History
The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires grew out of founder Liana Toscanini’s decade of hands-on involvement with small civic and nonprofit organizations. In 2016, conversations with leaders from both the nonprofit and business sectors helped shape a clear vision for the Center. Modeled in part after a Chamber of Commerce, the NPC was created to serve as a central hub of information, connection, and support for the nonprofit community.
Over the past nine years, the NPC has launched more than two dozen programs designed to strengthen nonprofits and connect them with the broader community. Signature initiatives include workshops and webinars led by local experts, the annual Berkshire Nonprofit Awards, Get On Board board matching program and volunteer fairs, a Nonprofit Resource Directory, and the Giving Back guide—featuring more than 1,000 nonprofits and ways to get involved.
Supporting nonprofit leaders is at the heart of our work. Each day, the NPC responds to requests for guidance, resources, and referrals, helping ease the demands faced by those on the front lines. Tools such as our listserv, gala calendar, and quarterly newsletter keep leaders informed and connected.
The NPC also plays a growing advocacy role by hosting legislative Town Halls, contributing a regular column to the Berkshire Business Journal, publishing opinion pieces, conducting research, and promoting volunteerism.
With an entrepreneurial spirit, the NPC successfully adapted its programs during the pandemic and continues to grow. Today, our membership includes around 200 nonprofit organizations and over 55 business members.
Guided by strategic planning and years of building financial reserves, the Nonprofit Center has begun expanding its internal capacity—adding staff and increasing programming across south, central, and north Berkshire County.
We are deeply grateful to our members and supporters and look forward to continuing to evolve in service of the nonprofit sector and the broader community.
About the Founder
Liana Toscanini moved to the Berkshires from New York City in 1996, and became an active volunteer, using her marketing background to help raise funds for restoration of the historic Sandisfield Arts Center building and winning a preservation award from the Commonwealth as well as placement on the National Register of Historic Places. She has edited town newsletters, chaired a local cultural council, and assisted the town of Sandisfield with park planning, a 250th town birthday celebration and history book. She was recognized as an Unsung Heroine in 2006 by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women and by Berkshire Magazine as one of the 25 most dedicated, creative & influential people of 2018, by 1Berkshire as a Trendsetter in 2018, and 2nd place in Rural Intelligence’s Reader’s Choice Awards in 2021. In 2024 she received the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce “Business Person of the Year Award.” Liana’s passions include community building, historic restoration, zinnias and dessert.
