Berkshire Bank’s Post

The Foundation's 2023 Annual Report, Accelerating Justice, is here! From workforce development and community stabilization to individual stories of success, the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation drives access to justice across the diverse landscape of Ohio. Each Foundation grant, initiative, and innovation accelerates the pace of positive change, paving the path toward a more just and equitable Ohio. Explore the report to discover how the Foundation's funding supports work that strengthens the workforce, improves communities, and stabilizes families https://bit.ly/2QKAcfB

Like it or not, AI is already part of your everyday life, at business and home. I'm thrilled to be working again with Kevin McNulty to talk about using AI in the nonprofit workspace. #artificialintelligence #artificialintelligencefornonprofits #nonprofits #communitydevelopment #missionmatters #missiondriven

Health disparities are an unacceptable reality. ACAP applauds member L.A. Care Health Plan for its dedication to reducing inequities and investing in community. Read more on L.A. Care’s work below and how Safety Net Health Plans are advancing equity here: https://bit.ly/3nqnIXg      #SDOH #HealthEquity #HealthCareInnovation 

Libraries aren't just buildings. Librarians do outreach and provide bookmobile service. If you live in rural or underserved areas, libraries will do their best to serve you. Let's make sure to provide them with the funding they need for the extra support! #libraries #publiclibraries #bookmobiles #libraryoutreach #governance #localgovernment #stategovernment #federalgovernment

What does it mean to activate tomorrow's dreams? What are the dreams our community has for the future? As Grand Rapids Community Foundation celebrated 100 years in Kent County in 2022, we looked back at our history to examine lessons learned and asked community to share their vision for the future. Watch some of those vision statements and learn more about how the Community Foundations is working to make those dreams a reality for future generations in our annual report: https://ow.ly/1aKo50Qbygb

I was privileged as a board member of Collaborative Healing Initiative Within Communities to attend a press conference yesterday at which our CEO Sade Cooper, along with State Representative Jennifer Bacon (she, her) and State Senator James Coleman and other leaders formally announced introducing legislation which would empower a detailed racial justice (or injustices as the case may be) study in the State of Colorado. This initiative, titled Justice for Black Coloradans, is an historic step forward in identifying, documenting and understanding the specific policies and actions over the past 150 years Colorado has been a state that have contributed to the enormous disparities in education, income, wealth, and other economic opportunities between black Coloradans and so many of their fellow citizens. This vanguard study, to be led by History Colorado and funded by private sector donations, can lay the groundwork for smart, compassionate and consensus-driven policies to ameliorate the obvious legacy of historical (and on-going) injustices and ensuring a future of equal justice for all of us. As one of the speakers yesterday aptly remarked, this isn’t about critical race theory but about critical race history. What is proposed is just a study, but is nonetheless a monumental step forward in a rational path to justice and reconciliation. If you are interested you can learn more about it at https://lnkd.in/gXqEqpvp.

Newman's Own Foundation with a grant opportunity for organizations focused on food justice for kids. Paul M. Angell Family Foundation with a grant opportunity for certain Latino arts organizations. From their websites: > Newman's. "Is your organization working towards food justice for kids in the United States? If so, this is your chance to receive up to $100,000 in grant funding over the next 2 years and deepen your impact! Apply by June 11, 2024." > Paul M Angell. "Mini grants are available for small Latino arts organizations which have budgets of under $200,000.00. Awards are $5,000.00 for grounds with budgets up to $100,000.00 and $7,500.00 for groups with budgets from $100,000.00 up to $200,000.00." Applications due June 7.

This year is the 70th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board decision (1954) and its fight for desegregation in schools. While progress has been made, significant challenges remain. Desegregation efforts faced roadblocks, leaving the promise of Brown largely unfulfilled. But the fight for educational equity continues. At CNE, we champion nonprofits working to close the achievement gap and dismantle systemic barriers. Together, let's build on the legacy of Brown v. Board to ensure ALL students have access to a quality, equitable education. https://buff.ly/454Digg

From coast to coast—and in Santa Clara County—America’s nonprofit arts and culture organizations are providing inspiration and joy to residents, beautifying public spaces, and strengthening community pride and identity. Arts and culture organizations are also businesses. They employ people locally, purchase goods and services from nearby businesses, and produce the authentic cultural experiences that are magnets for visitors, tourists, and new residents. Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) provides compelling evidence that the nonprofit arts and culture sector is a significant industry in Santa Clara County—one that generated $384.5 million in total economic activity during 2022. This study sends a strong signal that, even in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting recession, the nonprofit arts and culture is a formidable industry. AEP6 demonstrates that when we support the arts, we are investing in Santa Clara County’s economic and community well-being. Read more: https://bit.ly/3MuyMzL.

In my recent Op-Ed at TheFutureEconomy.ca, I had the opportunity to talk about #SupplierDiversity as a concept and a practical tool to improve the resilience of the Canadian #supplychain. I also explore the importance of diverse #certifications and the remarkable strides made by #Australia and #NewZealand governments to create measurable impact with their policies.   Join me in this journey to accelerate and maximize the positive impact of our #DiverseSupplier community in the Canadian economy.   #CAMSC #Inclusivity #EconomicGrowth #Canada