Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires

General programs: the Nonprofit Center provides over two dozen free and low-cost programs and services for nonprofits including workshops, referrals, coaching, research, publications, advocacy and networking events.

Giving guide: a printed publication designed to connect nonprofits with would-be donors and volunteers. All 1,000 nonprofits in berkshire county are listed free in the directory by category. Nonprofits that elect to have full page profiles pay 150-200 for the extra exposure. the guide is used by schools and camps to facilitate community service projects for students, by giving circles to identify charities to donate to, and by organizations such as elder services to place seniors in Nonprofit workplaces. Thanks to our sponsors and advertisers, 15,000 copies of the giving guide were distributed free in partnership with the berkshire eagle.

Awards breakfast: an annual celebratory awards program to recognize and encourage individuals who work tirelessly to serve the berkshire county community. Nominations are solicited from across the Berkshires in seven categories. Honorees are selected by a committee of business, Nonprofit and civic leaders. Sponsorships are solicited from local and regional busineses and foundations to fund the event.

Philanthropy in the schools: a philanthropy curriculum in local middle schools and high schools was launched with a spring 2020 pilot program. Customized lesson structures that tie into core curriculum requirements are supported by teachers and administrators. Students use the npc giving back guide as a tool to identify nonprofits to assist. In our model, each student is empowered with a stipend of 100 to give away, thus benefiting local nonprofits, especially as students explore how to leverage their gift to raise even more money for their chosen organization. Fiscal sponsorship: designation as model c, a pre-approved grant relationship. Npc accepts donations on behalf of the group that does not have its 501(c)(3) designation, and provides financial oversight until such time as they successfully get their designation. In exchange npc takes a commission for the administrative work involved, including receiving and depositing checks, writing thank you letters, issuing checks to the not-yet Nonprofit, and providing oversight. Workshops: the Nonprofit Center offers affordable educational workshops taught by local and regional experts. Resource directory: a comprehensive annual guide to every type of service used by nonprofits. the purpose of the directory is to save time for busy Nonprofit staff so they can spend more time on the mission. the book is mailed free to 400 nonprofits and widely shared online to the generosity of our underwriters and advertisers. Volunteer fairs connects nonprofits to people looking for community involvment. Fairs have been held in all parts of berkshire county, ma - usually in partnership with agencies like berkshire united way.