About the Meeting:
The February session will focus on learning from racial equity focused pilot grantmaking practices (and sharing of other resources) implemented by peer foundations. The meeting will also serve to identify new questions that can be addressed by peers at future meetings.
About the Network:
The Western MA Funders' Network is an inclusive network for grantmakers funding in, or based in, the four counties of Western Massachusetts: Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin. The network exists as a peer community to support grantmakers in the region and ultimately, to create a positive impact throughout Western Massachusetts.
The Network is working to advance racial equity through grantmaking in Western MA. The intent is to do this for, and with, the most marginalized in the communities of the region.
As a Network, it intends to keep learning, keep dialoging on a regular basis, and keep collaborating as it works towards its goal.
A working group is charged with moving this effort forward. Working group members are: Matt Bannister, PeoplesBank, Paul Belsito of the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation, John Bidwell of United Way of Hampshire County, Annamarie Golden of Baystate Health Foundation, Donna Haghighat of the Women's Fund of Western MA, Dena Hall of BankESB, Lori Gazillo Kiely of the Berkshire Bank Foundation, and Katie Allan Zobel of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
Zoom information will be sent via email in advance of the meeting.