Connections JANUARY 2018 PDF

January 2018 | $14.
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connections
B E R K S H I R E N O N PRO FIT
Published by the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires
BERKSHIRE BACKYARD BOUNTY PHILANTHROPY SHARING SERVICES

This new nonprofit founded by Hannah Van Sickle interviews Erin Sullivan assesses the
Mark Lefenfeld and Jay Weintraub Robin McGraw of the Black interest of local nonprofits
harvests surplus food for those Rock Foundation Fund. “I surrounding the use of
in need. They have attracted 13 grew up in a family where shared services.
contributing farms, 31 homeowners I was given a lot and it was
with fruit trees, 39 gleaners, and 17 expected that we give a lot
distributors. back.”
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BERKSHIRE NONPROFIT CONNECTIONS
January 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
From The Editor . . . . . . . . . . . 3

ARTICLES
Welcome Letter From The Publisher . . . 5
Sharing Nonprofit Services . . . . . . 24
VOICES Nonprofit Benefits Survey Report
State Representative Smitty Pignatelli . . 6 Results Are In!. . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Berkshire County Development Alliance. 8 How to Attract Young Adults to

Your Nonprofit. . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Massachusetts Nonprofit Network . . . . 9
The Perfect Boy . . . . . . . . . . . 30
PROFILES GOOD ADVICE: KRIPALU: Five Tips for
Berkshire Backyard Bounty . . . . . . 10 Staying Healthy and Happy This Winter. . 32
The New Kid on the Block –

Berkshire Agricultural Ventures. . . . . 12
Hoosac Harvest . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Berkshire Interfaith Organizing. . . . . 16
NPC
NONPROFIT CENTER
OF THE BERKSHIRES
TOPICS
DEVELOPMENT: Acknowledging Source LIKE the Nonprofit Center of
of Donations with Soft Credits . . . . . 18 the Berkshires on Facebook
MARKETING: Your Annual Report: A FOLLOW us on Instagram
Storytelling Tool with a Shelf Life . . . . . 20 @npcberkshires
OUTREACH: Cultivating Business ON THE COVER:

Relationships Via Your Local Riiska Brook Orchard is tucked away on a pretty,
Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . 21 secluded spot in the southern Berkshire Hills
of Sandisfield. Bill and Barbara Riiska’s family
PHILANTHROPY: Robin McGraw . . . . 22 business boasts 2,500 semi-dwarf apple trees
with over ten varieties from which to choose. Visit
SOCIAL MEDIA: 5 Social Media Tips to Reach them at riiskabrookorchard.com.
Your Nonprofit’s Best Friends . . . . . 33 Photo: Richard B. Migot
NPCBERKSHIRES.ORG JAN UARY 2018 1

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LETTER
FROM THE EDITOR
that—in some shape or form—is
Nature transitions through the seasons beautifully. As the
days get shorter, and the weather turns colder, everything inextricably linked to the next.
under the sun—from foliage to foragers—makes the Finally, I would be remiss if I did
preparations necessary in order to avoid the proverbial not acknowledge that we’ve just
“feast or famine” that comes with the changing seasons. scratched at the surface of this
With nothing but a cursory glance, life in either of these important topic. As is our mission,
extremes appears to be the norm for most people. As we hope that readers— after
a result, balance in the modern world seems elusive. perusing the profiles and voices
Nonprofits are hardly exempt from this conundrum. While that spark their individual interest—will venture into the
the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas often community and make their own connections so that our
presents the greatest outpouring and support for the many hands will make light work of the important task at
roughly 30 food pantries and 13 meal sites throughout hand: coming together and finding balance.
Berkshire County, the weeks and months that follow are
Best,
often bleak. Balance, it would appear, is quickly becoming
a necessity.
In this issue, we undertake the topic of food—and, in Hannah Van Sickle, Editor
large part, food security. Nearly 12% of households in
Berkshire County, or roughly 1 out of every 8, are food
insecure—they do not know what their next meal will be or
where it will come from. Even more staggering is the fact
that 1 child out of every 3 in Berkshire County faces food
insecurity. How to mitigate the extremes, and effectively
find middle ground, presents real challenges. Your growth
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, as part of
needs a strategy.
their Coalition to End Hunger, launched a targeted media Let us guide you.
campaign aimed at erasing the stigma associated with
seeking food assistance; restoring social values and shared
responsibility; and providing vulnerable households with a
sense of self worth and dignity. The Massachusetts Healthy
Incentives Program (HIP) matches SNAP purchases of local
fruits and vegetables from farmers markets, farm stands,
mobile markets and farm share programs; and, from one
end of the County to the other, residents and community
members are joining forces to stock pantries, serve meals
and literally share the bounty with their neighbors in need. Human Resources Consulting
in the Berkshires & Beyond
As always, our stories are rife with connections. The amount
of crossover among the four nonprofits we profile in this
issue is huge. That Backyard Bounty of the Berkshires, our
“New Kid on the Block,” is providing the bulk of the fruit
for the Thanksgiving Angels’ monumental pie effort while
simultaneously looking to acquire refrigerated storage
space through the help of Berkshire Agricultural Ventures
is no coincidence: we live in an area where, if one pulls
HIGH PEAK PARTNERS
on a single string, the likely result is a fistful of threads

From the PUBLISHER Berkshire Nonprofit
Liana Toscanini, Executive Director
Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires
connections
I’ve always complained about PUBLISHER
having a birthday in early Nonprofit Center of the B erkshires
January. The holidays are EDITOR
over and people are just plain Hannah Van Sickle
par tied-out. Planning my
birthday dinner starts with the CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
snow forecast. Ugh! This year, Allison Bedard, CPA
however, I have something Julia Dixon
to look for ward to – the Nichole Dupont
second issue of Connections Kripalu
Magazine you now hold in Ellen Lahr
your hands. MA Nonprofit Network
Mary Nash
Editor Hannah Van Sickle
1berkshire
continues to write beautifully about nonprofit work, with
Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce
a talent for storytelling that warms our hearts, even in the
coldest months of the year. Dawn Stanyon
Erin Sullivan
The local food movement is experiencing huge momentum.
Williamstown Chamber of Commerce
A recent visit to a pre-holiday farmer’s market attended by
1200 people confirmed that our profiles of farms and food COLUMNISTS
distribution organizations are timely and relevant. More Rep. Smitty Pignatelli
importantly, our county’s work to combat food insecurity Lo Sottile
is moving swiftly in a positive direction. And while we Leah Thompson
celebrate these laudable efforts, we also acknowledge PROOFREADERS
there is so much more to be done. Jo Grossman
To that point, I’m particularly pleased with this issue’s Rachel Louchen
wealth of practical advice for nonprofits. Every one of GRAPHIC DESIGN
our contributing writers, whether consultant, professional Tina Sotis
writer, or volunteer, advocates for nonprofits on a daily
DISTRIBUTION
basis. And that is something to acknowledge, along
Mary Vasquez Slack
with the generous support of our local businesses whose
Richard Migot
advertisements make it possible to produce 1,000 copies
of this magazine for our community. PRINTER
Qualit y Printing
Speaking of birthdays, the Nonprofit Center of the
A por tion of the printing of this publication is
Berkshires will soon be two years old. Like a toddler
under writ ten by Qualprint, Pit ts field, M A
running as fast as she can away from her parents, the NPC
qualprint.com
is also experiencing a certain gleeful growth spurt. But
just like the local food movement, there is so much more
to be done to increase the health of Berkshire County’s NPC
NONPROFIT CENTER
nonprofit sector. OF THE BERKSHIRES
Berkshire nonprofits want more opportunities to network Berkshire Nonprofit CONNECTIONS is published
and collaborate, to share resources, and to work more twice yearly in January and July by the Nonprofit
efficiently. 2018 promises to be a busy new year for the Center of the Berkshires, 40 Railroad Street, Suite
NPC as we honor those requests to the best of our ability. 10, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Subscribe online at
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far. Happy New Year to all. office, and on select newsstands for $14.95

