Greetings!
January invites both reflection and renewal. As we step into 2026, we’re doing so with optimism and purpose.
The year ahead holds real opportunities to strengthen our region through advocacy, collaboration, and shared learning. In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find a robust collection of resources, upcoming trainings, and timely updates designed to support your work and spark new ideas. Whether you’re planning ahead or responding to immediate needs, we hope these tools help you start the year informed and connected.
Lastly, a reminder: The information in this newsletter comes from you—please continue to send your events and updates to Nicole Engle to be included in next month’s edition.
Warmly,
Kristyn DiDominick
Executive Director
Reflection
A reflection for today:
“Within our dreams and aspirations, we find our opportunities.”
– Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Let’s dream big and bold in 2026!
At the Collaborative
Inclusive Language Services | Montgomery County
Together with our C3 partners, Interagency Council of Norristown and Tri-County Community Network, we are partnering with the Montgomery County Office of Immigrant Affairs to identify organizations that provide inclusive language services. Identified organizations will be highlighted in our directory (and the ICN and TCN directories) with an inclusive language services seal to help the public and other organizations recognize language resources in Montgomery County.
Complete the survey if you respond ‘yes’ to either 1 or 2 below:
#1 If your organization has staff who directly serve clients or community members in languages other than English. This will allow us to:
- Tag your organization with an Inclusive Language Services Seal (at right).
- Make it easier for the public & organizations to find language-accessible services.
- Support regional efforts to improve language equity.
Note: Please designate one point of contact for language access inquiries.
#2 Please complete the form if you have – or are interested in developing – a Language Access Policy. The Montgomery County Office of Immigrant Affairs can help you develop or refine a policy without cost!
Complete the 3-minute survey here. Thank you for your commitment to inclusive language services!
Join us for January’s workshops!
We’re kicking off 2026 with 6 training opportunities that will inspire, energize, and sharpen skills for the year ahead!
This month, trainings focus on Building an Equitable and Connected Region: Creating spaces where every person and need matter. We hope you’ll join us!
What the New PA Budget Means for Health & Human Services
- Tues., Jan. 6
- 12:00-1:00pm
- Zoom
January Membership Meeting | Next-Gen Nonprofit Leaders: Developing Agile, Mentored, Growth-Ready Teams
- Tues., Jan. 13
- 10:00am-12:00pm
- Zoom
Members-only event—Not sure if your organization is a member? Check here!
Fostering Psychological Safety for an Inclusive Culture
- Wed., Jan. 14
- 10:00-11:30am
- Zoom
Pride Saves Lives: Advocating for and Creating Safer Spaces for LGBTQ+ Youth
- Tues., Jan. 20
- 10:00am-12:00pm
- The Rainbow Room, Doylestown
C3 How to Have More Productive Conversations with Corporate Donors
- Wed., Jan. 21
- 11:00am-12:30pm
- Zoom
From Proposal to Passage: Navigating the PA State Budget Process
- Wed., Jan. 28
- 12:00-1:15pm
- Zoom
Coming Soon: February Events
February’s trainings explore Navigating Complexity Together, offering opportunities to connect, build shared understanding, and resilience as our world continues to change.
Intergenerational Trauma: Science and Cycles
- Thurs., Feb. 12
- 10:00-11:30am
- Zoom
Building Shared Solutions: A Presentation on PA’s Housing Action Plan and Conversation with Our Commissioners
- Fri., Feb. 13
- 9:15-11:30am
- Community Partners Center, Colmar
Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices: Supporting Our Work and Helping the Helpers
- Wed., Feb. 25
- 10:00am-12:00pm
- Zoom
Collaborative Connections
- Thurs., Feb. 26
- 4:00-5:30pm
- Lakeside, North Wales, PA
In the Community
Advocacy & Community Engagement
Advocacy in Action: Press Conference Spotlight
On December 22, the Bucks-Mont Collaborative and HealthSpark Foundation convened nonprofit leaders, county officials, and advocates for a press conference highlighting how proposed federal policy changes threaten homelessness services in Bucks and Montgomery Counties.
While a recent court ruling temporarily pauses HUD’s ability to move forward with new funding requirements, the situation remains complex, fluid, and uncertain. Our counties and Continuum of Care (CoC) providers remain in limbo, with real risks to services and stability as legal and budget decisions continue to unfold.
We are working closely with our national partners to assess the rapidly evolving landscape, and we’ll soon be sharing a coordinated call to action focused on addressing these risks through the federal budget process.
