thrown together hastily because you are just too busy in the fall to get it done well. Now there is an answer – the Annual Appeal Jam Sessions! You will start your plan in July and finish your draft in early September.
Join the Jam Sessions to learn tricks and tips to significantly increase your letter’s success rate by learning to speak directly to your reader using personalization, storytelling, imagery, and direct requests.
These are interactive sessions. Please come ready to participate with your screen on. When you sign up, you will receive some pre-work to do before the first workshop that will take you approximately 1 hour to complete.
In advance of the second workshop, you will be writing a first-draft of your appeal letter and will share it with the instructor to receive expert feedback.
Session 1 – July 13 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Fall Appeal Jam – Starting Your Appeal
This session will help you get your appeal in the mail ON TIME and avoid the classic Annual Appeal SNAFUs!
In this workshop you will:
-Articulate your fall appeal messaging and theme with a focus on impact.
-Practice telling a story to be incorporated into your appeal.
-Clarify your audiences and segmentations.
-Map out your fall appeal timeline.
-Receive instructions and guidelines for writing your first draft.
You will leave with a plan and outline for your fall appeal so you are ready to rock your first draft.
Every year, MNN hosts Regional Meetings in regions around Massachusetts. The meetings bring together nonprofits from all subsectors to network, share best practices, and collaborate on issues important to the sector.
We’d love to have you join us for the 2023 Berkshires Regional Meeting, taking place on July 25 at 11 AM. The 2023 MNN regional meetings will cover policy updates of importance to the sector, review MNN services and programs, and will include time for networking for attendees to share best practices and to begin collaborating on issues important to the health of the sector and their regions. We hope that the conversations that emerge both within and after these meetings will help us become stronger together.
Regional Meetings are free and open to all nonprofits.
This Regional Meeting is sponsored by the Massachusetts CORE Plan.
When: Tuesday, July 25, 2023, 11 AM-12 PM, followed by lunch
Where: Ventfort Hall
104 Walker St
Lenox, MA 01240
MNN is pleased to announce a new, members-only series called the Nonprofit Strategies Forum. The Forum will provide an opportunity for members to connect, network, and share knowledge on important challenges and opportunities facing nonprofits across Massachusetts.
Each session will focus on a single topic and will take place in an interactive Zoom meeting format. It will include brief presentations followed by moderated discussion; we will reserve an hour, but aim to keep the content to 45 minutes. Forum sessions are open to all employees of MNN-member nonprofits.
The first Nonprofit Strategies Forum will be held on July 26 at 11 AM. It will focus on workforce development, an area of opportunity and challenge for nearly all nonprofits. Potential topics to be covered in the session include staff recruitment, retention, and talent development strategies. To attend, just sign up here. Going forward, we aim to hold Forum sessions every few months.
The Young Professionals’ Committee is hosting the 11th annual summer event, Stories from the Gut. This fun filled event brings together young professionals, friends, and family for an energetic and inspirational night of fun to support the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Join us on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, from 6:30-10:00 PM at Castle Island Brewing, South Boston.
At the event we will be honoring Dr. Bharati Kochar MD, MS, 2023 Rising Healthcare Leader in IBD, and Jamie Horrigan, 2023 Rising Community Leader in IBD, for their impact on the IBD community.
Enjoy live music, food and fun! Purchase your tickets today!
Tickets for Stories from the Gut-
$60 Ticket from 6/16-7/21
$75 Ticket from 7/22-8/1
$80 Ticket at the door
General Admission Ticket includes 2 drink tickets and food.
You know that giving pie chart? The one that shows the percentages each year of giving from individuals, corporations, and foundations? The newest chart will be one of the data sets that will be hot-off-the presses when Giving USA releases its 2023 Annual Report this summer. Join the Philanthropy MA staff for an overview of the report findings, which detail the sources and uses of charitable donations, and learn about some local funder trends as well.
Fundraising Fridays are monthly hour-long “coffee talks” facilitated by thought leaders from the social sector. These discussion groups, held at 9:00 am the first Friday of each month, are free and open to any and all nonprofit professionals and volunteers interested in fundraising and development issues (EDs, DDs, development staff, volunteer leaders, consultants, etc.). Participants will come away with a greater understanding of the topic at hand and connections to nonprofit peers who share similar interests and concerns.
The Nonprofit Wellness Check is a two-part program. You may apply to attend one or both parts:
1:30 PM-2:30 PM: One-hour presentation on good governance and legal compliance.
2:30 PM-4 PM: Private consultation* with volunteer attorneys.
Presenter: Shifrah Halevi, Lawyers Clearinghouse
*PLEASE NOTE: Consultation slots are very limited and confirmed organizations are paired with specific volunteers a week in advance. If you are confirmed for a consultation, you will be expected to attend on 8/8 or to notify us of cancelation as soon as possible so we can bring in an organization off the waitlist.
This seminar will cover the basics of employment law for nonprofits and will answer questions such as:
– What constitutes an employee?
– What are the legal obligations of an employer?
– How do you minimize potential liabilities to protect your organization and employees?
Presenter: Christopher Kaczmarek, Littler Mendelson P.C.
With more than 30,000 nonprofits in Massachusetts, competition for funding is high. How does one get a leg up? This introductory program is ideal for fundraisers who are new to the grants process or who would like to brush up their skills. Topics covered will include determining if your organization is grant-ready; key databases and resources; locating RFPs; and best practices for approaching foundations. We will also provide a brief tutorial in the Pro Level of the Foundation Directory Online and in the new impala search engine.