VOICES:
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
SMITTY PIGNATELLI
Pignatelli Brings Berkshire Perspective
to Environment Committee
In late September I was able to stronger together instead of losing
join Barbara Zheutlin of Berkshire out through competition.
Grown at the Great Barrington
The 2014 Sustainable Berkshires
Farmers M arket to suppor t the
Plan showed that the demand for
Healthy Incentives Program (HIP).
fresh vegetables in the Berkshires
Jointly funded by a grant from the
was twice as high as the supply;
U.S. Depar tment of Agriculture
(USDA) and a line-item in this year’s the demand for fruits was almost
budget, HIP benefits both local four times as high as what was
farmers and low-income families. available. This proved that the
SNAP recipients are encouraged right path to connect farmers with
to purchase locally grown produce demand still didn’t exist. With more
from participating outlets and HIP than $20 0,0 0 0 receive d from
I enjoy being from the Berkshires. matches their purchase dollar for the USDA, the Collective plans to
We are unique from the rest of dollar, up to $80 a month depending gauge the challenges and needs
Massachusetts, and I take great pride on household size. Although it only of each individual farmers’ market
in the sense of community we’ve began in April, the program has and provide a resource through
continued to foster. Whatever our distributed $1.5 million in incentives, which market managers can share
internal challenges may be, we have helped over 300 farms and markets, their knowledge and information to
risen to every occasion and been and assisted 30,000 of the 440,000 better meet existing demand. This
vocal in the advocacy of our needs families currently enrolled in SNAP. project is quite literally all about
and our potential. I’m humbled by As HIP’s funding is unfortunately set collaboration, and I’m excited to
the work our region does to address to end in March 2020, my colleague, see where it will go.
problems locally, and I have always Representative Paul Mark of the 2nd
I believe both these examples
been proud to represent our interests Berkshire District, has filed H.2131
highlight the wonders of what can
at the state level. which would direct the Department
happen when local initiatives —
Earlier this year, I was tapped to be of Agriculture to run such a program focused on fostering dialogues
House Chair of the Joint Committee in perpetuity. I’m proud to relay that and finding solutions within their
on Environment, Natural Resources the bill was given a favorable report
communities—are recognized and
and Agriculture. The information by my Committee.
supported by their state and federal
I’ve taken in from meetings, site Similarly, the Berkshire Regional
governments. Af ter 15 years as
visits, tours, and public hearings P l a n n i n g C o m m i s s i o n ( B R P C )
the state representative from the
has allowed me to more thoroughly has par tnered with the Berkshire
Berkshires, I am consistently inspired
explore Massachusetts’ approach to Alchemy Initiative and Berkshire
our environment and resources. I’ve Farm & Table to create the Berkshire by the work our region puts forward
learned of various collaborations Market Collective. The Collective, to highlight our potential and to
between local organizations funded funded by the USDA’s 2017 Farmers build a better County; I’m thrilled
by state and federal governments Market Promotion Program grant, that my position as Environment
that innovatively assess regional aims to link the 20 independent Chair will allow me to remain
levels of need and lift local farmers, farmers’ markets currently existing close to my roots as the Berkshire
two of which are being implemented in the Berkshires and to provide agriculture sector continues to move
right here at home. them the oppor tunit y to grow forward.
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VOICES:
BERKSHIRE COUNTY
DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE
By Lo Sottile and Leah Thompson upgrade my gift again to help that much habits. I know my small donations aren’t
more? I’m a fundraiser’s most exciting making a big dent in an issue, but I like
Lo Sottile and Leah Thompson co-chair challenge: Tell me a sappy story, and to think of my meager gifts as a token
the Berkshire County Development I’ll be a regular contributor in no time. of encouragement.
Alliance (BCDA), an informal group of
But you have to keep me connected. Catch me on social media. I receive
nonprofit professionals who represent
When I first saw a video about the so many solicitations in the mail and in
area organizations in a fundraising
Berkshire Natural Resources Council my inbox that I start to become numb
capacity. Members meet to share
High Road project, which will connect to the messages. Many of my gifts this
information and engage in meaningful
trails throughout the Berkshires, I teared past year, like to the ACLU and Stand
dialogue about advancement issues
up as the video drone panned out over with Standing Rock, were reactions to
affecting the industry.
our beautiful hills, helping me imagine a videos I saw while scrolling through my
Here’s a look at a recent discussion we 100% walkable region. A few days after Facebook newsfeed. I was outraged, I
had about what motivates us to give. my first donation, I had an email thanking gave, I encouraged my friends to give
Lo Sottile, Director of me for my support. Not two weeks later, I
(hopefully some did).
Development for had a message in my mailbox signed by
their President, celebrating all I’ve done You don’t actually have to ask me. Just
Berkshire Museum
to make their project possible. Even make it easy for me to give with a few
My donations are made spontaneously, clicks. These spontaneous gifts are
though my gift was small, they made me
and are almost entirely motivated by my reactions to news or social media. Once
feel like a true partner.
emotions, especially when I’m made to I decide I want to support a specific cause
feel hopeful about something personal Leah Thompson, Director or organization, I take to Google. Often
to my life. As a nonprofit administrator of Development for BART this plays out on my iPhone screen and
with student loans and lofty life-goals, Charter Public School so I am grateful when I find the mobile-
my home budget is (surprise) less than At 36 years old, I’m not technically friendly website of the organization I’m
stellar, and I don’t have much room for a millennial; I’m part of that middle searching for with an easily accessible
charitable giving. generation that doesn’t fit easily into mission statement and button to give.
So you have to pull at my heartstrings! a development or marketing plan. In These gifts land me on mailing lists and
I’m reminded immediately of a certain general, I like to support the agencies in often result in more gifts.
Senator’s recent presidential campaign, my community that are doing important
Emotional giving is real! Whatever your
and the highly targeted emails I received work and anything my friends are
message, make sure you’re putting it out
leading up to the election. It felt like he working on directly. That kind of support
there in a way that might snag a gift
was speaking directly to me, that I would is deliberate. Spontaneous giving for me
happens when I’m angry. When a news from both of us. Consider what drove
help him achieve our mutual goals once
story or event makes me viscerally upset, your last spontaneous gift.
he was in office. Part of me knew I was
being tricked into believing so deeply I feel a call to act and, because I can’t We’d love to meet you! If you are
in this personal connection, but the rest often do anything physically helpful, I a fundraising professional in the
of me wanted to grab onto the hope give. Berkshires and want to find your
these emails, this team, was helping me Unfairness gets me every time. If a law people to learn from and network with,
visualize. is passed that I feel hurts my LGBTQ please reach out. Visit our Facebook
Once you get me, I’m yours. Of course I friends, I’ll make a donation to the page at www.facebook.com/groups/
can give $2 if it means we can build and Human Rights Campaign. When I BerkshireDevelopmentAlliance. For
grow together. Absolutely, I will forgo heard about the plan to defund Planned more information or to become
my coffee today with another $4 to your Parenthood, you can bet I reacted a member of BCDA: lsot tile@
cause. You’re right; $10 is not a huge with a donation. I am emotional and b e r k s hir e mus e um.o r g / l e ah.
leap from my last donation. Why not reactionary when it comes to my giving thompson@bartcharter.org.
VOICES:
MASSACHUSETTS NONPROFIT
NETWORK
The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network is the only statewide Q: Have current events (i.e., things happening in the
organization dedicated to strengthening and supporting news that captures donors’ attention) influenced your
nonprofits from the Berkshires to Cape Cod. Below is strategies,and have you experienced “donor fatigue”?
an excerpt from our latest Commonwealth Insights
It's impossible not to be concerned about that. There are
publication, featuring fundraising advice from
some donors who are shifting their priorities and want to
Margaret Keller, Executive Director of Community
be sure that they're able to support those organizations that
Access to the Arts in Great Barrington.
are already losing in the current climate. However, at the
To join MNN as a member and get access to benefits such same time, because people are more alert and engaged
as networking, capacity building services, cost savings, and right now, I think that many people are looking for more
advocacy, visit www.massnonprofitnet.org/join. ways to make a difference, and I think that is what we need
Community Access to the Arts provides more than 1,000 right now and what we need always. You still have to let
visual and performing arts workshops for over 600 people your supporters know that you matter and that you have
with disabilities throughout Berkshire County every year. the power to make a difference. Show them how they can
Q: Have you noticed any trends and shifts in the change the world through your organization. I really do
philanthropic landscape, and do you have thoughts think that donors are more engaged and more committed
on what’s to come? than ever.
There's much more focus on how to connect with donors. I

see much more attention paid to effective storytelling and
how to use storytelling to connect to donors, as well monthly
giving and planned giving. Also, the way in which donors
give is certainly changing. I think giving via mobile devices
is really important for everyone to be acknowledging and
looking at in their own fundraising efforts.
Q: In your previous positions, you worked as a
professional grant writer and secured a great deal of
support from philanthropic foundations. What would
you suggest to an organization looking for more
foundation contacts and support?
The initial research one does on foundations can be a
little deceptive. It can seem like there's a lot of money out
there. I think you have to do a little deeper research and
really make sure that your mission matches a foundation’s
priorities as you craft an approach to it. Even then, getting
in the door can be hard. Reach out to program officers—
they can be your best resources and are tremendously
knowledgeable and helpful—and say something like,
“I see that your foundation has a very strong interest in
this problem or this issue. Would you be available for a
short conversation where I can share how we're making a
difference in addressing this problem?” If you can get a
personal introduction through a board member or mutual
colleague, that never hurts. Also, recognize that there is a
different timeline involved with foundations and that this
is not work that's going to result in an immediate payoff.

PROFILE:
BERKSHIRE BACKYARD BOUNTY
By Hannah Van Sickle co-founder Jay Weintraub, oversaw the gleaning of a
whopping 8,000 pounds of peaches, apples, pears and
“Timing is really important,” says Mark Lefenfeld on a quiet
fall morning in New Marlborough. Apple “drops” litter the grapes in their inaugural season. The genesis of the pair’s
grass where he stands, heavy with dew, rendering them nonprofit venture stemmed from what Weintraub calls a
largely unusable. At the top of a sloping hill, beneath blue “bumper crop” in 2015, and his own little orchard in Alford
skies and bright sunshine, he prepares for the task at hand. which generated a surplus of fruit that ended up going to
Eight waxed banana boxes, coveted for their durability, are waste. Elsewhere in the Berkshires, the pair noticed that
lined up alongside four wooden handled picking baskets large amounts of unpicked fresh fruit were falling to the
and matching four foot long handle extensions. Before ground and going to waste. Despite knowing “nothing about
long, the audible crunch of gravel announces the arrival of anything” in the orchard business, Weintraub and Lefenfeld
volunteers who slowly traverse the winding drive toward the met for lunch and hatched a plan to enlist the help of
day’s event: an apple glean. volunteers who might fuel their idea: to gather surplus fruit
and vegetables and deliver it to their neighbors in need.
Historically speaking, the Biblically-derived right to glean
the fields was reserved for the poor; in the modern world, In their first season, the focus at Backyard Bounty has been
gleaning is most often practiced by humanitarian groups on developing relationships. This has proven to be an
who distribute surplus food, that remains after the harvest, incredibly integral part of the process considering the chain
to those in need. Today, it takes neither a farmer nor a of events that has to occur for a complete and successful
glean: a viable homeowner must be enlisted, reliable
volunteers secured, trees effectively gleaned, and produce
quickly distributed. And Lefenfeld and Weintraub are still
fine-tuning the flow. The learning curve has been steep, and
Lefenfeld cites logistics—or “perfecting the process”—as
consuming most of their time and energy to date. “There
have been real bouts of inefficiency,” he says, “around issues
of timing, where and when to pick-up and drop-off produce.”
Their work, in large part, has been made possible by a
grant from the Green Pastures Fund of the Berkshire Taconic
Community Foundation. As luck would have it—or Mother
Nature, in this case—wildly unpredictable temperatures
in the spring of 2016 that all but thwarted the fruit crop,
resulted in harvesting efforts being put on hold for a season
due to lack of predictability—an issue that continues to
plague those in the proverbial business of cultivating fruit.
In the midst of the inaugural season, Backyard Bounty quickly
met its next obstacle: space. “We don’t have refrigerated
storage space [which] compresses the time we can hold onto
produce,” Lefenfeld explains. At present, they are making
use of extra storage space at their respective homes. This
makes for a time consuming and labor intensive process
Photo: Hannah Van Sickle that is largely inaccessible by third parties, an obstacle
that could be eradicated with a central location and cold
language enthusiast to glean that an apple tree laden
storage. “Distributors have been our biggest constraint,” says
with fruit might need to be—well, gleaned—in order to
Lefenfeld, citing the necessity of distributing gleaned produce
fully make use of the crop, residual or otherwise. It is this
in an efficient and timely fashion as being paramount. To
most practical sense of the word that propels the work of
date, South Congregational Church in Pittsfield has been
Backyard Bounty of the Berkshires, a nonprofit created in
their biggest recipient, using up to six crates of apples per
2015 and aimed at harvesting food for those in need.
week at the height of their Thanksgiving pie baking, thanks
“We’re rookies at this,” jokes Lefenfeld who, along with to ample cold storage at the Pittsfield church.
preserves. But not necessarily eating out of hand. “We knew
we had to convince people that ugly apples taste great,” says
Weintraub who, in addition to having accomplished this feat,
considers their first official year a success. As for Backyard
Bounty’s wishes going forward? “What would be nice is
some predictability from these pantries,” says Lefenfeld.
In the absence of a commitment from food pantries and
distribution sites as to how much produce they can move,
the entire process screeches to a halt. Which points to
precisely why this process is so frustrating: it is inherently
unpredictable. And so, for the moment, it is quite literally
Photo: Hannah Van Sickle feast or famine. At least that’s what I’m gleaning.
By the numbers, the nonprofit has attracted 39 individuals
to glean; 13 contributing farms; 17 different distributors;
and 31 homeowners who have fruit trees. These figures
Winter
Farmers
represent what Lefenfeld calls official registrants—those
who went through the very efficient process on the
nonprofit’s website—to become involved. In addition
to the high interest from individuals, Backyard Bounty
has reached out to area youth organizations—including
Greenagers, Railroad Street Youth Project and Project
GREAT BARRINGTON
Sprout—and the response has been overwhelmingly
Monument Valley Middle School
positive. “They feel good because they feel connected,” S AT U R D AY S 1 0 A M – 2 P M
says Weintraub. This type of tethering to the community
Jan 13, Feb 17
has been instrumental in the nonprofit’s inception.
According to Lefenfeld, Backyard Bounty is “effectively
riding the coattails,” of The Nutrition Center, an
established 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, that
serves as the fiscal sponsor and bypasses the need for
obtaining independent status—further evidence of the
pair’s affinity for collaboration. Additionally, Lefenfeld
and Weintraub are culling expertise and advice from an
informal Board of Directors, consisting of Peter Stanton
of The Nutrition Center; Barbara Zheutlin of Berkshire
Grown; and Andrew Morehouse of the Food Bank of
Western Massachusetts.
Back in New Marlborough, reality sets in. “This is
gonna be a rough sell,” says volunteer Paul Kaplan,
examining both the size and flavor of the diminutive,
golden apples clinging to the tree. “It’s a timing issue,”
he adds, noting that these apples were not quite ripe,
while another local property was already past its prime.
“They’re applesauce apples,” says Lefenfeld, before
offering a quick demonstration of the claw, pull, twist
motion needed to glean apples from high in the tree.
Three volunteers navigate the thick branches and make
quick work of stripping the tree of its bounty. “They’re
better than they look,” he adds of the ugly apples being
harvested, likening them to the boxes of Concord grapes
he had dropped off at Community Health Programs
with a note: Fresh grapes, tart, good for jelly, jams and

