Curated sessions for nonprofits, funders, and consultants begin in October.
Welcome to the first edition of the Nonprofit Resilience Network (NRN) Fall Newsletter!
What a powerful beginning. Thank you to the many nonprofit leaders, funders, and consultants who joined us—both in person at the SouthCoast Community Foundation’s Learning Center in New Bedford and virtually—for the launch of our shared vision: a strong, vibrant, and thriving nonprofit ecosystem through the NRN.
Your energy, ideas, and feedback are already shaping what’s ahead. Together, we are building the future of nonprofit resilience across the South Coast, and this is just the beginning.
Below you’ll find upcoming opportunities for nonprofits, funders, and consultants. All sessions are free and designed to strengthen our region’s nonprofit ecosystem. Registration is required.
Introducing the NRN Fall Learning Series
Professional development isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s essential to sustaining strong organizations.
For Nonprofit Leaders
The NRN Fall Learning Series was shaped directly by nonprofit feedback, with two immediate needs rising to the top: support for EDs/CEOs in working effectively with their boards, and tools to strengthen collaboration. These sessions address those urgent priorities while laying the groundwork for additional topics and resources that will follow, all designed to help leaders build resilient, forward-looking organizations.
Leading Boards: A Governance Series Exclusively for Executive Directors & CEOs
A five-part series to support Executive Directors and CEOs in strengthening governance partnerships, recruiting board members strategically, and fostering board accountability and relationships. Session one is in-person to foster trust and build a cohesive group; the remaining sessions are virtual, and all ensure you leave with applicable next steps. Space is limited to ensure peer connection, so early registration is encouraged.
Session 1 (In-person)
350 Union Street, New Bedford
Governance in Practice – October 21, 10:00–12:00 pm
Remaining sessions (Virtual, 10:00–11:30 am):
Session 2: Leading the Power Dynamic – November 4
Session 3: Recruiting for the Future – November 18
Session 4: Making Boards Strategic – December 2
Session 5: Accountability that Works – December 16
Building Strategic Collaborations: Webinar Series with Fio Partners
Collaboration is essential in today’s nonprofit landscape. This four-part webinar series is designed to help nonprofit leaders explore, envision, and engage in strategic alliances that expand impact, strengthen infrastructure, and ensure long-term sustainability. Each session builds on the last, with tools, real-world examples, and guided reflection provided by Fio Partners. You’ll leave with strategies and practical tools for identifying potential partners, exploring options, and moving from vision to action.
All sessions are virtual, 10:00–11:00 am:
Session 1: Preparing to Partner – October 16
Session 2: Understanding the Options – November 20
Session 3: Envisioning the Partnership – December 18
Join members of SCCF’s executive leadership team and fellow nonprofit leaders for informal gatherings at our new NRN Learning Center (350 Union St., New Bedford). Use the links below to register for the gathering(s) you'd like to attend and to learn more.
These sessions are intentionally casual—no agenda, just conversation, connection, and input. Past participants have left with new partnerships, ideas, and energy.
Nonprofit Capacity Building with Resilia
As part of the SCCF’s commitment to capacity building, nonprofits now have free access to Resilia, a dynamic online platform designed to help organizations grow stronger and more resilient.
Through Resilia, nonprofits can:
Assess and strengthen organizational practices
Build internal capacity with staff and board
Share impact stories with funders
Nonprofit leaders interested in exploring Resilia must first attend an information session to learn how Resilia can support their organizations.
On September 4th, 30 development professionals gathered in the NRN Learning Center for the relaunch of the Development Peer Network. This group provides a dedicated space for fundraisers and advancement professionals across Southeastern Massachusetts to learn, share, and connect.
With input from attendees and survey respondents, we’re excited to continue building a peer-led community of professional fundraisers. Future meetings will take place every other month, focusing on strengthening connections and deepening knowledge of the fundraising profession.
If you—or a colleague in fundraising—would like to join, please add your name(s) to this interest form.
For Nonprofits, Funders, Consultants, and Trusted Advisors
New! Intro to the CAP® (Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy) Program
Join the SouthCoast Community Foundation for a 60-minute introductory session on the South Coast Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) program, offered in partnership with The American College of Financial Services.
CAP® is a nationally recognized designation, and is designed for funders, nonprofit leaders, consultants, attorneys, financial advisors, accountants, trust officers, and insurance professionals who want to strengthen their ability to guide donors and families in creating meaningful legacies.
This session provides an overview of the CAP® curriculum, explains how the South Coast study group works, highlight how special guest speakers bring the materials to life, and explains how the program can advance your career. Our second annual study group begins in the spring of 2026.
For Funders: Invested Together – A Gateway Cities Conversation
Hosted by the SouthCoast Community Foundation & Social Innovation Forum
Funders have a powerful role to play in shaping more equitable outcomes across Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities. Join us for a dynamic virtual event introducing funders to the unique funding landscape of the South Coast. Together, we’ll explore strategies for investing in Gateway Cities and working collectively to create meaningful impact.
Consultants are essential to the success of nonprofits and that’s why we’re proud to share the New England Nonprofit Consultant Directory. Consultants can add their expertise to the Directory, and nonprofits can use it to discover the right partners.
Consultants:
Add Your Name so nonprofits can learn about your expertise and view your profile
Discover and connect with other consultants in relevant fields
Explore our curated nonprofit resources anytime at southcoastcf.org/learn/nrn — your one-stop hub for tools, insights, and opportunities. We’ll continue to post new offerings and updates as they arise. Stay tuned for the relaunch of the NRN webpage, which will feature a searchable resource library, comprehensive calendar, and more!
