Last week, we gathered to explore the future of nonprofit work and the takeaway was clear: AI is a powerful tool for our community. We owe a big round of thanks to Rich Vaden, Digital Navigator at United Way, for demystifying the tech and showing us how to save time while doing more good work.

Missed a note during the session? No worries. Rich has shared his complete slide deck so you can review the framework and tips at your own pace. Here you go: AI for Nonprofits March 2026

Last week's favorite click

March 20th Webinar: Health Coverage at Risk: What new federal rules mean for western Massachusetts

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Community Resilience Grants 2026

Attention nonprofits! Does your organization provide direct services to individuals and families? The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts has announced that applications are now open for Community Resilience Grants. This new grant initiative provides urgent, flexible support to frontline organizations throughout our region in the form of a one-time grant of up to $50,000.

Applications close April 9th

How to Run a Drive: From idea to impact

Have you ever wanted to collect food, diapers, or supplies for a local organization but weren't sure where to start? Join the UMass Amherst Community Campaign (UMACC) for How to Run a Drive: From Idea to Impact; - a panel discussion with people experienced in running diaper drives (United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region), food drives (Amherst Survival Center), and emergency response drives (UMass member of the Olympia Fire response team). The panelists will walk you through the process from start to finish and discuss the important role community members can play in addressing critical community needs. Don't miss this March 26th event!

March 26th event flyer

Now the Massachusetts Council of Nonprofits

Leadership at the former Massachusetts Nonprofit Network are excited to officially announce that the organization is now the Massachusetts Council of Nonprofits (MCN)! This new name is intended to emphasize MCN’s role as a full-service organization that works for nonprofits on multiple fronts, including advocacy, programming, services and communications. All of that work will continue – and grow – in the months and years ahead.

Get all the details here

Hampshire County Housing Forum

Join Way Finders on March 25th for the Hampshire County Housing Conversation – a regional conversation about where we are, what the data tells us, and how we move forward together. The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) is leading the update of the Pioneer Valley Regional Housing Plan to help communities in Hampden and Hampshire Counties address today’s housing challenges and plan for long term housing needs. This event will serve as the public kickoff of that effort.

Learn more and register

System for Award Management changes

The General Services Administration has proposed significant changes to the System for Award Management (SAM), the online portal nonprofits, state and local governments, and other entities use to do business with the federal government. Organizations have until March 30th to submit public comments about the proposed changes. If implemented, the changes would directly impact nonprofits and other entities that apply for or receive federal financial assistance, including grants, loans, and direct appropriations. The proposed changes would require all applicants and recipients of federal financial assistance to sign new certifications under penalty of criminal and civil law. However the proposed guidelines are vague, making compliance challenging.

Read The NonProfit Times story

Community Representative Elections!

Community Action Pioneer Valley has open voting for its board elections from now through March 20th. The CAPV Board of Directors is special. Several seats on the board are saved for people who have lived experience of poverty. CAPV has a great group of candidates with lots of experience and good ideas! In order to vote, YOU must be living with a low income. CAPV provides a chart you can check to see if your income qualifies you to vote in this election. Find out more and cast your vote on their website

Cast your vote by March 20th!