PROFILE:
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK:
BERKSHIRE AGRICULTURAL VENTURES
By Hannah Van Sickle to the region’s food security. The that provides farms and food businesses
organization’s co-founders, Joel support in the arenas of business
Cynthia Pansing plays heavily on an Millonzi and Neil Chrisman, pride development, technical assistance and
agrarian analogy despite the ostensibly themselves on offering targeted support financial support. Why? Because these
financial aim of Berkshire Agricultural to farms and food businesses. Pansing elements are imperative if a business
Ventures (BAV ), the burgeoning describes them as, “not only united is to thrive in today’s challenging
nonprofit organization where she sits at in their interests, but also devoted economic landscape.
the helm. “Seeds appear and we are stewards of the nonprofit sector in the Hosta Hill, a West Stockbridge
able to nurture them into a plant,” says region.” The pair has worked tirelessly based business committed to growing
the Executive Director of BAV who, a to build a local constituency to support and producing cultured foods—
scant year after filing for 501 (c) (3) status their mission, one that evolved from a from sauerkraut and kimchi to lacto
from the IRS, has already partnered with simple question: What could be more fermented hot sauce—is one such
22 farms and farm businesses in their important to our lives than what we eat recipient. Six years into their trendy and
five-county, three-state coverage area and to our environment than how we wildly successful business fermenting
as a means of fulfilling their mission: care for it? vegetables, Maddie Elling and Abe
in short, growing the future of food in
Chrisman and Millonzi’s partnership Hunrichs were pointed in the direction
our community through investment,
resources and collaboration. stems from a conversation that began of BAV for help with marketing. The
in the summer of 2009; according pair—who take pride in their bold,
“It’s a wonderful role to play,” gushes Chrisman, “[Joel and I] were musing on vibrant healing foods that are both
Pansing “[of the] fluidity and flexibility the fragility of our beautiful Berkshires local and sustainable—relies on the
to help grow a business as it moves and the pastoral life that surrounds yield from farmers in the region to
forward.” In short, BAV is taking a private us. We were aware of the struggle supplement what they grow in four acres
sector approach to increasing healthy farmers are having to make a go of it, on Division Street in Great Barrington.
food access to all and strengthening staying solvent and expanding in the On a late fall afternoon, I paid a
food security in the region. Their face of corporate food and farming visit to Hosta Hill where the morning
strategy? Investing in food producers— competition. We set out to diagnose the production was a blur—quite literally. A
and connecting farmers to consumers in most critical needs and we concluded trio of workers was making quick work
innovative and creative ways, that make that it was the need for capital, business of 300 pounds of local yellow onions,
fresh, healthy and local food available assistance and land at the start up part of what Hunrichs called, “a big slug
to more people. level.” This realization is what now forms of vegetables, all at once.” The nearly
The efforts of BAV are fundamental the backbone of BAV, an organization 800 pounds of Napa cabbage from
Photo: Erik Lewandowski
Atlas Farms in the Pioneer Valley was just a fraction of the
more than 30,000 pounds of regional produce—including
carrots, onions, garlic, peppers and radishes—accepted by
Hosta Hill within the week.
Just inside the door at their cramped quarters, the aftermath
is dizzying: dozens of 55 gallon drums, weighing in at 360
pounds each, fill the space. Each is packed with sauerkraut
in its most basic state, salted and shredded cabbage which,
“requires an anaerobic environment [and] can ferment
indefinitely,” according to Elling. The couple’s business
model, one focused on growing vegetables in alliance Photo: Hannah Van Sickle
with passionate farmers between the Hudson and Pioneer
Valleys, is not only building community but also resilient
food systems. “[We are] extremely grateful for the resources, Elling and Hunrichs are a part—causes the picture to become
support and funding Berkshire Ag Ventures provided to us,” quite clear: the efforts of BAV, an organization working on
says Maddie Elling. “We hit on a good niche product [but the ground and investing in food producers in our local
BAV] was instrumental in making connections and providing and regional communities, is doing the important work of
technical assistance and funding to support our growth. With connecting farmers to consumers via out-of-the-box thinking.
the help of BAV, we expanded our marketing strategy that, in Their effects can be far reaching, particularly with the prospect
turn, continues to strengthen our brand and business in the of new businesses like food hubs, regional processors and
region.” And remember that aforementioned slog of autumn commercial kitchens that stand to make fresh, healthy and
vegetables? Money being put back into the food economy local food available to more people.
that, for all intents and purposes, pays it forward both literally In the meantime, BAV provides access to practical,
and figuratively. non-traditional funding to help the region’s food businesses
“To invest in the food economy is invaluable,” says Pansing grow. On-farm projects range from season-extending
whose background in food access and food security spans strategies to land acquisition; off-farm projects range from
more than two decades. Although the field is balkanized with meat, dairy, and vegetable processing to automatic bottling
myriad organizations serving the locavore movement, BAV equipment. To complement their financing, BAV provides
is unique in its commitment to the region. By providing a wraparound technical support and educational programs
range of both immediate and long-term support to farms and that build capacity and teach new skills to entrepreneurs
food businesses, BAV is effectively building the regional food and business owners. These services run the gamut from
economy and providing greater access to fresh, healthy and labor recruitment and new entry training to marketing,
local food in a landscape rife with willing partners. In just branding and consumer relations. In short, BAV is addressing
946 square miles, the Berkshires boasts 525 farms on 61,656 infrastructure gaps—and filling voids that “prevent [farms
acres of farmland—making this region the third highest and food businesses] from doing the job they aim to do,”
producer in the state. Add to those numbers the fact that the says Pansing. It’s like seed capital that, inch by inch, will
Berkshires were deemed a National Food Destination by the connect clusters of ideas and move communities and the
New York Times and the onus of responsibility feels great. food economy forward.
“This is a really dynamic time for food economy,” says Pansing,

for whom food and farming are at the heart of both her
interest and experience. Hosta Hill is just one of many food
businesses on the ground in Berkshire County reaping the
benefits of this important work. In their first year of operation,
Berkshire Agricultural Ventures has provided support to Connect
Marty’s Local, LLC in Richmond; North Plain Farm in Great WINDY HILL FARM 3.375”W
Barrington; and Sky View Farm in Sheffield. At the core of each nursery • orchard • garden shop
of these success stories is a for-profit business, one with food
at its epicenter. This blending of not-for-profit and for-profit www.windyhillfarminc.com
businesses, and the realization that their coming together is 686 Stockbridge Road
often a necessity, must not be overlooked. The simple fact Great Barrington, Massachusetts 01230
that the price of living and doing business in the Berkshires is (413) 298-3217 • office@windyhillfarminc.com
slowly eclipsing locals—especially the under 30 set, of which

PROFILE:
HOOSAC HARVEST
By Hannah Van Sickle
decade ago. Their venture, Square Roots have access to locally grown, healthful,
Farm, is a nod to Gallagher’s stint as a and sustainably-produced food.
math teacher before turning his attention Traditionally, low-income families might
to farming full-time; while clever and a be eclipsed by CSA membership, a
bit humorous, this couple is no joke: as process which requires pre-payment,
they make quick work of setting up their in full, and constitutes taking a bit of
wares—from crates of butternut squash a gamble on a share in the season’s
and onions to piles of slender leeks, harvest. Enter Hoosac Harvest. The
leafy kale and more than half a dozen organization, seemingly miniscule in
varieties of garlic, their mission is clear: the big scheme of things, must not
to broaden the base of those involved in be overlooked. Their ability to offer
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subsidized CSA shares stems from an
by making shares both accessible and affiliation with Berkshire Grown which
affordable for all. serves as their fiscal sponsor. Berkshire
The couple crossed paths with Hoosac Grown’s “Share the Bounty” program,
Harvest while deep in the throes of now in its 15th year, has grown to include
looking for land on which to start their 19 farms, subsidizing not only CSA shares
farm. Hoosac Harvest was born—as an but also 14 Farm to Pantry Partnerships.
offshoot of Target Hunger, a community- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
wide project through the Food Bank of is a relationship between a farmer and
Western Massachusetts—by a dedicated community members who commit in
group of volunteers looking to increase advance of the growing season to
access to local, healthy food for all—in receiving a share of the farm’s harvest.
particular those individuals who would As a result, the CSA relationship is much
not be able to participate without some more than an economic exchange of
assistance. The mission of Hoosac cash for goods; it is a commitment to
Harvest supports community-initiated sustaining access to healthy, locally
ideas with the goal of getting fresh grown food in the community where it
produce to the people who need it most. will be enjoyed and eaten. Share the
How? Through subsidized CSA shares. Bounty strengthens the community in two
Sharon Wyrrick stands out as one ways: donations are used to purchase
individual who, along with Lee Venolia, fresh food from local farmers, which
“[emerged] from the larger group [and] supports local agriculture, helps to
met rigorously to brainstorm how to preserve open space, and strengthens
Michael Gallagher and Ashley Amsden structure an ongoing effort.” Wyrrick the local economy; then, produce is
are full-time farmers; they met as went on to start Many Forks Farm, based distributed to local food pantries where
apprentices on a farm in rural Vermont, in Clarksburg, in 2012 and was quickly it is used to feed our neighbors in need,
and they’ve settled in the Hoosac Valley added to the subsidized share roster; a which effectively supports partnerships
on 185 acres in Lanesboro purchased third farm, Wildstone Farm in Pownal, between farmers and food pantries.
from Berkshire Natural Resources Vermont, now rounds out the trio of According to Amsden, she and
Council. Their beautiful and diverse land farms offering income eligible families in Gallagher are “committed to reserving
runs the gamut from rich, rolling fields to north county subsidized shares through 20% of [their CSA] shares,” for Hoosac
steep, wet woods that stretch from a ridge Hoosac Harvest. Harvest; this year that translated to
above their brick farmhouse to the banks Hoosac Harvest, a nonprofit whose 12 shares. A share at Square Roots
of Cheshire Lake. I visited the couple on roots stretch back more than a decade, costs $550—which is prepaid by the
the final pick-up day for the season— is part of a network looking to address nonprofit—and serves as seed money for
marking the close of their eighth—with food security in the region; their vision the farmers to invest in their next season.
membership having swollen from 30 to includes a participatory food system in According to Amsden, Hoosac Harvest
60 shares since they began less than a which all members of the community has been instrumental in both recruiting
families who will have a successful experience and facilitating
the process. Wyrrick, of Many Forks Farm in Clarksburg,
clarifies the myriad perks of securing a subsidized share: “The
subsidized share member is getting a reduced price that they
can afford, the farmer is receiving full price for the share, and
the subsidized shareholder pays back to Hoosac Harvest the
portion of the full price that they are responsible for.” She
goes on to add, “Hoosac Harvest raises funds to pay the
farmers the full share price upfront, as is typical in a community
supported agriculture arrangement...while [each] individual or Photo: Hannah Van Sickle
family can structure a payment plan to pay the portion they are Sharon Wyrrick speaks passionately on the subject: “We, as
responsible for.” For many, this translates to the use of SNAP farmers, want to do what we can to help those in need, and
(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) funds to purchase are most grateful that we have routes to do so. The structure
a CSA share. Amsden speaks clearly and confidently, as one and relationship between the participating farms and Hoosac
proficient in such transactions. The total value of the season’s Harvest is a marvelous way to have participation in our CSAs
share is divided into monthly payments which are then paid reflect the diversity of our community. More of these kinds
for using a SNAP/EBT card. From Amsden’s perspective, this of collaborations can have greater impacts beyond only
is yet another way in which accessibility to farm fresh produce getting good food to people. This interaction between those
is being increased. of differing circumstances is sorely lacking in almost all of our
“Massachusetts is a leader in innovative programs to be sure community or public life. These efforts are creating a rich and
people of limited incomes can access fresh, healthy, local diverse community environment through their encouraging
foods,” says Wyrrick. Furthermore local farmers will benefit and insightful structures and services. At the same time, we
from this direct investment in local agriculture. Across the need everyone to come on board to create this reality as a
county, season extension strategies on many farms—as well living, shared one.” As for the subsidized shareholders? “I
as the growth of year-round farmers’ markets—are steadily lose track of who is subsidized and who is not,” says Amsden.
increasing the year-round availability of locally grown produce. “It’s kind of nice.”
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PROFILE:
BERKSHIRE INTERFAITH
about John Sandifer, the cook at South
Congregational for the past three years,
who made 375 pies last year—sweet
ORGANIZING potato, pumpkin and apple—at his

house.
Each year, on the Monday before
By Hannah Van Sickle ladie s — me et s e ach Thur sday
morning, between late August and Thanksgiving, the commercial kitchen in
Watching Linda Thornton turn a the basement of South Congregational
late November, to bake. Last year,
towering heap of dough scraps and Church on the corner of South and
they contributed 868 pies to the effort.
leftover edges into a smooth, cohesive Church Streets in Pittsfield turns into a
“It’s literally like the loaves and the
pie crust becomes a fitting metaphor veritable freezer; volunteers don winter
fishes,” remarks Gretchen DeBartolo,
for the Thanksgiving Angels, a group coats and gloves as the relatively small
who got involved about four years
of volunteers who—despite differing space becomes command central for
ago serving Wednesday night dinner.
faiths and varying walks of life—have distributing thousands of pounds of
“It’s nourishing,” she says, possibly prepared food for Thanksgiving. Joel
come together almost seamlessly for
overlooking her interesting choice of Huntington, pastor at the church, cites
the past six years with a common goal:
words. “You get out way more than the project’s inception coming as the
to provide a takeaway holiday meal for
you put in,” she adds of her work result of, “a hilarious story—the turkey
1,500 families in Pittsfield. “We’re all
different,” Thornton explains, working nourishing those in need. wars.” His reference is to the “old
opposite Sarah Milano who quietly Their work is not fancy or pretty, but model,” one marked by the fragmented
cuts apples across the workspace. they move quickly and the results distribution of Thanksgiving meals, at
“But it doesn’t matter—we pull it are tangible: 18 pies come out of multiple sites throughout the city, that
together.” This attitude of coming the convection oven at a time as resulted in the literal fighting over turkeys
together in spite of differences, in they inch toward their goal. And the in the parking lot. The consolidation of
the kitchen at South Congregational 17 distribution sites culminated in the
conversation moves swiftly, lest any
Church in Pittsfield, translates into Thanksgiving Angels, a monumental
one individual remain in the limelight
palpable energy that has the power effort born in 2012. That first year 800
too long. “John’s our inspiration,”
to elicit great change. takeaway family meals were distributed;
DeBartolo adds, while combining
this year, the Angels are poised to churn
A trio of dedicated volunteers— butter and sugar topping for the
out 1,500—no small feat considering
affectionately known as the pie next batch of pies. She is talking
the continuing economic hardships in
the city.
“Pittsfield has been struggling mightily
since GE left,” laments Huntington
whose emphasis is on bringing about
social service and social justice. “How
do we go about changing that?” The
answer has been through grassroots
organizing and collaboration, much
of which is being orchestrated by
Berkshire Inter faith Organizing
(BIO), a nonprofit started in 2015
and geared toward making systemic
change. BIO, as explained by Lead
Organizer Wendy Krom, was “formed
by the faith community [in an effort
to] bring people together across
lines of difference—in faith, race,
ethnicity, language, even geography.”
BIO consists of 16 member groups
spanning the county, from Sheffield
to Williamstown, bound by a
single, main objective: to alleviate
the root causes of poverty in our
community.
BIO’s mission statement reads,
“We work together to make social
justice real in our community and
to improve the quality of life for all
in the Berkshires.” Krom seeks to
make one thing exceedingly clear,
“We make systemic change—we do
not offer direct service—[although] like? BIO seeks to build relationships made in error.
many of our congregations are and strengthen community, identify
involved in that as well.” Which “These are our neighbors, they do not
and develop diverse local leaders, and
brings me back to the kitchen at live in a Third World Country. They live
achieve systemic solutions. “We all
South Congregational Church. and work and go to school among us in
need to start working together,” says
As I furiously peel imper fect Pittsfield,” he says. “The photos, words,
Huntington who, in his 28 years leading
apples [the bulk of which were and videos [in DeCandia’s exhibit]
his congregation, points to “the reality
donated by Backyard Bounty of [that this is a] struggling time in our will show the dignity and plight of the
the Berkshires]—secretly wishing working poor and the huge amount
culture.” And his hope? That responding
I’d brought my 3-in-1 gadget that of volunteer help that fuel the area's
with compassion will be a first step
peels, cores and slices—I am feeding programs.” Huntington goes
toward alleviating what has become a
surrounded by communicants from on to add, “Religion is not going away,
persistent problem in the community.
St. Charles, AME Zion and First but hopefully it will evolve,” noting the
Church of Christ Congregational The results of their work have been far
reaching. BIO held a Hunger Action inherent hypocrisy that often comes
(just to name a few); I’m trying to
Day at the Massachusetts Statehouse from those who “cling so tightly to the
get it right, because I pride myself
on September 16th in conjunction with Christian label [that they] forget what
on details, but no one there seems
the showing of Take Another Look: A Christianity is.” At BIO, it’s all about
to care. In fact, my identifying what
makes the individuals surrounding Berkshire Photographic Essay on Food sharing a vision with the community—
me different seems inherently in Insecurity. This exhibit, by Berkshire one that, if seen clearly, has the potential
opposition to why they have come photographer Nicholas DeCandia, to make a real difference.
together: to address the simple yet explores the topic of food insecurity in
Huntington serves as the President of
unspoken question of, how to make the Berkshires, and aims to make visible
BIO and, despite his being the minister
the world a better place? One the dignity, strength, and dilemma of
at South Congregational Church, the
particular saint of the operation those trying to feed themselves and their
entities are separate. Combining them
is Mary Wheat, a congregant of families on minimum wage salaries or
here, however, is apropos considering
South Congregational since 1960. other minimal incomes.
the aim of BIO: attempting to overcome
Catching up with her is tricky; she For BIO, their aim is to address the more
the fragmentation that permeates
moves swiftly and wants little credit. complicated, systemic problems that
“There seems to be a great need... nearly every facet of life for so many
exist in a city whose population—as the
there are a lot of hungry people [in in the Berkshires. The first step toward
largest city and County seat—hovers
Pittsfield],” she says quietly. eliciting change? “Let’s eradicate the
around 45,000. Huntington speaks
Scarlet Letter on the guests [who visit
Wheat’s sentiments unwittingly passionately about the microcosm
of issues plaguing so many, from job the food pantries and meal sites],”
become the foundation for BIO’s
important work. Krom goes on loss and access to health insurance Huntington suggests. And then,
to explain that in bringing people to addiction and poverty. He worries despite daunting logistics, look to the
of faith together, the organization that the confusion surrounding food groundswell of individuals—with wildly
aims to ensure that those affected insecurity—that often results in what different stories—ushering in a new
by the issues craft the solutions. he calls, “the blaming and shaming chapter from a basement kitchen on
And what do those solutions look of the lower class,”—are judgements the city’s south side.

D E V E L O P ME N T development team to quantify these relationships. This
may help in composing year-end acknowledgment
Acknowledging Source of notes, tracking those parties instrumental in attracting

the monies needed to support a mission, and even in
Donations with Soft Credits crediting otherwise silent relationships. Soft credits are not
for information reporting to the IRS, but are for internal
Allison Bedard, CPA use only and will typically not agree to contributions
Adelson & Company PC recorded in the organization’s general ledger because
When a nonprofit organization receives a tax-deductible donation, more than one individual may receive a soft credit for
it needs to record where the gift came from for tax reporting one contribution.
purposes, but it also wants to recognize the people responsible for Most nonprofit organizations required to file the
making the contribution. What does the development team do for information return 990 are familiar with Schedule B
those people who brought contributions to the organization from “Schedule of Contributors” and the requirement to
other donors? Many development professionals would agree that a track donations. Schedule B calls for organizations to
relationship resulting in donations also deserves acknowledgment, aggregate contributions by source of funds (hard credits),
even if the monetary contributions from that responsible party rather than by party responsible for directing those funds
alone did not warrant the required reporting. and, therefore, does not report soft credits.
Hard credits link the contributions received to the source of The general rule for reporting requirements on Schedule
the funds. A hard credit does not acknowledge the third party B call for nonprofit organizations to compile a list of
responsible for bringing the contribution into the organization. donors who contributed or pledged $5,000 or more
Non-profit organizations are typically familiar with hard credits (in total) during the year presented in the 990. These
and the related required reporting. This is the information that the donations include money, securities, or other property.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) looks for in the Form 990. Running When compiling this list to meet the minimum reporting
a report of hard credits for a specified time period out of the requirement, separate and independent gifts of less than
development program should also correspond to the contributions $1,000 can be disregarded. A nonprofit organization
recorded in the organization’s general ledger for the same period. should follow the general rule unless one of a number of
A soft credit is a link to the relationship that brought a donation special rules applies.
into an organization and it allows a nonprofit organization to
At year end, when preparing for the 990, the development
aggregate donations by relationship, rather than by source of funds.
team can run its Schedule of Contributors out of its
Many development programs have the capability of assigning this
development program based upon the dollars brought
type of recognition to the facilitating parties in a way that does not
in. The total reported should correspond with the
dilute or muddy the results of reporting for IRS purposes.
total reported in the general ledger according to the
Assigning soft credits to the parties responsible will allow a organization’s basis of accounting. The team can also
run a soft credit report, quantifying the relationship with
the Board member or party responsible.
The following examples help illustrate the difference
between hard credits and soft credits.
Example 1: Dinner Party

A member of the Board of Directors held a dinner party
to which he invited several potential donors. Throughout
the dinner he highlighted the mission and programs of
the nonprofit organization. As a result, the organization
received several donations directly from those in
attendance.
Each attendee would get a hard credit for his or her
individual donation. The organization can also apply a
soft credit to each contribution received as a result of the
dinner party linking the Board member responsible.
As for the Schedule B reporting, several organization through her family or for internal analysis, the development
of the attendees’ contributions did meet foundation. The contribution meets team would see a report listing that
the minimum reporting requirement the minimum reporting threshold for $100,000 three times. Each soft credit
and so, they would be listed on that Schedule B of the 990. Schedule B would show up individually.
schedule. The Board member’s requires reporting the Foundation
Ultimately, ever y development
monetary contribution did not meet the (source of funds) as the contributor.
professional would agree that an
minimum necessary for reporting and The organization could apply a soft important part of acknowledging donors
would not be listed. So, even though the credit to the party responsible that would is in giving credit where the credit is
Board member received the soft credit link it to the Foundation contribution. due. Using the soft credit feature of the
for several contributions required to be development program helps to do just
reported, he was not the source of the Example 3: A fund-raising that by linking responsible parties to
funds. team
contributions based on influence and
At the end of the year, or near the A team of three works together to effort.
end of the Board member’s term, the successfully secure a grant of $100,000
organization can then run a report for the organization. The source of
the grant receives the hard credit Allison Bedard is an Audit Manager at
quantifying the contributions influenced
for the contribution and is listed on Adelson & Company PC with a specialty in
by that Board member.
the Schedule B. Each team member nonprofit auditing. Adelson & Company PC
Example 2: Family involved receives a soft credit for his or specializes in nonprofit and governmental
Foundation or Donor her role in attracting the donation. auditing in and around Berkshire, Hampden,
and Franklin Counties. For more information
Advised Fund through a For Schedule B reporting, the donation and to get in touch with Allison call 413-443-
Community Foundation of $100,000 shows up once. 6408, email abedard@adelsoncpa.com, or
A donor makes a donation to the For the acknowledgments at year end visit www.adelsoncpa.com.
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M A R K E T IN G • For instance: A gift to Elder Services of Berkshire County
helped an elder citizen live safely and happily at home,
YOUR ANNUAL REPORT:

in her lifelong neighborhood, instead of in a long-term
care facility, among strangers.
A Storytelling Tool with • A first-generation college student at MCLA achieved a

family dream by graduating from college, thanks to schol-
a Shelf Life arship support made possible by alumni donors.

