This will be a virtual members meeting where we'll have plenty of time for announcements about your programs and upcoming events, and time to connect with other COSA members. We will facilitate an informal conversation about how things are going with your organizations right now, and how COSA can be of support this year. If you have ideas for topics and presenters at monthly COSA meetings in 2025-26, we'd love to hear them! Looking forward to seeing you all soon.

Join us Tuesday, September 9th @ 10am-11am on Zoom

Meeting ID 846 3206 8634

Last week's favorite click

Craig's Doors is looking a new Executive Director!

Big thanks to our summer membership heroes!

Your support makes COSA possible all year long.

18 Degrees

Cooley Dickinson

The Literacy Project

UCP of Western Massachusetts

Community Foundation

of Western Massachusetts

United Way of the Franklin

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County is recruiting volunteers for their Lunch Buddies program, an in-school, site-based mentorship opportunity. A Lunch Buddy is a volunteer adult mentor and friend who has lunch once a week with a child during their school day. It is a weekly 30-minute commitment for the duration of the school year. You do not need to be an "expert" on working with youth; having an adult show up ready to engage and learn about them goes a long way for youth who may benefit from additional one-to-one attention.

Learn more about this opportunity

Forbes opening a new outdoor stage

Forbes Library in Northampton has announced the opening of the new Hess Performance Stage on the library’s west lawn. The library will be celebrating the new stage with a grand opening on Saturday, September 13th at 3 PM with an event featuring the O-Tones playing Swing, Blues, Soul, Motown, Latin, and R&B. The opening is free to the public.

Check it out!

MassDOT Transportation survey report released

In the summer of 2024, Way Finders partnered with MassINC Polling Group and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to study the impact of transportation on low-income households in the region. Over 1,600 Way Finders clients participated in the survey along with more than 600 additional residents of Hampden and Hampshire counties. Read the key findings about the burden of transportation costs, being stuck at home, and more.

Key findings plus in-depth date are here

HSF Signature Breakfast on Sep 30th

Nonprofit leaders know the best ideas are shared over breakfast. HSF is excited to welcome their community partner, Liberty Bank, as the featured guest at the next signature breakfast! They’ll be diving into important issues around banking in the nonprofit sector and addressing the challenges our organizations face today.

Full info is right here

MassBudget FOCUS2025 w-Dr. Miguel Cardona

MassBudget has announced that Dr. Miguel A. Cardona, the 12th US Secretary of Education, will be the FOCUS2025 Keynote Speaker! Federal funding cuts are imminent, the cost of living continues to climb to crisis levels, and community members fear what comes next. What does this mean for us as a state? Join policymakers, advocates, and community members for this exciting day as we discuss the current state of public policy, deepen relationships, and envision new possibilities for the future.

Reserve your seats for October 1st

Online application for Northampton 1-bdrm home

Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity builds homes in Hampshire and Franklin Counties with the help of dedicated volunteers and partner families. Being a Habitat homebuyer offers the chance to help build and learn about what goes on behind the walls of your own home – no prior construction experience necessary! – and own a home with an affordable mortgage. Applications are OPEN for a one-bedroom in Northampton. Please RSVP to attend an information session in person or on Zoom, or watch a recorded info session, before applying. DEADLINE TO APPLY IS OCT 21st.

Full information is available on Habitat's website