Trainings and Events

With thousands of nonprofits and nonprofit allies across Massachusetts, there are hundreds of trainings and events held across the state every month. One of the most useful aspects of having a statewide network of nonprofits is the ability to collect and provide information about happenings and resources from around the sector in one central location. In this section you will find a comprehensive Trainings and Events Calendar, as well as information on MNN’s events that are held throughout each year.

Trainings and Events Calendar

Our Calendar is a centralized resource for people across the state to learn about upcoming trainings and events. MNN staff searches for items to post, but this resource will be substantially more useful if members of the nonprofit community post their own. The calendar is easy to use, free, and open to the public. You can even create your own account, and the ability to monitor events by area through RSS feeds. Directions on how to post trainings and events is in the FAQ section of the Calendar. Or, go directly to the Post a Training form and the Post an Event form.

MNN Annual Events

Each year, MNN holds 11 events across the state that provide nonprofits with learning and networking opportunities.

Nonprofit Awareness Day – Every second Monday in June, nonprofit leaders join together to celebrate the work of the sector and raise awareness. The Nonprofit Excellence Awards are presented on this day. Massachusetts was the first state in the country to have an annual Nonprofit Awareness Day established by law. The day was recognized and signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick in 2007.

Annual Conference & Expo – MNN hosts an annual Conference & Expo that brings together nonprofit organizations, consultants, and foundations, to bolster their knowledge of effective practices, thus strengthening their ability to carry out their mission and work. 2010’s conference, “Doing Thing Differently – Doing Different Things” was co-hosted by Associated Grant Makers (for the second year) and featured 22 workshops, keynote speakers, and over 500 attendees.

Legislative Day – Legislative Day provides nonprofits with an opportunity to both talk to legislators about their concerns, as well as demonstrate to them the valuable contributions nonprofits make to the quality of life in Massachusetts. Legislative Day is held at the State House.

Regional Meetings – MNN hosts eight regional meetings a year in each region of Massachusetts. Regional meetings generally feature a workshop or training portion, as well as an opportunity for local nonprofits to share their ideas and priorities with MNN staff. Often, local legislators are invited to participate.

Other Events- MNN partners with other organizations around the state to present events of interest to the nonprofit sector. Registration is now open for “Be Prepared: Crisis Communications,” a half-day training in Natick on June 21.

If you would like to be a sponsor at any of the above events, please visit our Sponsor page.