Nonprofit Organizations
Center for Nonprofit Excellence
The Center provides a range of resources and services to strengthen nonprofit organizations in our region.
We offer services and resources to help the staff, board and volunteers of nonprofits think strategically, govern effectively and operate efficiently. The Center for Nonprofit Excellence is overseen by an advisory board made up of experts and community leaders in nonprofit management. For more information on the Center for Nonprofit Excellence and any of the programs described below, contact Hilary Dunne Ferrone at 413.528.8039 or hilary@berkshiretaconic.org.
Seminars for Nonprofit Excellence
We offer high-quality affordable workshops to help board and staff members achieve greater skills in all areas of nonprofit management and operations. Seminar topics range from board development to website design, from strategic planning to filing for tax-exempt status.
2008 Seminars: Descriptions, Schedule, Registration
2007 seminar catalog
Handouts from previous seminars"Stronger Futures" Capacity Building Program
Starting in 2008, the Center will offer a two-year program in capacity building led by the national consulting firm TCC Group. Ten local nonprofit groups will be selected to participate through a competitive process. The program will offer detailed self-assessment of operations and governance, one-on-one contact with the consultants to develop a capacity plan, coaching and three intensive training sessions each year.Competitive Grant Opportunities
Many of our funds provide competitive grants to nonprofit organizations. more>>Networking Opportunities
The Center hosts brown-bag lunches several times a year to give nonprofit staff members opportunities to meet their colleagues and exchange ideas.Library
The Center for Nonprofit Excellence offers free public access to grantmaker directories, books on fundraising and nonprofit management, the Chronicle of Philanthropy and other sources of information.
We also provide access to the Foundation Center’s electronic database, the Foundation Directory Online. You can search the database to find funding sources nationwide; it includes profiles of all active U.S. foundations. To make an appointment to use the database, call Pat Salvi at 413.528.8039.Consultation
We are happy to provide informal phone consultations or meet with you to provide referrals to community resources, recommend grant opportunities and reference materials, or provide sample materials or documents.Technical Assistance
Nonprofit organizations often recognize the need for specialized help to fulfill their mission but are not sure how to locate it. We can help you identify consultants and technical assistance providers in a range of areas.