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Hello!
October is flying by and it’s been wonderful to see so many opportunities to connect across the MWNN community! From our Certificate cohort learning together to nonprofit and business leaders building new relationships, there’s a lot of good work and collaboration happening.
And there’s still so much ahead. Whether you’re looking for practical tools, fresh perspectives, or opportunities to connect with fellow difference makers, we hope you’ll find something supports you and your work!
With appreciation,
Leah
Leah Parker-Moldover
Executive Director
| | Connecting and Learning Together! | | |
On October 5th, MWNN partnered with the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce to host "Networking Across Sectors: Building Stronger Nonprofit-Business Connections." Held at Raymour & Flanigan in Natick, the event brought together community members and leaders from the nonprofit and business sectors for a morning of networking and learning.
We're grateful to our event partner, MetroWest Chamber of Commerce, for working with us and helping to build stronger connections between our sectors.
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Please note, we will not have Wednesday programming on
11/11 (Veterans Day) or 11/25 (before the Thanksgiving holiday).
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Wednesday 11/2
Noon-1 PM via Zoom
Most 1:1s start with good intentions and end as status updates. Join us as Dr. Nadia Butt helps us reclaim and make the most of that time!
We’ll look at what separates a check-in that manages work from one that develops people -- and why the difference us usually structure, not personality. You’ll leave with a simple framework for your next 1:1, a set of questions that open people up instead of closing them down, and one concrete change to make on Monday.
Learn more and register
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Wednesday 11/18
Noon-1 PM via Zoom
N.E.S.T. is the Nonprofit Exchange for Small Teams (formerly named the “Lone Rangers”), this group brings together nonprofit leaders from a diverse mix of volunteer led, single-staffed, and small-staffed organizations in a casual and supportive environment to share issues and exchange ideas. The result is a unique peer learning experience. It’s a perfect opportunity for you to ask questions, share information and strategies, network and support one another.
Learn more and register
| More Upcoming Events & Workshops | We hope you will join us for one of these special events or another upcoming program! Please reach out with any questions and program suggestions. | |
Budgeting Through Change -- Part Two
Contingency Budgeting Workshop
Wednesday 10/28 | 9 AM-1 PM | in person at the Sudbury Foundation
$100 ($65 for members)
Facilitated by Gregg Grenier, founder of GG Nonprofit Consulting, this workshop will provide foundational learning, real-world case studies, and hands-on exercises, participants will learn how to develop sound budget assumptions, assess financial risks, and create contingency plans for common challenges such as funding changes and rising costs. Participants will leave with practical tools they can use to strengthen and communicate about their organization's financial planning and decision-making.
Register for Part 2 today
(and receive access to the Part 1 recording of Building a Budget Than Can Adapt)
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Best Practices for Developing an Employee Handbook
Monday, November 2nd | 9 AM-12 PM
Greater Worcester Community Foundation
Join us for this FREE workshop! Employee handbooks are dynamic, "living" documents - they evolve over time with changes in the law, best practices and an organization's individual culture and strategic goals. They're also your organization's key communication tool - setting expectations for employees and describing what those employees can expect from your organization. Updating employee handbooks is a continuous process, and if you blink you might miss communicating critical change in the law or your company's policies. This session provides an overview of current handbook best practices, as well as discussion of recent changes in the law and key policies to include. This workshop is led by Kevin Joly of the Employers Association of the NorthEast and in partnership with the Nonprofit Support Center at Greater Worcester Community Foundation.
Learn more and register
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Listen Like a Mediator
Thursday, November 12th
Noon-2 PM | Virtual
$45 (free for members)
Conflict is easy to recognize, but helping people move through it is much harder. Mediators do this every day without giving advice, taking sides, or making judgments. So how do they help? They listen in a way that helps people feel heard. They validate emotions, demonstrate understanding, uncover the interests beneath people’s positions, and support parties to identify creative solutions.
In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn the core communication skills mediators use every day and discover how to Listen Like a Mediator in your own work and relationships. Presented by the MetroWest Mediation team.
Learn more and register
| SPECIAL EVENT - Join us November 17th! | |
How do we build communities where people feel connected, valued, and able to participate? And what role do nonprofits play in making that possible?
Join the MetroWest Nonprofit Network for a morning of coffee, conversation, and connection as we mark America’s 250th anniversary year. A panel of local voices from the nonprofit, civic engagement, and higher education communities will explore what we can learn from the past, what we hope to build for the future, and the everyday actions that can help move our communities forward.
