Elected officials play a crucial role in representing and advocating for the needs of their constituents. Similarly, the Community Foundation is deeply invested in addressing the issues and challenges faced by the communities we serve. By working together, we can amplify our collective efforts.

During our conversation, we will:

Please register to join President and CEO Megan Burke for one of the events offered below. If you are unable to attend the convening in your county, you are welcome to register for another county’s event.

FRANKLIN COUNTY
Friday, March 22 | 10:00 – 11:30AM
Greenfield Community College – Dining Commons,
1 College Drive, Greenfield, MA
REGISTER

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY
Monday, March 25 | 9:30 – 11:00AM
The Garden House at Look Memorial Park
300 N Main St, Florence, MA
REGISTER


EVOLVE Philanthropy is an informative and interactive knowledge series offering opportunities to learn, engage, and network with each other. The series explores philanthropy through a diverse, equitable, and inclusive lens, and fosters ways to become effectual agents of support in order to enrich the quality of life in our region. Each session will incorporate a mix of expert knowledge sharing and group discussion, but will be informational in nature. The series is open to donors, professional advisors, community members and partners, staff, and trustees of organizations interested and impacted by community foundation work.

We hope that you will find the series to be thought-provoking, inspirational, and meaningful.

2024 Sessions

Upcoming evolve events

Visit regularly for announcements on 2024 sessions.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH: What can Reparations Mean for a Community & What is the Role of Philanthropy?

Wednesday, February 28, 2024, 12pm to 2pm

Tickets for this event are now sold out. Please check back for upcoming events.

Description:  The Community Foundation will host a special EVOLVE Philanthropy session to honor Black History Month. Join us for a conversation recognizing the rich history of African-American contributions to the area, and the possibilities for a brighter, more just future. Central to any such conversation in Amherst is the topic of reparations for residents of African descent. We will explore the need to address the significant historical racial disparities, the current climate in town related to racial justice, and the possibilities for wealth redistribution in the coming years.

Format: Panel discussion with experts in African-American studies, philanthropy and reparations:

Featuring a special performance by singer- songwriter, Pamela Means.

Location: White Lion Brewing Company, 24 North Pleasant St., Amherst, MA

Lunch will be provided.

Resources:


2023 Sessions

Previous evolve events

Dec. 12, 2023
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Paul Belsito, Executive Director, Davis Foundation and Nikki Burnett, Executive Director, Educare

Nov. 28, 2023
WHAT’S IN YOUR PIGGY BANK?

Jennifer Connolly, President of Junior Achievement and Terrell Joyner, Unity Financial & Insurance Group

Oct. 28, 2023
SPRINGFIELD MURAL BUS AND WALKING TOUR

Britt Ruhe, Director of Common Wealth Murals

Sept. 19, 2023
WESTERN MASS COMPLETES: AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION FUNDING

Becky Packard, Ph.D., Trustee and Professor and Christina Royal, Former President of HCC

Aug. 21, 2023
THE WINEY MARKET: CFWM’S INVESTMENT STRATEGY 101

Mauricia A. Geissler, Chair of the Investment Committee and Shannon Gurek, CFWM VP for Finance

July 26, 2023
EQUITABLE PHILANTHROPIC PRACTICES IN OUR WORK TOGETHER

Tanisha Arena, Executive Director, Arise for Social Justice


EVOLVE Philanthropy is the first knowledge and engagement series of its kind offered by the Community Foundation.

Please note these sessions are free to anyone interested in attending.