• A refugee from a war-torn country is now nearly fluent in
By Ellen G. Lahr English thanks to the volunteer tutors at Southern Berk-
shire Literacy Network.
Storytelling is at the heart of nonprofit organizations’ work.
• A South County family with young children learns to grow
Stories inspire giving. Stories are the tools of fundraising and
their own organic food, thanks to the Greenagers’ Donor
development. Stories inspire internal and external audiences
Garden program, which seeks to “close the food gap.”
to engage, and stay engaged.
• A domestic violence victim finds peace, safety and
Ideally, storytelling happens year-round – but for some orga- self-confidence in a new community, thanks to the work
nizations public relations and marketing resources are slim of counselors and volunteers for the Elizabeth Freeman
and communications are infrequent. But at least once a Center.
year, nonprofit organizations must tell their stories: to inform Such anecdotes are ripe for the telling at any time of year.
generous donors how their gifts have been spent, to introduce But a year-end compilation of good works provides a
donors to the people who benefit from these gifts, to confirm concise, streamlined platform for balancing organizational
that the books are balanced, and to call out the leadership of messaging, summing up “where we are,” and recognizing
board and staff. This is the stuff of the annual report: which key supporters.
can by dry, factual and obligatory, or rich, inspiring and a Furthermore, an annual report can have a year-long shelf
joy to create. life: If carefully crafted, it serves not just as a tool to inspire
donors, but to recruit new staff and educate potential clien-
Increasingly, the best
tele about your work. An annual report can raise awareness
ELDER SERVICES IS annual reports ELDER focusSERVICES ELDER SERVICES
among grant-making organizations, foundations, govern-
more and Inspires more onGenerosity Mission and Leadership
ment leaders and among peer organizations.
telling extraordinary
stories: the Thankinspiring
you to the many If grant
yourmakers
public relations and marketing
The mission budget
of Elder Services isCounty
of Berkshire limited,
Inc. is tobe
provide Berk-
who make our work possible. shire elders, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities the opportunity
anecdotes that bloom strategic: invest generously
to live in
with your
dignity, annual
independence, report.
and self-determination, and to achieve
the highest possible quality of life.
Arbella Insurance
from an organization’s In our region, not all nonprofits
Berkshire Bank Foundation
have the resources for
Elder Services practices non-discrimination in employment practices and
mission-driven
Berkshire Life Charitablegood creating and producingservice
Foundation/Guardian a great annual
delivery. Embracing report.
diversity, A few
our in-home of
and community-based
services are available to all without regard to race, ethnicity, language,
work.BerkshireThe pages Funds
Taconic Foundation our region’s larger organizations
religion, gender, have
sexual robust,
orientation or lifestyle. internal
• Central Berkshire Fund
devoted
• Dewtonto balance
Family Fund communications teams to Boardmanage
of Directors the various aspects of
• James & Robert Hardman Fund
sheets
• Mountand Everett Fundfinan- annual communications: story
Dawn development
Dellea, President and messaging,
• Neighbor to Neighbor Fund Kathleen Luczynski, Vice President
cial• Ruth
reporting haveFund photography, design, presentation,
P. Boraski Memorial John Philpott, Treasurerprinting and distribu-
• Fund for Williamstown
been simplified
• Women’s Club and tion. But small- and medium-sized organizations
Diana “Toni” Fontana, Clerk may need
Teresa Caldwell
relegated to smaller
Fallon Community outside help for their annual
Health Foundation report: a project manager
Sandy Driscoll
206,500
meals served to Greylock Federal Credit Union
spaces, clearing room who can work with you to develop
Van Ellet the stories and direct the
1,269 home delivery consumers Griswold Home Care Foundation Hilary Greene
1,105 community lunch guests
for Katharine
the inspiring stories, photography, design, printing and
Deb Kushnet
distribution of your report
C. Pierce Trust
(yes, your annual report Mary should be printed for distribution
M. Morrow
“Thank you for Meals on Wheels. They help my photography
Katherine L.W. andand testi-M. Crane III Charitable
Winthrop
Foundation
the old-fashioned way). David W. Murphy, Jr.
wife and me live independently.” monials
Meals onthat
Wheels get to the
America David J. O'Neill Y
“My cooking ability is very limited. Meals on Wheels heart
MountainOne
of the matter. Your annual report is justMary one Shogry-Hayer
of the many communication
have been a real blessing to me.” Northern Berkshire United Way
Increasingly,
Rotary Club ofstories
Pittsfield are tools your organization can tap to tell
CONNECTyourWITH stories
US! and Ca
“A special thanks to the meal delivery drivers, Jim P. TD Bank Foundation
and ‘Peppy.’ They sure make my day. Always cheerful conveyed
Williamstown inCommunity
pictures, Chest
inspire your stakeholders. But it could be the most important
and helpful.”
graphics, quotes and tool you have.
paragraphs; the long, laborious narratives have gone by the Ellen G. Lahr is owner and president of EGLahr PR & Media
wayside. in Great Barrington. ellenlahr.com
OUTREACH
Chamber Membership Should Be Part
Of Every Nonprofit’s Cultivation Efforts
By Liana Toscanini
C
hambers of Commerce to connect with the community...from saying, ‘I believe in our region and
have existed for hundreds of volunteering at community events, to I want to be a part of making it
years. The modern chamber hosting a Chamber event at your venue, even better.’ Together, we're creating
of commerce has expanded to being a town Ambassador, and more. community, strengthening the economy,
to address socioeconomic concerns Joining only gets you so far, and a building a bright future for the
and social needs, going far beyond its participating is the true key to Berkshires.”
original intent. Because the prosperity of receiving the benefits of chamber The Southern Berkshire Chamber
businesses depends on the development membership. The old adage "out of of Commerce offers three quick
of the community and visa versa, it sight, out of mind" has never been more reasons to join:
makes perfect sense that nonprofits, true. Be visible, get involved with your 1) The beautiful Berkshires has the
which are basically small businesses, local Chamber! largest number of nonprofits in the
are beginning to consider Chamber
1Berkshire is the voice of business Commonwealth of Massachusetts: all
membership an integral part of their
in the Berkshires, and that means are amazing and worthy. How can your
development plan.
nonprofit businesses too! “As a organization stand out and represent
While I was working for Community nonprofit ourselves, we understand itself to the business community? Join
Access to the Arts, I joined the board your need for efficient, cost-effective the Chamber. There are dozens of
of the Southern Berkshire Chamber marketing, the kind that works for you built in opportunities to connect with
of Commerce. I soon saw the benefit constantly while you are busy pursuing members, whether it’s a monthly After
of schmoozing with corporate folks at your mission. That's exactly what we Hours gathering, a Networking Before
Business After Hours networking events. do: offer efficiency in reaching over Nine breakfast, an educational seminar,
Establishing personal relationships with 600,000 people per year by way or one of our very special events. So
local businesses made it easier for me as of Berkshires.org, 40,000+ people many opportunities.
a nonprofit development person to solicit through 1Berkshire.com, and countless 2) Marketing dollars are tight and
program ads, sponsorships, partnerships visitors, residents, and area businesses targeted. How to get more reach? Join
and collaborations. Additionally, the in our Official Guide to the Berkshires. the Chamber. In addition to FREE ads in
Chamber’s marketing support helped
Our frequent networking events get our weekly e-newsletter blast, members
raise awareness of our organization.
you into every corner of the Berkshires. are listed in our Annual Brochure,
When I formed the Nonprofit Center Online and print marketing along with which reaches THOUSANDS of locals
of the Berkshires in 2016, I purposely in-person opportunities to connect and and visitors every year; are welcome
made membership dues very low so that share your story make membership to place their brochures in our Great
nonprofits could join BOTH the NPC truly efficient. We deliver on cost- Barrington visitors’ booth (and our
and their local chamber. Big or small, effectiveness too: most nonprofit town visitor kiosks, as they get placed);
every nonprofit should participate in members of 1Berkshire invest between have a presence on our website; can
this kind of outreach. We asked several 50 cents and $1.10 per day with us. be featured on our extensive and
Chambers to weigh in on the topic of You won't find worthwhile advertising active social media; and access our
how nonprofits can benefit from joining with our kind of reach for that - in the membership mailing labels to directly
and participating in events designed to Berkshires or anywhere else. reach Chamber members.
help them connect to the community. Keep in mind, we're much more than 3) Non-profits have a laser view on
The Williamstown Chamber believes marketing. Let's not forget the many other their mission, staff and clients. Joining
that in small town communities, the best benefits that come with your membership: the Chamber is an easy and established
form of advertising is name recognition. free professional development and way to become a part of the wider
This is true for both nonprofit and educational sessions, recognition events community to grow your perspective
for-profit entities. If customers (or to mark your major milestones...there's and your connections. For one set fee
donors, as the case may be) can put so much in it for you and your team annually, you can receive access to the
a face(s) to your organization, they (including your Board!). In fact, there's pulse of commerce in your area and
are more inclined to use your services. so much in it for our whole community. a partner in promoting your business/
Local Chambers offer so many ways When you join 1Berkshire, you're organization.

