Massachusetts Service Alliance offers a variety of retreats, management meetings, networking workshops, conferences, on-site technical assistance, public education sessions, and community outreach forums that support the Massachusetts service and volunteer network.

For more information on MSA’s capacity building programs, please contact Naomi Weiner, Director of Training and Technical Assistance, at 617-542-2544 ext. 218 or nweiner@mass-service.org.

Please check this page regularly for information about current training opportunities that are open to the general public.  Some training workshops are limited to MSA grantees.

Using Logic Models for Effective Program and Grant Development   >> Register
This workshop will focus on logic models as a key element of program development, grant writing, and accountability to stakeholders.  Through hands-on activities and group discussion, participants will practice using logic models for various purposes, e.g.:  to communicate with funding sources when soliciting and reporting on grants, and to improve program effectiveness in meeting community needs. 

When: Fri., Oct. 17, 2008
9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon
            
Where: UMass Lowell, Wannalancit Mill Conference Center
(Directions will be sent with confirmation of your registration)
 
Who:  Executive directors, program directors, development staff, other interested individuals

Cost:  $40 (includes continental breakfast).  *Please see note below regarding fee waivers.

Trainer: Lisa Glickstein, Grants Coordinator, Andover Public Schools. Dr. Glickstein has written successful proposals for both state and federal programs, obtaining over $1 million in funding for the district and its project partners. Prior to this position, she worked as a research scientist for over fifteen years where her work involved writing grant proposals for federal competitions and private foundations.

Registration Deadline: October 10

>> Register

Improve Your Agency’s Fiscal Health through Savvy Grant Management:
Cost Allocation, Internal Controls, and other Techniques to Help You Ace Your Next Fiscal Check-Up   >> Register
Effective cost allocation is a key element of a sustainable nonprofit. Understanding overhead and allocating costs properly will help you maximize the contribution of grant funding to your agency’s overall fiscal well-being. This session will cover the theory and practice of cost allocation, including: (1) what is overhead?  (2) allocation methods; and (3) ways to control overhead costs.  If time allows, we will also discuss policies and procedures that help insure your agency has the solid internal controls that are essential to grant compliance and a fiscally healthy organization.  This workshop is sponsored jointly by the Massachusetts Service Alliance and the Human Service Forum, Springfield, MA.

When: Thurs., Oct. 23, 2008
 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Where: The Delaney House, Holyoke
 (Directions will be sent with confirmation of your registration.)
 
Who: Executive directors, fiscal/grant managers, program directors

Cost: $40 (includes continental breakfast).  *Please see note below regarding fee waivers.

Trainers: Bruce G. Hain, President and Senior Management Consultant, and Daniel J. Glidden, Senior Financial Consultant, Insource Services, Inc. 

Mr. Hain held numerous senior-level financial management positions in both private and public sector organizations before founding Insource Services in 1993. His work with nonprofit and government sector clients has ranged from designing, implementing and installing accounting systems and controls for small to mid-sized organizations, to overseeing the installation, implementation and integration of large-scale financial information systems.  

Since joining Insource in 2002, Mr. Glidden has worked directly with his clients’ senior management and staff, helping them use appropriate financial information to enhance future planning and decision making. He previously held positions in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, most recently as a Director of Finance, Human Resources and Administration.

Registration Deadline: October 16

  >> Register

Taking the Stress out of Program Evaluation   >> Register
This interactive session will provide an overview of evaluation ABC's, designed to turn this necessary management function into a low-stress and even pleasant process. We will address key areas for decision-making including: clarifying the purpose of the evaluation, focusing evaluation questions, choosing a methodology, and determining costs; how to select an outside evaluator and to work effectively with one; and evaluation activities you can conduct in-house, especially if your budget is limited. The session will also address problems and challenges brought forward by participants, and will include opportunities to learn from other participants as well as the presenter. Evaluation novices are welcome!

When: Thurs., Oct. 30, 2008 
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Where: Brandeis University, Heller School for Social Policy & Management, Waltham
            (Directions will be sent with confirmation of your registration.)

Who: Executive directors, program directors, other interested individuals

Cost: $40 (includes light refreshments).  *Please see note below regarding fee waivers.

Trainer: Lawrence N. Bailis, Associate Professor at Brandeis University's Heller School for Social Policy and Management. Dr. Bailis has taught evaluation at the graduate level and conducted evaluations of community service, service learning and related programs for several decades.  He currently serves as vice chair and program committee chair of the Massachusetts Service Alliance Board of Directors.

Registration Deadline: October 16

  >> Register

Registration and Fee Information

Advance registration is required. REGISTER ONLINE, or contact Naomi Weiner at (617) 542-2544 x218 or nweiner@mass-service.org. 

Pay fees by credit card with your online registration, or mail check to: Massachusetts Service Alliance, Attention: Training Registrar, 100 N. Washington St., 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02114.  

*Fee Waivers for MSA Grantees: Fees will be waived for the following programs since this training is covered through your grant: Massachusetts Service Alliance ’08-09 Commonwealth Corps, AmeriCorps or Mentoring grantees; Learn & Serve Programs funded through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education ((MA-DOE 354 or 355), and Massachusetts AmeriCorps National Direct operating sites. To receive these waivers please complete the appropriate section on the registration form and select "Fee Waived" in the payment section.  “No-show” fees may apply without proper notice of cancellation.

In case of severe winter weather, workshops may need to be rescheduled or cancelled. For update information call 617-542-2544, ext. 218.

Facilities are accessible to wheelchairs.  To request another accommodation (e.g., CART service, large print materials), or for additional information, please contact Naomi Weiner at (617) 542-2544 x218 or nweiner@mass-service.org. 

View a list of other training and capacity building resources in Massachusetts