Mass Council of Nonprofits

Massachusetts Conference on Volunteerism
2026-05-21 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
Join the Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) for the 2026 Massachusetts Conference on Volunteerism! A dynamic, statewide gathering of service leaders, nonprofit professionals, AmeriCorps and Commonwealth Corps members, program staff, public officials, corporate partners, and community changemakers.
This year’s theme, Across the Commonwealth: Galvanizing Civic Leadership in Every Community, celebrates the power of civic leadership in every region of Massachusetts. From rural towns to urban centers, from grassroots initiatives to statewide movements, we are united by a shared commitment to strengthening communities through service and volunteerism.
Whether you’re leading a nonprofit, managing volunteers, serving as an AmeriCorps or Commonwealth Corps member, supporting service programs as staff, working in municipal government, or building corporate partnerships, this conference will leave you energized, connected, and equipped with actionable tools.

Out of Office, In Compliance: Managing Employee Leaves
2026-05-20 12:00 - 13:00 | https://macouncilofnonprofits.org/events/out-of-office-in-compliance-managing-employee-leaves/
When an employee needs time away from work, determining which leave laws apply and how they intersect can be complex. With expanding state paid leave programs, remote and multi-state workforces, and overlapping federal protections, HR professionals are increasingly faced with real-time decisions that don’t always fit neatly into a single policy or framework.
This session takes a practical, scenario-based approach to leave management, focusing on real situations HR teams commonly encounter. Through each case, we’ll break down how different leave laws work together in practice and how to navigate them confidently and consistently.
We will explore scenarios such as:

An employee working remotely in a different state than the company headquarters, triggering multiple leave law considerations
Coordinating federal FMLA leave with state Paid Family and Medical Leave programs for the same absence
An employee requesting intermittent leave with changing or unclear medical documentation
Situations where short-term disability benefits and statutory leave protections overlap
Managing consistency in policy application for employees across different jurisdictions

Join us for a discussion designed to provide actionable insight into navigating complex, real-life leave scenarios, reducing compliance risk, and building a more consistent approach to managing employee absences.

Free HR & Employment Law Roundtable – AI in the Workplace
2026-05-20 10:00 - 23:00 | https://macouncilofnonprofits.org/events/free-hr-employment-law-roundtable-ai-in-the-workplace/
This interactive roundtable brings HR and business leaders together to discuss real workplace challenges and share practical approaches with peers. Each session includes a brief HR and employment law update followed by a facilitated discussion where participants can compare strategies, policies, and solutions. Attendees will leave with actionable insights, legal and HR perspectives, and ideas they can apply immediately in their organizations.

How to Find the Right Funders for Your Small Nonprofit
2026-05-15 12:00 - 13:00 | https://macouncilofnonprofits.org/events/how-to-find-the-right-funders-for-your-small-nonprofit/
If you run a small nonprofit, prospect research can quickly turn into hours of digging without much to show for it. In this free workshop, Sonya Page of Page Consulting Group will walk through a practical approach to finding the right funders without getting lost in a grants database or chasing every opportunity. Designed for nonprofit leaders and lean teams, this session will focus on how to identify likely foundation prospects, assess fit quickly, and build a short, focused prospect list that is actually worth your time.

MWNN Nonprofit Management Certificate Info Session
2026-05-13 12:00 - 13:00 | https://macouncilofnonprofits.org/events/mwnn-nonprofit-management-certificate-info-session/
Join us to learn about MetroWest Nonprofit Network’s Fall Nonprofit Management Certificate Program. This 12-week hybrid course supports the professional development of individuals at various stages of their nonprofit careers and is designed to expand participants’ knowledge, skills, and network to advance their nonprofit mission. A brief overview of the curriculum will be provided with plenty of time for discussion and questions.
Participation is open to all, but please note 4 sessions are in person in Framingham.

Nonprofit Incorporation Workshop (Virtual)
2026-05-12 16:00 - 18:00 | https://macouncilofnonprofits.org/events/nonprofit-incorporation-workshop-virtual-12/
An essential overview of how to establish a nonprofit in Massachusetts and obtain a 501(c)(3) tax-exemption, with key points for maintaining tax-exempt status. Strongly recommended for anyone starting a nonprofit. Workshop participants will receive a copy of the presentation slides and additional reference materials. Topics include:
– For-profit or nonprofit?
– What is a nonprofit?
– Incorporating & structuring a nonprofit
– Fiscal sponsorship
– State reporting & regulation
– Federal tax exemption
– Ongoing IRS reporting & regulation
Presenters: Sue Abbott, Goodwin; Luke Blackadar, Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston
