Nonprofit Center Increases Support For North County Nonprofits

03:41PM / Saturday, October 04, 2025Print Story | Email Story

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires is increasing its support and geographic focus on North County nonprofit organizations with two upcoming events.

Kevin Fleming, PhD will present an in-person workshop entitled "Writing Annual Appeals That Inspire Action." The workshop takes place at the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum in Adams on Monday, Oct. 6 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Participants will learn the essential elements of an effective appeal letter, from capturing attention with the subject line to writing a clear call-to-action. Designed for nonprofit leaders, staff, and volunteers at all levels of fundraising experience, this session will leave organizations with practical tips, a tested framework, and a ready-to-use draft appeal tailored to each organization. With over two decades of advancement leadership and a reputation as a dynamic facilitator and thought leader, Kevin brings both practical expertise and engaging style to every workshop. The cost to participate is $50.

On Oct. 24, the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires will host a nonprofit executive convening at Hotel Downstreet on Main Street in North Adams from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Representative John Barrett will provide welcoming remarks and share current legislative updates. This event is free for north county nonprofit leaders. RSVP by Oct. 15 to mccaela@npcberkshires.org.

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North Adams Council Looks to AG for Assurances on Federal Grant

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
05:35AM / Wednesday, October 14, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — City officials want to know if the attorney general will defend them if they refuse to abide by certain provisions in a federal grant for the Police Department.

The City Council on Tuesday voted to postpone action until Nov. 10 on a fiscal year 2025 Edward Bernard Memorial Justice Assistant Grant after an hour of debate and hearing from more than a half-dozen audience members in opposition.

"Let's take all the time that we have. Let's wait for them to actually do their due diligence and fight these provisions and, hopefully, win, and then it's not a problem at all, and everybody's happy, and we take care of it," said Council President Ashley Shade. "And if they don't get the provisions out, let's make sure that they're willing to defend us if we accept it. And if they are, let's fight them. Let's fight them on this."

The U.S. Department of Justice grant for $14,231 is to update the department's overstuffed evidence room to aid its accreditation process. But new requirements within the contract about active or passive cooperation with federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have raised fears within the council and community.

Mayor Jennifer Macksey and Police Chief Mark Bailey had explained the need for an evidence room two weeks ago and assured that Police Department didn't deal with civil matters like immigration, but the council rejected the grant. Shade motioned for it be reconsidered for discussion, which passed.

Audience members spoke out in opposition to accepting the grant, often to applause.

"We cannot trust that they aren't attaching strings that we think, in good faith, could not happen," said Sarah Farnsworth from North Adams. "That they could not make us do things that we are protected from in the Constitution. And we have seen over and over that somehow that manages to happen."

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