For now, we want to celebrate our co-hosts, speakers, and members who came together on short notice to discuss what’s at stake and bring much-needed media attention to this issue. This is what effective advocacy and true collaboration looks like.
2 Advocacy Opportunities from Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice (CTIPP)
- SAVE THE DATE: CTIPP is planning an advocacy day in Washington, DC in March 2026. Please complete this brief survey if you would like to receive updates and logistical information, and/or to demonstrate your interest in joining!
- Urge Congress to support #CMWRA: The Community Mental Wellness & Resilience Act is a bipartisan bill that tackles the nation’s mental health crisis by addressing the extensive community trauma caused by natural disasters. CTIPP is proud to support this legislation and launch an advocacy campaign and toolkit. Please urge your representatives to support the bill!
Share Your Story: Paid Leave & Child Care in PA
Your experience can help change state policy.
Right now, too many Pennsylvania families are forced to choose between a paycheck and caring for a child or loved one. Children First is fighting to pass Paid Family & Medical Leave, but they need to hear from parents and families like yours! The short survey will ask about experiences balancing work and caregiving and should take less than 5 minutes to complete. Complete and share the survey here.
Sign On Opportunity: A Humane, Effective Strategy to Address Encampments
The Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania (HAP) is asking you to add your organization to a letter supporting a $20 million investment to implement a humane, effective strategy to address unsheltered homelessness and encampments across Pennsylvania.
Unsheltered homelessness and encampments—where people are living in tents, under bridges, and in wooded areas—are a growing concern.
- Living in encampments exposes people to serious health and safety risks and chronic stress.
- Homeless service providers and local governments are overwhelmed.
- Business owners, property owners, and residents are increasingly impacted by visible and unsafe conditions.
What is HAP Proposing? A humane, evidence-based approach grounded in what’s already working in PA. This strategy helps people move indoors and ensures that encampments are safely and permanently closed—offering real solutions rather than simply shifting the problem elsewhere.
The approach includes outreach, landlord engagement, rental assistance, case management, and site cleanup—allowing communities to address encampments one by one within a defined timeframe.
With the right investment and coordination, we can provide real solutions for people living outdoors, reduce strain on public systems, and improve safety and stability across our communities.
The Bucks-Mont Collaborative has signed on to this letter – join us!
Share Your Voice in the United Way of Bucks County Community Needs Assessment
Every two years, the United Way of Bucks County asks residents to share their experiences, challenges, and priorities.
Your feedback helps United Way of Bucks County understand the real issues households are facing and guides how they invest in programs, services, and advocacy efforts that make the biggest difference locally.
This survey should take just 5-10 minutes to complete. To thank you for your time, they’ll draw one $50 gift card winner for every 50 completed responses. Your responses are confidential and will only be used in aggregate to identify trends and community needs across Bucks County. Only one submission per household is permitted.
Thank you for sharing your voice and helping shape a stronger, more equitable Bucks County for everyone!
Childcare & Education
Camp Mariposa: Youth Camp Spots Available
Camp Mariposa serves youth ages 9-12 who are experiencing, or have experienced, substance use disorder within their family system.
The core component of the Camp Mariposa program model is free weekend sessions (Friday evening through Sunday afternoon) that are held 6 times throughout the year. Each camp weekend offers traditional camp activities enhanced with educational and therapeutic elements designed to teach youth a variety of problem-solving and self-care strategies. Small group discussions give youth the opportunity to talk about the challenges of living with a family member struggling with a SUD. Learn more and share!
2026 Shifting Spaces Art Show
Do you know a student looking to help in the fight against domestic violence? The Shifting Spaces Art Show is an opportunity to spread positive messaging about healthy relationships and influence friends, family, and more to value respect, safety, and trust in relationships.
The deadline to sign up is Monday, January 12, 2026. The showcase will be on February 26. Share the sign-up link!
Health & Wellness
Shared Wellness Center | 4 Hour Mini Retreat: Vibrational Healing and Integration
- Sat., Jan. 10, 11:00am-3:00pm
- Warrington, PA
- Register
Join this restorative experience designed for caregivers of all kinds—DSPs, family caregivers, lifesharers, administrative staff, human services professionals, nurses, and anyone who gives so much of themselves to others.
The retreat will be led by Teresa & Glenn James of The Awesome Outlet, energetic wellness practitioners specializing in biofield tuning, vibrational healing, and transformational wellness. This four-hour, two-part vibrational healing retreat is created to help caregivers release stress, reset the nervous system, and restore inner balance. No experience is required.