Celebrate the season with your Sentinel friends at River Bar for a night of cocktails and conversations!
Please join Sentinel Benefits & Financial Group for our Summer Social. Stop by the River Bar at Assembly Row anytime between 5:30pm and 8:30pm for:
- Live entertainment
- Light bites and refreshing beverages
- Networking with peers and connecting with your Sentinel team!
Don’t miss out, register below!
Can you imagine how good it will feel to have the first draft of your appeal finished at the beginning of September instead of rushing it out the door at the last minute?
Join expert fundraising coach and trainer, Jenn Hayslett to get a jump on your appeal before the fall year-end crunch.
This two-part lively and hands-on series of workshops will give you everything you need to plan your appeal in July so you are ready to rock and roll with your letter in the fall.
Annual appeal letters are still an important part of the nonprofit fundraising equation – and all too often they are thrown together hastily because you are just too busy in the fall to get it done well. Now there is an answer – the Annual Appeal Jam Sessions! You will start your plan in July and finish your draft in early September.
Join the Jam Sessions to learn tricks and tips to significantly increase your letter’s success rate by learning to speak directly to your reader using personalization, storytelling, imagery, and direct requests.
These are interactive sessions. Please come ready to participate with your screen on. When you sign up, you will receive some pre-work to do before the first workshop that will take you approximately 1 hour to complete.
In advance of the second workshop, you will be writing a first-draft of your appeal letter and will share it with the instructor to receive expert feedback.
Session 2 – September 14 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Fall Appeal Jam – Rocking your First Draft
Learn how to bring your appeal letter to the next level with personalized feedback on your letter from the instructor and your peers.
In this workshop you will:
-Receive personalized feedback from a seasoned fundraising coach.
-Share the first draft of your fundraising appeal and practice giving and receiving feedback in a supportive environment.
-Use the Effective Appeal Checklist to improve readability and fundraising effectiveness.
-Focus on making a compelling case that shares your organization’s impact.
-Finalize your plan for future revisions, personalization, design, and production.
You will leave with feedback and suggested revisions on your first draft to raise more money for your organization.
What happens when your DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging) efforts become stagnant or ineffective? At the height of the pandemic, a nonprofit organization in Western NY found itself in this very position. Join our zoominar to hear more about the organization’s trauma-informed training journey, the outcomes, and the benefits of becoming trauma aware in the space of DEIB. This approach is truly eye-opening.
About the Speaker
Susan Bull is the President and CEO of Arbor Housing and Development, whose mission is to enhance the quality of life in communities by building independence and creating housing options. Susan has been in her current role since July 2021, and for two years prior, she served as Arbor’s Chief Operations Officer. She has held senior leadership positions for over two decades in nonprofit organizations with a heart for serving vulnerable populations as her motivation. Prior to her current role, she held positions of Executive Director at Allegany County United Way and Ready, Set, Grow Child Care; Director of Child Care Services at ACCORD Corporation, and Nonprofit Leadership Consultant. Susan serves as a board member on the boards of The Institute for Human Services, Three Rivers Development, Chemung County Community Services, Steuben County Homeless Housing Task Force, and NYS Continuum of Care.
Susan took a non-traditional path to what she defines as success by serving in the US Army active duty for five years, later earning a bachelor’s degree in Community and Human Services, and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. Susan’s commitment to ethical governance, sound program administration, and care for people is evidenced in her leadership and service to the community.
Join Women in Development for a panel discussion on calendar-year-end giving and how to incorporate your strategy into your annual fundraising plan. Afterwards, workshop solutions for your own calendar-year-end challenges in breakout groups with the panelists. There will also be time to network and socialize with colleagues over snacks and drinks!
Anticipated takeaways:
Learn how other nonprofit organizations of differing sizes and missions approach calendar-year-end strategy.
Gain ideas and strategies for how to maximize donor acquisition and retention.
Get tips on how you can pivot your ask when your donors are unable to make their typical calendar-year-end gift (volunteer opportunities, planned giving, stewardship).
Brainstorm solutions in breakout groups to calendar-year-end challenges specific to your organization.
Moderator: Carly Renshaw, Senior Director, CCS Fundraising
Panelists
Alisha Elliott, Director of Advancement, The Commonwealth School
Kim Mougenel, Senior Director of Annual Giving, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute & the Jimmy Fund
Anne Van Vleck, Chief Development Officer, Housing Assistance Corporation
This criminal records training is intended for nonprofits whose staff are involved with counseling or offering services in the community to individuals who may have criminal records. It will address the following:
– What exactly is a criminal record in Massachusetts? Who has the data? Who gets access to the data?
– How can a nonprofit help a client reduce the barriers posed by criminal records?
– What is the process to seal a CORI? Can I refer my client to free legal resources for sealing?
– What rights do individuals with a sealed CORI have when they are applying for a job? Housing?
– What is the process to expunge a charge on a CORI? Are there free legal resources?
– What are the concerns for an individual with a CORI who has an immigration issue?
Presenter: Crispin Birnbaum, Access to Justice Fellow
In today’s ever-changing economic landscape, nonprofit leaders and financial managers will be facing new challenges during the upcoming budget season. In this webinar, we’ll identify current economic trends and share budget strategies to help steer nonprofits toward financial stability.