We’ll reflect on what we’ve learned from where we’ve been, consider what we hope to build for the future, and talk about the everyday actions—big and small—that can help move our communities forward.
Learn more and register
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MWNN's new membership program is designed to make it easier for nonprofits across to connect, learn, access resources, and be part of a stronger nonprofit community.
We are so grateful for our early members who are helping us test, learn, and refine the membership experience. We’d love for you to be part of this first group! Visit us our membership page for more info or sign up here. And please email us anytime, if you have questions!
And please remember, our commitment to accessibility remains unchanged and MWNN’s core programs (including community Lunch & Learns, meet ups, our newsletter, and annual regional gathering) will continue to be available at no cost. Membership will help us build on that foundation with additional benefits, resources, and discounted programming for members.
| Community Events and Updates | | |
We are so lucky to live and work in such a vibrant region! Please check out the list of upcoming events and ways to get involved.
Have an event or resource to share? Please email info@metrowestnonprofit.org
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Still time to register!
Massachusetts Council of Nonprofits Annual Conference – October 21 from 8 AM to 3:45 PM - Register Here
Join the Massachusetts Council of Nonprofits for one of the largest gatherings of nonprofit professionals in the state on Wednesday, October 21, at the DCU Center in Worcester.
The Massachusetts Council of Nonprofits’ 2026 Annual Conference is one of the largest gatherings of nonprofit professionals in the state. The day-long event will include a conversation with Congressman Jim McGovern, 25+ workshops and expert roundtables, networking opportunities, and the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards. As an attendee, you will have the opportunity to connect with hundreds of nonprofit and business professionals from across the state, and learn how these organizations have evolved, grown, and formed new and innovative strategies to meet the present moment.
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Guacs & Rocks:
Kindness Week Prep Party is THIS THURSDAY!
TONIGHT Thursday 10/15 at 7pm
First Congregational Church, Natick
Bring a friend or come by yourself, connect in community, and enjoy some chips & guac!
All are welcome! Questions? Email kindnessweek@sparkkindness.org
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Lawyers Clearinghouse has several upcoming workshops - click the links below to learn more and register.
- AI Policies for Nonprofits (Wednesday October 21st, 10-11 AM via Zoom Register)
- Intellectual Property Basics for Nonprofits (Wednesday October 28th, 1-2 PM via Zoom Register)
- Nonprofit Incorporation Workshop (Thursday November 5th, 4-6 PM via Zoom Register)
- CORI: What Nonprofits Need to Know to Help Their Clients (Monday November 9th, 2-3:30 PM via Zoom Register)
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Join a free grants webinar with Page Consulting!
Build a Stronger Grants Program
Strong grants programs don't happen by accident. They are built through thoughtful strategy, focused prospect research, clear communication, and practical systems that can withstand the inevitable changes every nonprofit experiences.
Page Consulting Free Grants Strategy Webinar Series is designed specifically for small nonprofits and explores each phase of building a sustainable grants program.
View the Free Webinar Series
Upcoming Free Webinars
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How to Find the Right Funders for Your Small Nonprofit (November 12, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM Register)
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How to Build a Clear, Fundable Case for Support (January 14, 2027 | 12:00–1:00 PM Register)
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How to Build Simple Systems to Sustain Your Grants Work (February 11, 2027 | 12:00–1:00 PM Register)
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On Nov 12th from 5:30-8 pm at GEMS @ The Arts, the MW Housing Coalition is hosting a film screening of a documentary titled, Beyond the Bridge, that explores innovative approaches to homeless across the country (flyer attached, RSVP here). Our goal is to bring together diverse stakeholders who may be interested in learning more about the housing crisis and exploring ways that we may be able to make impact locally.
The event is free and open to the public, with light refreshments provided. We are also encouraging attendees to bring a warm item to support MetroWest community members this winter.
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The Literacy Unlimited program is turning 40 years old this fall. In celebration of this milestone, we are hosting a 40th Anniversary Celebration at Nevins Hall in Framingham's Memorial Building on Thursday, November 19th from 6-8 PM.
This wonderful evening of celebration, connection, and community will feature live music, catered small bites, student and volunteer speakers, official recognitions from state and local representatives, and more.
Tickets are $40 each, and can be purchased at this link
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Your donation helps MWNN
expand training, resources,
and connection opportunities
to strengthen our
entire nonprofit community.
Thank you for your support!
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