P HIL A N T HR O P Y Robin McGraw
By Hannah Van Sickle
Black Rock has McGraw’s advice—particularly to fledgling organizations—
loomed large in Robin is to partner with someone. “What I’m looking for [when
M c G r a w ’s l i f e f o r funding an organization] is less administration and more
nearly five decades; boots on the ground,” he explains, citing the importance
historically, the rocky of eliminating costly overhead in favor of more dollars
ledge that protrudes directed toward programming.
east ward of f Mount When it comes to disbursing funds, McGraw is keen
Bushnell’s southeast on collaboration, “because we do need to partner,” he
ridge is a popular hiking explains. And partnership can take many forms. It can
destination from the come in the guise of a challenge grant, through funds that
campus of Berkshire a nonprofit must match with new money; it can come via
School in Sheffield, of shared services, like McGraw’s vision for a Development
which McGraw is a 1970 Consortium, comprised of local experts who—by consulting
graduate. Currently, with multiple nonprofits—stand to elicit what he calls, “less
the visible outcropping administrative nightmare” and the cost associated with it.
whose pinnacle resides For start-up nonprofits, launching under the umbrella of
at 1,404 feet inspired an existing organization with established 501c3 status is
M cGraw’s nonprofit an immediate means of eliminating costs associated with
foundation fund, run aforementioned administration and overhead. “You don’t
through Berkshire want nonprofits who are doing the same thing,” McGraw
Taconic Communit y continues, which gives rise to his next idea: inviting
Foundation, and bears individuals to sit around a table and examine the specific
the name Black Rock. needs of organizations who need immediate attention
The moniker aptly points versus those who are in pretty good shape. Otherwise,
to M c G r aw ’s solid it’s a bit like losing sight of the forest through the trees. In
history of service to the Berkshire County, where a large volume of nonprofits are
communit y in which chasing after the same dollars, there runs the risk of what
he lives, thanks — in McGraw calls “fiefdom,” a territory or sphere controlled by
no small part—to his the minority. Not to mention, at some point the proverbial
Photo courtesy of Robin McGraw mother’s sage advice. well runs dry. His proposed solution? “Let’s focus on [an
McGraw grew up in a family where serving the community identified number of ] nonprofits together, collectively,
was part of the DNA. He credits his mother, who and get them where they need to be.” In this vein, efforts
advised her four boys to figure out how to give back to become more focused and less redundant.
the community in which each of them chose to live, as For McGraw, and his Black Rock Foundation Fund, this
instrumental in catapulting him on his life’s journey. As luck translates to both energy and funds being directed towards
would have it, McGraw chose to settle in Berkshire County organizations where the individuals affiliated with the
and in the ensuing years the community has benefited from nonprofit have the potential to change their stories after
his tenure as volunteer, public servant and philanthropist. walking through the doors. Case in point? Berkshire South
Furthermore, his commitment to service has positioned him Regional Community Center in Great Barrington, of which
to have his finger on the proverbial pulse of nonprofits in McGraw has been been a staunch supporter calling it,
the County, and his perspective is forward thinking. “exactly what is important to the core of this community,
“All the nonprofits in the Berkshires struggle,” McGraw because it serves so many people.” Going forward,
says, in a statement arrived at due to involvement “up McGraw is excited about his work with the Berkshire
to [his] elbows” in the Berkshires’ nonprofit sector. And County Drug Task Force and a current project underway
McGraw cuts straight to the chase: “There needs to be more in Pittsfield. They have broken ground for two aquaponic
collaboration,” he says, across the board but particularly greenhouses—which employ hydroponic growing using fish
in an area that is already oversaturated with nonprofits. to fertilize the water—at the Berkshire County House of
Corrections. “We are going to go into the food business,”
says McGraw, thanks to a privately funded project being built
on State land that is coming to fruition through community
support as well as gifts in kind. The foundations are soon
to be in place for two 30 x 60 foot greenhouses that—in
addition to three large gardens on the Berkshire Mall access
road between Routes 7 and 8—will produce leafy green
vegetables as part of Phase I. Inmates will run the operation
during the early part of the day after which members of
the community—including students from Williams College,
Berkshire Community College, and Massachusetts College
of Liberal Arts—will contribute their efforts to sustaining the
science of this program.
Phase II will include a production greenhouse, and “a big
portion of [the produce grown] will be sold farm to market,”
to fund programming at the House of Corrections. Surplus
food will be directed to local food pantries, schools, and
community members who stand to benefit from the inclusion
of more fresh vegetables. The novelty? Three ostensibly
diverse sections of the population—inmates, college students
and the food insecure—in conversation, and working
together, to move communities forward in the midst of the
real issues that prevail. “As long as it is easier to get high
than it is to get treatment, people will continue to get high,”
says McGraw of the rampant opioid epidemic in Berkshire
County. But that, as he admits, is another conversation.
“The education piece is key,” says McGraw, returning to the
discussion at hand.“That’s the piece that we work on,” he BCC Spring Workshops
adds. “How do we make those connections so that people
have their best chance to have their best life?” he asks wholly
Offered in Collaboration with
rhetorically, despite holding the answer: focused attention on the Nonprofit Center
the human service piece and how that affects every aspect of Workshops take place
one’s life from education and access to health insurance to 10am – Noon at BCC South County Center
healthcare and overall quality of life. “The more people come 343 Main Street, Great Barrington
together—the more that we can get people to collaborate Cost $35 | Register online:
around these pieces and to understand the importance shop.berkshirecc.edu/workshops
of these pieces—the better we will be,” says McGraw
emphatically. As to his motivation? It all goes back to his
boyhood in Morris County, New Jersey and our conversation
 Peer to Peer Fundraising, Mary McGurn
JANUARY 24, 2018
ends where it began: “I grew up in a family where I was given
a lot and it was expected that we give a lot back; I feel lucky  The Art & Science of Leading
Transformational Change, Bob Voss
to have had this opportunity.” He continues, “[I hope people
FEBRUARY 21, 2018
will remember] I did my best to try to truly make a difference
in the community sort of from the ground up,” noting this role
is often a bit of a juggling act, which means one has to pick
 Social Media Hacks, Dawn Stanyon
MARCH 21, 2018
and choose. As to whether or not this is possible, McGraw
has the last word: “Without a doubt.”  Cyber Security, Rob Horner
APRIL 18, 2018
Editor’s note: Black Rock Foundation Fund does not accept
unsolicited proposals. For more information, please contact
 Telling Your Story, Hannah Van Sickle
MAY 16, 2018
Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

SHARING NONPROFIT shared services can help the nonprofit to meet its mission.
SERVICES IN BERKSHIRE
Researchers in this field show there is no single reason a
nonprofit leader will enter a shared services agreement.
COUNTY A need to increase resources is often the instigator of
exploring shared services. Others identified organizational
By Erin Sullivan survival, revenue fluctuations, competition, and improved
services which an organization could not provide on its
Introduction own, as a reason for collaboration. Additionally leaders
of nonprofits will enter into these conversations to address
There has been much discussion in the Berkshires about the
environmental insecurity, institutional legitimacy, improving
state of nonprofits. In 2008 and again in 2015, Stephen
their strategic positioning, and growth.
Shepard and Kay Oehler of Williams College were asked
by the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce (now 1Berkshire)
to conduct a study of nonprofits and their economic impact Nonprofits by Annual Revenue
on the community. While the report showed the importance
of nonprofits on the local economy, it also raised some No revenue
concern as to the number of nonprofits. As the Berkshires’ Revenue under $250K

population declines and the median age increases, there 18%
Revenue above $250K
is growing worry that the community will not be able to
support the growing number of nonprofits. 46%
Since that report, efforts have been underway to promote
shared services and possible mergers of some nonprofits 36%
in an attempt to promote efficiency and effectiveness.
This past spring, I partnered with the Nonprofit Center
of the Berkshires to complete my Capstone project, the
final requirement for my newly acquired Masters Degree
in Public Administration. We explored the topic of shared
services and found that most Berkshire nonprofits are
involved in some form of informal collaboration. They
believe that shared services can help increase efficiencies
Methods
and advance their mission. There is frustration, however, In order to assess the interest of local nonprofits surrounding
over the lack of a unifying voice for nonprofits and the the use of shared services, we collected both quantitative
support required to enter into shared services. and qualitative data in the forms of an email survey, focus
groups, and one-on-one interviews. Forty-eight individuals
We endeavored to discover which nonprofits are willing participated from 48 organizations, representing a diversity
to participate in shared services, what levels of shared of size, type, budget, and experience of nonprofit leaders.
services are of interest or seem most beneficial and how Respondents were primarily executive directors, senior
administrators and a few board members. South, central
and northern Berkshire County were represented.
“Private
mergers don’t improve Findings
customer satisfaction – it’s about Nonprofits in the Berkshires are already participating in
money – more money for stockholders. a spectrum of shared services mostly on the informal end
of the spectrum. Survey respondents strongly agree that
Nonprofits need more money to survive shared services can be an effective way to deliver services,
and meet the needs of clients/community. can improve the quality of their services and can build a
Funders are not going to save money strong sense of community. One participant reported a past
meeting of executive directors, which shared information
through nonprofit mergers. and partnered on funding opportunities, that has since
been discontinued as the partnership tried to develop a
collaborative website that no organization was able or
willing to administer. Others wondered if more formal
collaborations could solve the issue reported alliances. In response to discussed trust between leaders and
of “too many nonprofits, not enough future interest in shared services, boards, alignment of missions, and
money, and too much competition.” two-thirds answered as wanting to shared goals, vision, and values. In
Shared ser vices experiences participate in both collaborations order for an agreement to be equitable,
and alliances. Some participants organizations need to recognize their
included:
identified a need for practical areas of strengths and weaknesses.
55 facility sharing If one organization was in a weaker
shared services:
55 The Community Connector (a financial position than another or in a
referral service for clients creating 55 lawn care
crisis, this is not a good time to enter
a “no wrong door’ approach) 55 listserve into shared services, although this is
55 partnerships through grants 55 software often the instigator for a nonprofit to
55 professional development and 55 a catalogue of nonprofit services start exploring partnerships. It was felt
training opportunities that shared services work best when
55 grant applications
55 program partnerships to meet the building on each other’s strengths
55 space
needs of clients while recognizing there is tension
55 backroom operations like human created when coming together.
resources, IT, fundraising, finance, Identifying a facilitator to help with the
What Levels of Shared or bulk purchasing process and after partnering was also
Services Are of Most O t h e r p ar t i cip an t s i d e n t i f i e d mentioned. “We need help leading
partnership elements that would result up to it, finding the right partner(s),
Interest or Beneficial? in a different way of doing business planning, strategizing, as well as post
Survey participants reported a high (more formal agreements), and the implementation help with transition,
incidence of low level shared services: need to have trusting relationships and then help in two to five years
93 percent reported involvement between leaders and boards and after to ensure success,” noted one
in collaborations while 37 percent serving clients better. Respondents nonprofit leader.
Prairie Whale menu changes daily

413 528 5050
178 Main Street,
Great Barrington

“Other
The Pluses of Sharing Perceived Barriers to organizations often
Services Sharing Services have the same strengths and
No matter the size of the organization, • Time constraints of executive weaknesses as mine, and so
nonprofit leaders realize they all face directors and other staff
we do not end up helping
similar challenges, and addressing • Fear that shared services would
those together will bring the result in a reallocation of resources each other.”
community together to serve clients which initially might require more
best. Participants discussed possible time and money
and realized benefits when considering • Fear of losing autonomy
shared services: obtaining more and • Mission drift
bigger funding opportunities, taking
• Job loss Changing the Conversation
advantage of all resources available,
expanding the reach of their impact, • Changing business partners and There was much conversation about
and providing more comprehensive practice duplication and competing services
services for clients. In small nonprofits, • Being responsible for failing – real and perceived. Participants
staff must be skilled in many areas programs also discussed the bad reputation
—shared resources could build the nonprofits were getting because of the
• Competition for funding
capacity for them to meet their mission dialogue about too many nonprofits
• Difficulty getting staff & board and duplication of efforts. Many
more fully. Leaders felt that this could
buy-in agreed that nonprofits needed to do
lead to more authentic program
creation as opposed to funding driven • Being able to demonstrate value a better job supporting each other
program development. • Geography and building on the good work and
partnerships that are occurring.
The Need for a Backbone Organization One respondent commented, “Despite
Others thought of geography as a barrier due to no single, unifying voice much talk in favor of collaborating and
for nonprofits. Many commented that this could/should be the role of either coordinating services there is still much
the United Way, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, 1Berkshire or the duplication of services that occurs and
Chamber of Commerce. However, there was not an agreement as to which competitive instead of cooperative
agency would be best due to the divisions in their own sectors—there are actions taken by area organizations.”
three separate United Way organizations, two regional chamber of commerce While the Shepard & Oehler report
organizations with many dedicated to specific towns, and a community changed the conversation about
foundation that covers three counties in three separate states. There is no nonprofits in Berkshire County with a
county-wide organization looking at a collective vision versus their own mission, focus on the number of nonprofits, the
as county government in Massachusetts was disbanded in the late 1990s. good work and purpose of nonprofits
Participants felt there was no organization to be the “backbone” of shared was left out of the conversation —
services, and act as a leader for nonprofits. In the past, there were executive there was little conversation about
director roundtables which informed much of the work of nonprofits; some meeting the social, cultural, or quality
expressed concern that decisions about how nonprofits’ work were now being of life needs of the community. This is
made by donors and funders, and not based on the needs of the community. evident in participants’ comments of
increased competition and a feeling
of cynicism about nonprofits. Local
nonprofit leaders agreed that initially
there are increases in staff time and
“Compromising needs for the resources to manage a shared services
sake of sharing - maybe what agreement, and that financial gains
fits my organization wouldn’t fit may not to be realized for years – if
someone else’s, and so we have ever. They felt the impact and increase
in quality of services should be the
to compromise and perhaps not measure of success.
get what we really need.”
Participants in the Capstone survey
expounded on the fact that nonprofits
in the Berkshires were already involved
in multiple shared services agreements with no acknowledgment
or assistance from funders or the community. They understand NUMBER OF NONPROFITS BY
the value of partnership in furthering their mission and meeting CITY/TOWN
the needs of their clients. They discussed expanding their reach,
using all available resources, creating a cohesive system for NUMBER OF
CITY/TOWN NONPROFITS REGION
clients, and building on each others strengths. Further, they

