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.

Upcoming Sessions

Lights, Faith, Culture – Approaches to Generosity

Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Location: Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity, 130 Pine St, Florence, MA 01062

Description:  Join us for an inclusive, interactive and inspiring event exploring the intersection of faith and philanthropy across diverse belief systems. This unique gathering will bring together representation from Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths to learn about each other’s approaches to generosity and community. Let’s come together, enjoy festive foods, and learn about how each of us approaches charitable giving and philanthropy.

Rachel Leader, Fiddler
Ariel Shapiro, Accordionist and Vocalist

Discussion Panelists

Shaikh Mirza Yawar Baig

Imam and Resident Scholar, Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts

Rev. Dr. Marisa Egerstrom

Pastor, Florence Congregational Church, MA

Pastor Atu White

Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Springfield, MA

Rabbah Riqi Kosovske

Beit Ahavah Reform Synagogue of Greater Northampton, Florence, MA

Cassandra Holden, Host

Executive Director, Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity, Florence, MA

Dr. Carlos Perkins, Moderator

Pastor and Assistant Director, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Lake Institute of Faith and Giving, Indianapolis, IN


Visit regularly for announcements on 2024 sessions.

Celebrating the Arts: Sustaining ValleyCreates & Honoring Hispanic Heritage

Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Featuring artists:
Bomba de Aqui, Michelle Falcón Fontánez, and NAGO
Remarks from Special Guest:
Martha Richards, President of WomenArts

Description:  Join us for an evening of inspiration as we rejoice in the arts, share plans for sustaining ValleyCreates, and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The event will feature three ValleyCreates grantees who will immerse us in music, film and photography, and Puerto Rican folk dance.

Come meet the artists behind the work, learn of opportunities to celebrate local art and support our vibrant artistic community, and enjoy a delicious meal while mingling with fellow art enthusiasts.

Location: Holyoke Media, 1 Court Plaza, Holyoke, MA 01040


Professional Advisors Philanthropy Exchange

Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 5pm to 7pm

Description:  The Community Foundation invites financial planners, wealth managers, accountants, estate planners, and other professional advisors from around the Valley to join us for a networking event at Penthouse 650. We are excited to share new developments on the work the Community Foundation is doing, together with our donors and community partners, to make our region an even more vibrant place to live, work and play. We look forward to the opportunity to share how we can be a resource for serving your clients around their charitable giving, all for the good of our community. And we welcome the opportunity to help you build your own networks of professional advisors.

Location: Penthouse 650 at Tower Square, 1500 Main St., Springfield, MA


A Recognition of Lasting Leadership

Wednesday, May 29, 2024, 12pm – 2pm

Description:  The Community Foundation hosted a Spring gathering of Legacy Society members, current and former Trustees for lunch, to connect, and hear highlights about our work.

Location: Penthouse 650 at Tower Square, 1500 Main St., Springfield, MA


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

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

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.