Montgomery County HHS | Substance Use: Safety and Stigma Reduction Dual Training
- Thurs., Jan. 29, 2:00-3:30pm
- DeKalb Center Norristown
- Register
Victim Services Center | Free Restorative Yoga Class
- Fri., Jan. 30, 6:00pm
- Conshohocken, PA
Designed for any individual impacted by trauma and those supporting loved ones. Learn more!
BCHIP | PA Navigate
Free and easy to use, search for help near you at pa-navigate.org. Reach out to BCHIP with any questions!
Victim Services Center | Free Support Group for Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
- Meetings will begin at 5:00pm on Wed., Feb. 4 (Please reach out to VSC by January 30 so that we can expect you)
- LEARN MORE: Call 610-277-0932 ext. 252 or email [email protected]
NAMI | Expressive Arts Therapy: A Sensory Approach to Trauma Healing
“When you’re moving with somebody, when you’re making sounds together — whether you’re drumming or even listening to music together — you’re in relationship with them,” Malchiodi explains. “That was the piece that I found missing from talk therapy alone.”
Once this relationship happens, patients are often able to access the language to identify and work through their trauma.
“Talk is about the higher brain. And if that part of the brain is not immediately accessible, you have to work with the senses,” Malchiodi says, “Sensory integration means that clients can engage in movement or sound to work their way up from senses to feelings and thoughts.” Read more.
BCHIP | Mobile Vaccine Clinics
In partnership with Giant Pharmacy and Eric’s Rx, BCHIP can provide you with vaccine education progams and on-site vaccine clinics. Learn more!
Professional Support & Development
Montgomery County Community College | POWER: Partnership on Work Enrichment and Readiness
Founded in 2006, the POWER Program has created a new reality for college students in recovery. POWER is a scholarship-based program designed to provide academic support for 20 students per semester. Their mission is to support studentsimpacted by substance use, mental health, and trauma-informed disorders, helping them to thrive academically and professionally. Learn more!
3 Opportunities through the Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce
- AI: Thurs., Jan. 8
- Marketing: Wed., Jan. 14
- Not Rambling: Thurs., Jan. 29
Rasa Legal | New Tool for Justice-impacted Individuals!
A free tool for checking a criminal record. Rasa is looking for justice-impacted people who are willing to test the tool and give them some feedback on the experience. Rasa typically charges $15 for use of their platform, but is willing to provide it free of charge for anyone who would like to test it out. Everyone who uses the tool can create a free account, see their results, and meet for free with Rasa’s legal team to discuss questions and next steps. Learn more!
Safety Net Resources
Utility Shutoff Moratorium
From Dec. 1 to March 31, utilities in the state cannot shut off eligible customers’ services. Households must be at or below 250% of the federal poverty level to be eligible for the moratorium. Ratepayers should inform their utility of their eligibility.
“This protection is really important for so many people who otherwise might get a shutoff notice, and have to choose whether to pay for other really important life-sustaining things during the winter,” said Charlotte Edelstein, a staff attorney at the Community Legal Services in Philadelphia. Read more about the moratorium.
LIHEAP Support | Open Application
From December 3, 2025, to April 10, 2026, individuals can apply for a cash grant to help pay heating bills. Households can receive from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type.
The cash grant is a one-time payment. The grant will be sent directly to a utility provider or fuel company. Share LIHEAP eligibility, information, and the open application!
Bucks County Opportunity Council | Weatherization Services
Don’t wait for extreme cold or heat to weatherize! Free program to help reduce energy costs. Learn more!
January 26, 2026 Point in Time Count Bucks and MontCo Opportunities
The annual Point in Time Count assesses the scope of homelessness in the area on a single winter night. While this cannot be assumed to be the complete scope of homelessness in the county, it is a way to assess change each year.
Montgomery County Opportunities: As the county gears up for its next count in 2026, please consider donating to the Point in Time Count, during which volunteers distribute needed items to the individuals encountered. Learn what’s needed here.
Bucks County Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are needed to –
• Identify Locations Where Homeless People Live/Spend Time
• Promote Community Awareness of Homeless Issues
• Participate on Outreach Teams
Save the Date: PIT Outreach Team Meeting and Training – Virtual
Thursday, January 22nd, 2026, 2:00-4:00pm
Virtual Meeting information will be sent to registered volunteers. For more information on volunteering or the PIT Count, contact: Stefanie Bodman
The Code Blue season is already underway, and our community urgently needs volunteers to help keep neighbors safe during freezing temperatures. Code Blue is declared when temperatures drop to dangerous levels, activating emergency shelters to provide warmth and safety for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Montgomery County: Volunteers are needed at Code Blue shelters in Lansdale, Norristown, and Upper Perkiomen to assist with shelter operations and support guests during these critical nights.