discussed how working together throughout the sector could
Cheshire 12 c
also bring the community together. In pursuit of their own
missions, nonprofit leaders need to be bold and innovative Dalton 46 c
to create an environment for shared services to grow with Hancock 2 c
community support. Hinsdale 14 c
Lanesborough 14 c
Peru 2 c
Pittsfield 295 c
“Shared
Richmond 8 c
services tend to be Washington 1 c
Pittsfield (central) centered Windsor 6 c
without adequate attention to south
Adams 44 n
county… we, most often, have to go Clarksburg 5 n
to Pittsfield to participate with not Florida 4 n
much reciprocity. So, travel time and North Adams 86 n
transportation are additional parts Savoy 3 n
of time constraint.” Williamstown 79 n
NUMBER OF NONPROFITS
Alford IN BERKSHIRE COU
7 s
TOTAL APPROX
Becket
Egremont
21 s
4 s987
Gt. Barrington 103 s
Conclusion Housatonic 14 s
There needs to be a shift in the conversation about the nonprofit Lee 35 s
sector in the community, so that it is seen not as a resource Lenox 59 s
drain but as a true asset. Just as nonprofits are dependent on Monterey 14 s
the community, the community is dependent on nonprofits – not Mt. Washington 1 s
just for social services. Our economy is dependent on a thriving
New Marlborough 5 s
nonprofit sector, and this should be highlighted and shared. North, 221
Otis 11 s
There is opportunity to strengthen the nonprofit sector through Sandisfield 5 s South, 336
increased conversations and relationship building. There is Sheffield 40 s
clearly a need for a unifying organization to bring the good South Lee 2 s
work of the nonprofit sector to the forefront and to act as the Stockbridge 30 s
“matchmaker” between new ideas and the existing sector. Tyringham 1 s
Developing a vision for the sector may result in a stronger,
unified region with the ability to increase impact and attract Central, 400
West Stockbridge 14 s
NUMBER OF NONPROFITS IN BERKSHIRE COUNTY
TOTAL APPROX
NUMBER OF NONPROFITS IN 987
BERKSHIRE COUNTY
larger funding opportunities.
TOTAL APPROX 987
North, 221
Erin Sullivan has worked in nonprofits for South, 336
over 20 years. She is currently the Director
North, 221
of Community Relations at Berkshire Central, 400 South, 336
Children and Families. She just completed
her Master’s Degree in Public Administration
from the University of Colorado, Denver Central, 400
with a nonprofit management concentration. South South
Central
Central North
North
South Central North

Nonprofit Benefits reminding, we were pleased that a total of 40 organizations
responded. The sample represented a mix of different
Survey Results Are In! types of nonprofit organizations in terms of size, scope
and location.
By Mary Nash The survey results show that Berkshire County employers
provide a variety of benefits to their employees. For the most
Benefits are an important part of the compensation part, more extensive benefits are offered by organizations
package that nonprofits provide to attract and retain that have larger operating budgets. For example, 59% of
employees. With the growing number of nonprofits in the all survey respondents offer retirement plans to their full-
region, it is helpful for organizations to know how their time employees. Among respondents that have operating
benefit packages compare to others in the industry. expenses below $1 million, 33% offer retirement plans,
while 81% of respondents with expenses of $1 million and
With this in mind, the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires
over offer retirement plans.
(NPC) recently worked with Nash Insights to conduct a
survey among Berkshire County nonprofit organizations. The survey gathered information on typical benefits such
The purpose was to learn more about benefits offered as medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement plans,
to employees. While other studies have looked at life insurance and paid time off. It also demonstrated that
compensation and benefits among nonprofits in the with more limited resources than private sector employers,
northeast (Such as “Valuing our Workplace”), none have nonprofits are being creative in what they offer to their
focused specifically on just the Berkshires. employees. Nearly three-fourths of survey respondents offer
The survey was conducted through Survey Monkey flexible work hours and just over 20% offer health savings
beginning mid-September 2017 and continuing for five accounts, which allow employees to set aside money on
weeks. NPC sent the survey link out to its members and a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses.
mailing list and the survey was also publicized in local The full report is available for $20. Purchase online at
publications and social media. With some prodding and npcberkshires.org or call (413) 645-3151.
Valuing Our
How do we compare? NPC of Berkshires Difference
Workplace
Insurance for full-time
employees
Medical 76% 89% -13%
Dental 47% 71% -24%
Life insurance 45% 61% -16%
Short-term disability 37% 47% -10%
Long-term disability 39% 53% -14%
Vision 18% 36% -18%
Long-term care 3% 18% -15%

Paid time off for full-
time employees
Bereavement 78% 76% +2%
Jury Duty 81% 75% +6%
Military leave 17% 26% -9%
Parental leave 30% 25% +5%
Attracting Young Adults to Your Nonprofit
By Julia Dixon
Many nonprofit leaders already know may not be able to offer competitive • THE SATURATION
the statistics: Berkshire County’s salaries or flexible schedules. OF NONPROFITS
overall population is falling, the But young adults are increasingly IN THE AREA
workforce is aging, school enrollment protective over their personal time It may sound counterintuitive, but
is declining, and college graduates and need to make enough money banding together to suppor t the
are leaving. These nonprofits may be to pay off their burdensome student movement of young adults in the
feeling the effects of population loss debt. Finding alternative ways to invest nonprofit space is sector-building at
on their audience, membership, donor in young workers is key to hiring and its finest. Leveraging relationships to
base, staff, board, or volunteer team. retaining them. support the development of interns
In 2014, a task force was formed to and employees, within and outside of
better understand these persistent
• GREAT BENEFITS a single organization, helps a young
population challenges. The Berkshire
COST MONEY worker feel less like a commodity
Nonprofits may not be able to afford and more like a valued asset in the
Initiative for Growth (BIG), convened
community, where oppor tunities
by 1Berkshire, was comprised of to pay hiring bonuses, performance
abound.
nonprofit and business leaders, sector bonuses, or even healthcare to small
specialists, and engaged individuals. or part time staffs. Taking advantage M any other recommendations,
Members developed a strategy of state or federal incentives, such resources, and insights can be found
which was based exclusively on the as the Small Business Health Care in 1Berkshire’s Berkshire Initiative for
recruitment and retention of young Tax Credit or Public Service Loan Growth Report. To download a copy,
visit 1berkshire.com.
adults to the region. Forgiveness Program, or local services
BIG members worked for two and such as Greylock Federal Credit
a half years to gather data, align Union’s Financial Coaching program
resources, and prototype solutions. allows nonprofits to offer alternative
Now the collected information, as well perks and added value to their benefits
as 18 critical recommendations, can package.
be found in the Berkshire Initiative Nonprofits also have a unique set of
for Growth Report. strengths that allow them to capitalize
The report details various ways that on their contributions to workplace
businesses can strengthen their culture and the community’s narrative
operations and the greater community – two other recommendation themes.
by attracting young adults. Nonprofits,
however, have their own unique
• NONPROFITS OPERATE
challenges par ticularly regarding
BASED ON MISSION Julia Dixon, author of 1Berkshire’s Berkshire
Initiative for Growth Report, is a creative
workforce, one of the repor t’s Young adults today are extremely
economy expert specializing in consulting,
recommendation themes. cause-focused and want to give back project management, mentoring, writing,
to their communities. Not only would and teaching. Previous positions include
• LOW SALARIES AND they work for charitable organizations, Managing Director of Berkshire Creative
LONG HOURS they would work for companies that and Creative Economy Specialist at
1Berkshire. She is an active supporter
Wages and schedules vary based on par tner with charities. Berkshire
of nonprofits and sits on the BerkShares
organization and position, but the County’s nonprofits can leverage the
board of directors, MCL A’s Berkshire
stereotype is that nonprofits demand collective message that cause work Cultural Resource Center advisory board,
more for less. With limited financial is integral to the region’s identity and and was a founding board member of the
resources and small staffs, nonprofits future. Makers’ Mill. juliakimdixon.com

The Perfect Boy
An ‘orphan disease’ turns a family
into advocates…and scientists
By Nichole Dupont
“Alexander was born perfect. Perfect! right before Mother’s Day, 2016. The
He was the kid that everybody wanted NIH study revealed that Alexander had
to have,” says Laura Zah of her now Bag3 related Myofibrillar Myopathy,
14-year-old son. “He was good at a genetic mutation which effects less
sports, amazing at school, very gifted than one in six million people. The
at the trumpet.” deterioration of those with the mutation
But then things began to change. Laura is rapid, and ultimately, it is fatal.
and her husband Stephen Greenspan, “They basically told us to focus on our
both of Sheffield, began to see changes healthy child, on Alexander’s [older]
in their son as he approached the sister,” says Laura. “That’s what they is always buzzing with conversations and
‘tween’ years. Alexander lost weight, told me. ‘If I were you, I would be activities related to his ‘disease,’ although
he tripped a lot while doing sports focusing on my healthy child.’” he doesn’t like to call it that. Yet, despite
and even everyday activities. For the After the initial shock, which hasn’t this constant hum, the 14-year-old high
first time in his life, he “fell behind” his dissipated much, the Zah-Greenspans school freshman—he skipped a grade
peers. began an intensive search through because of his academic capabilities—
“He continued to excel academically medical journals, research trials, and insists on living a ‘normal’ life. He’s in
but physically, something was online archives. Laura’s background the jazz band, he plays video games
happening to him,” says Laura. “He as a nurse allowed them access to a lot, he’s not a fan of homework, he
lost so much weight. I thought we were ‘non-Google’ resources that led them will devour half a pizza if he paces
depriving him somehow, that we were not only to scientists and researchers, himself, and he has the signature air of
responsible for this. I thought that we but also to other families with the same indifference of most young men his age.
were bad parents.” diagnosis. Their efforts connected As far as his diagnosis is concerned, he
It would take several visits to specialists them with research teams as far tries to ignore it.
at several different hospitals—Baystate away as Australia and with families
“I’m really good at separating things
Medical Center, UMASS Memorial inside the U.S. and South Africa. The
in my life. I don’t remember the last
Medical Center, Boston Children’s Greenspan ‘team’ (that’s what they call
conversation I had with my mom
Hospital—to finally discover what was themselves now) also established the
that wasn’t about my health,” says
at the core of Alexander’s seemingly Alexander’s Way Research Fund, Inc.
Alexander. “I just…I’m not withdrawing
inexplicable deterioration. Genetic (alexandersway.org) in order to hasten
or anything. I’m just 14. I kind of prefer
tests for suspected diseases revealed the discovery of a cure. It has been
to hang out with my dad because we
no abnormalities. Finally, they were a literal crusade for their son’s life,
talk about cars and football…life. He’s
referred to the National Institute exacting a high price.
teaching me how to juggle.”
of Health (NIH) where Alexander “Our life is engulfed by this. Skyping
This past summer Alexander had
participated in a large research study Harvard, Australian scientists, other
surgery to lengthen his Achilles tendons
for difficult to diagnose cases. time zones,” says Laura. “It would be
that were rising up and causing him to
“It took us nearly three years to actually great if we could just sit down and
walk tentatively on the balls of his feet.
get a diagnosis,” says Stephen. “Mostly watch a movie with him, or take a long
vacation with him and spend time with It took a long time to recover, and he
it was a ‘wait-and-see’ process, and lost more weight. At one point, Laura
after he would get testing of all kinds, him. We can’t get that back. But if we
slow down, he’s not going to live.” says, “Alexander was 83 pounds. Now
they kept us waiting for months. All he wears ‘boots’ to stabilize his feet, but
we knew was that it was probably “It’s a full time job for all of us,” adds there is a back surgery on the horizon
something very rare.” Stephen. for him to try and stall the scoliosis that
The Zah-Greenspans received a Alexander knows what’s going on. His has developed in his spine. It’s a lot.“
phone call on a Friday afternoon, home, the home that he was raised in, And Alexander says, “I’m pissed. That’s
all. I’m a kid. What can I even do about this? It’s up to the
adults to fix this.”
Right now, the Zah-Greenspans, through the research fund Make your donors feel like one in a
and their own personal finances, will be putting forward million, not one of the crowd.
$150,000 for private genetic engineering research (at
Harvard) to correct the mutation. Because of this ‘private
funding’ for this initial phase of investigation into the
mutation, whatever is discovered can—and will—be shared
among scientists and medical professionals who specialize in
myopathies, and who could possibly advance their research,
and ultimately provide a cure, with more information. The idea pungl.com
that researchers would share any information is nothing short
of revolutionary according to Laura.
“The guiding principle
Ad
of everything that we are his ee
ng t r
Bri 1hr F n
doing is…we want to foster fo r a t a t io
sul
Con
real-time collaboration
between scientists,” she
Dedicated to serving the needs of the
says. “It seems like an
nonprofit community providing database
obvious thing to do, but support, training, and report writing.
it goes against the whole Donor Management Systems a specialty.
economic structure of
Amy E. Chin 413.441.9220
scientific discovery. And
amy.chin@berkshirenetresults.com
yet, it could save people’s www.berkshirenetresults.com
lives. It could save my son’s
life.”
L aura and Stephen
have been asked to
present at the European
Neuromuscular Centre
Conference in December.
They will be sharing Alexander’s story as a boy with an
‘orphan disease,’ as well as their own journey from ‘normal
parents’ to determined, unwavering advocates for sharing
discoveries that can, without a doubt, save lives. Their faith
in science and in their own efforts is balanced by their son’s
belief in blind—sometimes unjust, even cruel—luck.
“I have no idea what’s going to happen,” says Alexander.
“It’s jarring if I think about it too much. I think it’s about luck.
You’ve got to have luck.”
The Zah-Greenspans would like to thank the Bizalion Family,

especially Helen and Isabelle, who have raised awareness and
support in the community. Isabelle and Anook together with
Alexander’s sister Sophia sold cookies and brownies at the Sheffield
Farmers’ Market to raise money for Alexander’s Way. Thanks to
all the friends and neighbors who have already contributed to
Alexander's Way Research Fund, and Alexander's friends and
schoolmates, who have stuck by him and to Nichole Dupont, who
is keeping our spirits up by getting our story out.

GOOD ADVICE: KRIPALU
Five Tips for Staying Healthy and Happy This Winter
from Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
anxiet y, fever, and congestion, and fresh vegetables also support a
according to Ayurveda. Tulsi is also healthy microbiome. Added bonus:
recommended for lifting your mood, Eating a whole-foods diet is proven
aiding digestion, and strengthening to enhance positivity and to decrease
the immune system. Steep a tea bag our risk of depression.
for five minutes and drink one cup 4. Breathe. Three-Part Breath, a
daily—or more if you’re fighting off foundational breathing practice in
a cold. yoga, helps boost the immune system
2. Move more—and sleep more. by removing congestion, increasing
Physical activity, even moderate circulation, and releasing stress and
activity—like walking for half an tension, says Larissa Hall Carlson,
hour each day—has been shown a teacher trainer for the Kripalu
to enhance health, by increasing Schools. Here’s how to do it: Sit in
the activity of Natural Killer Cells, a relaxed position with your spine
which are central to immune system long. Fill up the belly with breath,
functioning. Yoga is another great then fill the rib cage, and then allow
movement option, as it provides the breath to fill your upper chest, all
moderate exercise while easing stress the way up to your collarbones. Then
and increasing flexibility. But don’t release the breath in the opposite
sacrifice sleep time to fit in a workout: sequence. Larissa recommends
Getting enough Zs is also critical to practicing Three-Part Breath for one
immunity and, like exercise, supports to three minutes, two to four times
positivity. Note to night owls: Western a day.
science and Ayurveda agree that the 5. Start a gratitude practice.
pre-midnight hours of sleep are most Studies show that gratitude boosts
restorative, because we get more both physical and psychological
non-REM sleep (deep and dreamless) health. To bring more of this beneficial
in the earlier part of the night than emotion into your life, try writing in a
Ready for spring yet? It’s that time of
after midnight. gratitude journal each night before
year—with the winter solstice behind
us, but plenty of short, dark days 3. Nurture your microbiome. bed, recognizing what you’re thankful
still ahead—when we need extra “Our gas trointes tinal trac t is for and what’s gone well. “Aim for a
populated with more bacterial cells list of five things—but if only three
inspiration to stay energized and
than all the other cells in the body come to mind, that’s fine,” says Lara
positive. Here are five tips drawn
combined, and these bacterial cells Tupper, who teaches R&R Retreat
from yoga, Ayurveda (India’s ancient
are central to our immunity,” says workshops at Kripalu. “Consider what
healthcare system), and Western
Kripalu presenter Annie B. Kay, RDN, exists for you in this present moment.
science, to keep sickness at bay and
an integrative dietitian and yoga What can you acknowledge?”
to stave off the winter blues.
therapist. To keep your gut bacteria
1. Drink tulsi tea. Also known (also known as your microbiome)
as Holy Basil, tulsi is valued in healthy, eat fermented foods like For more information and inspiration,
India for its purifying qualities. yogur t, sauerkraut, and tempeh, visit kripalu.org/resources for articles
It’s antiseptic and antibacterial, which contain naturally occurring by wellness experts, healthy recipes,
good for headaches, and reduces probiotics. Coconut oil, herbs, nuts, yoga videos, and more.
SOCIAL MEDIA
5 Social Media Tips to
Reach Your NonProfit’s
Best Friends
By Dawn Stanyon, Professionality Consulting
I’m going to let you in on a little issues as your social media
something: I was in fundraising filter system. If what you want
and communications for a to post doesn’t fit through the
large nonprofit for 13 years – filter, consider not sharing it. – just heart-felt and mission-centered. Put the video on
before most of us were aware
2. Know which social YouTube and your other social media channels and you will
of digital marketing. Yeah, I
media site is right for be rewarded by the social media gods. Your post will be put
worked with a team to launch
you. Sure, you can do all up in front of more eyes.
our organization’s first website,
the social media sites. And
but we knew nothing about 4. Know when your friends are online. Okay, that
then pull out all of your hair.
e-mail campaigns, social sounds creepy. What I mean is: all the big social media
I recommend you start with
media sites, hashtags, and sites provide data on when your posts are most popular. For
the basics and perhaps one
search engine optimization. example, I know for one of my clients that his fans respond
extra. For example, Facebook
I never want to head a to his content – and it gets the furthest reach – on Saturdays,
is the largest social media site
fundraising department again. Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursday at 9:00 pm, 8:00 pm,
by far with one billion users (of
I’ll leave that important and 4:00 pm and 1:00 pm. So, I’m most likely to put up posts
course, they’re not all here in
challenging work up to today’s on those days and times. That doesn’t mean I can’t put up
the Berkshires…). Facebook
nonprofit professionals – but if content at different times – but you need to know to know the
provides all kinds of tools to
I did, I’d use digital marketing rules so you can break the rules, right?
make it a no brainer as a first
and social media for all its
choice. Instagram (owned by 5. Be an active part of the community. It’s not enough
worth. Here are five tips to to put up a picture and a blurb once each week. You have to
Facebook) is the 3rd most
help you reach your current
popular social media site: I’ve like to be liked; share to be shared; follow to be followed. This
and future best friends.
found the Berkshires to be does take concerted effort and dedication. Your niece who’s
1. Create a brand filter. pretty active on Insta. And then good with social media probably isn’t the answer. Neither is
It’s easy to throw a bunch of the amazing intern who will only be with you for three months.
maybe consider a third site
posts up on Facebook with They can get your social media program rolling but you
where you know your friends
no strategy. You have an need someone on your team who will be the keeper of the
are. LinkedIn? Pinterest?
amazing cause with dedicated filter system: someone who will be responsible for creating
Snapchat? YouTube? And
participants and staff: the
speaking of YouTube… and asking for content, interacting with your followers, and
photo ops and events are
working to grow your fan base. Maybe you need two or three
never ending. But are you 3. The Internet loves
people to share the workload.
showcasing the heart of your video. YouTube is the second
cause? What 3 – 5 words most popular social media Social media is free brand building. It’s free advertising. It’s
get hit on the mission of your site. I can guarantee, if you free fundraising. Go for it .
organization? What 3 – 5 type in “cute cat video” the Dawn Stanyon is a branding and social media consultant with a
issues does your organization option at the top of your passion to help small businesses succeed through digital marketing.
Prior to founding Professionality Consulting in 2014, she worked with
tackle on a daily basis? Write search engine will be a video The Emily Post Institute for nine years to help grow their corporate
them down. Almost any housed on YouTube. Video business etiquette programs by 700% and communicate their message
content you generate should isn’t hard to do anymore with about consideration, respect and honesty. Prior to Emily Post, she
worked in nonprofit fundraising, event planning and communications.
hit on those brand words and smart phones. It doesn’t need You can find Dawn at professionalityconsulting.com. And look for
issues. Use those words and to be a glossy production Professionality on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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January 2018 | $14.

Published by the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires

BERKSHIRE BACKYARD BOUNTY PHILANTHROPY SHARING SERVICES

Together Better Banking

 personal banking & loans

Connecticut Massachusetts New York

From The Editor . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Berkshire County Development Alliance. 8 How to Attract Young Adults to

The New Kid on the Block –

OUTREACH: Cultivating Business ON THE COVER:

NPCBERKSHIRES.ORG JAN UARY 2018 1

company Fax: (413) 243-6989

Member FDIC. 12/17 www.berkshirecc.edu/workshops

NPCBERKSHIRES.ORG JAN UARY 2018 3

NPCBERKSHIRES.ORG JAN UARY 2018 5

The Troy Book Makers is a full-service book

Abbie, based in the Berkshires, has 40+ years

INTERIM LEADERSHIP WEALTH SCREENING 

Abbie J. von Schlegell, CFRE

For 146 years Wheeler & Taylor has been serving

NPCBERKSHIRES.ORG JAN UARY 2018 7

There's much more focus on how to connect with donors. I

NPCBERKSHIRES.ORG JAN UARY 2018 9

NPCBERKSHIRES.ORG JAN UARY 2018 11

“This is a really dynamic time for food economy,” says Pansing,

NPCBERKSHIRES.ORG JAN UARY 2018 13

your news & ideas

updated daily life in the berkshires

real estate ENTERTAINMENT

NPCBERKSHIRES.ORG JAN UARY 2018 15

ORGANIZING potato, pumpkin and apple—at his

NPCBERKSHIRES.ORG JAN UARY 2018 17

Acknowledging Source of notes, tracking those parties instrumental in attracting

Example 1: Dinner Party

NPCBERKSHIRES.ORG JAN UARY 2018 19

YOUR ANNUAL REPORT:

A Storytelling Tool with • A first-generation college student at MCLA achieved a

a Shelf Life arship support made possible by alumni donors.

NPCBERKSHIRES.ORG JAN UARY 2018 21

NPCBERKSHIRES.ORG JAN UARY 2018 23

concern as to the number of nonprofits. As the Berkshires’ Revenue under $250K

Prairie Whale menu changes daily

NPCBERKSHIRES.ORG JAN UARY 2018 25

South Central North

Dental 47% 71% -24%

Life insurance 45% 61% -16%

Short-term disability 37% 47% -10%

Long-term disability 39% 53% -14%

Vision 18% 36% -18%

Long-term care 3% 18% -15%

Jury Duty 81% 75% +6%

Military leave 17% 26% -9%

Parental leave 30% 25% +5%

NPCBERKSHIRES.ORG JAN UARY 2018 29

The Zah-Greenspans would like to thank the Bizalion Family,

NPCBERKSHIRES.ORG JAN UARY 2018 31

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