Interested in getting involved?
- To find out more about volunteering for the TLC for the People shelter in Norristown, visit here.
- For more information on volunteering in Lansdale, please email: [email protected] or visit here.
- To sign up to volunteer through The Open Link in Upper Perkiomen, visit here (choose code blue as the category you would like to participate in).
Bucks County: Volunteers are needed through Advocates for Homeless & Those in Need (AHTN), a Bucks County interfaith nonprofit that serves the homeless and those in need by providing year-long access to emergency shelter, food, and other life-sustaining services with dignity and compassion. Visit here for more information.
Volunteer Opportunities on PA Navigate
PA Navigate is a website that connects Pennsylvanians with social services in their communities. You can find help with food, utilities, financial assistance, child care, transportation, and more by visiting pa-navigate.org and entering your zip code to find services in your area.
PA Navigate has a new feature to help community-based organizations find volunteers and to help SNAP recipients maintain their benefits. Community-based organizations can now list their volunteer opportunities on PA Navigate so that they can fill critical needs and help SNAP recipients find volunteer opportunities to meet work requirements and keep their benefits.
Learn more about the program and submit volunteer opportunities here.
Senior Services
MontcoSAAC | Transportation Options & Insights (3 Sessions!)
All are welcome to attend, free of charge. Registration is not required, and you do not need to be a member of Montco SAAC. Join these workshops!
SPARK Senior Centers | January 2026 Programs
So much is happening at SPARK Senior Centers as the new year begins. Join and share!
Wissahickon Valley Public Library | Memory Cafe
- Thurs., Jan. 15, 11:00am, Ambler Branch
People impacted by memory issues and those caring for them are invited to attend Memory Cafe at Ambler. These events will be held once a month and provide an opportunity for people living with dementia to socialize with new friends, enjoy refreshments, and participate in a variety of activities in a safe and welcoming setting.
Please register by contacting Sharon Pachler: [email protected] or 908-612-3883 (text or phone).
Upcoming Community Events
Wissahickon Valley Public Library | Conversation Cafe
- Wed., Jan. 7, 3:30pm
- Ambler Branch
Join this monthly Conversation Café—a relaxed, welcoming space where community members come together to share meaningful conversations. Inspired by the spirit of Socrates Café, but with a more grounded, approachable vibe, we’ll explore thoughtful topics over food and drinks.
Each session offers a few conversation starters to spark dialogue, but there’s no agenda—just real people talking about real things. Whether you love deep discussions or just want to connect with others in your community, you’re warmly invited.
Access Services | Answering the Call Townhall Series: Getting Started
- Fri., Jan.9, 2:00-5:00pm
- 2506 N. Broad Street, Colmar, PA 18915
- Guest Speaker: Millie Johnson from Bold Hope
As homelessness rises and service coordination gaps persist, faith leaders and community connectors are eager to act but need tools to do so effectively.
Through its Housing & Homeless Services and Intersect divisions, Access Services leaders are hosting conversations with community and faith leaders to help amplify efforts and drive systems-level change for the unhoused. Register now!
Montgomery County | 2026 Inclusive Excellence, Access, and Social Justice Forum
Join MontCo leaders for this community event and call to action – All In: Leading with Courage, Clarity, and Conviction!
- Wed., Jan. 14, 11:30am-2:00pm
- College Hall, Montgomery County Community College
This year’s forum is more than an event—it is a call to collective action, reflection, and alignment in a moment that demands principled, people-centered leadership. Learn more and sign up!
Women’s Way | Closing the Gender Wealth Gap Forum: Freedom, Joy, and Belonging
- Wed., Jan. 21, 4:00-5:30pm
- Free, Virtual Event
- Register
This dimension of Freedom, Joy, and Belonging envisions a future where we can all feel:
- Free to pursue joy and leisure, and find wellness communities free from structural biases.
- Treated with dignity and respect, and our lived experiences are honored, valued, and validated by people and institutions.
- Free to make choices and exercise self-determination.
- Connected to our communities and contribute to shaping our communities.
NAMI Montgomery County PA | Network & Resource Fair!
- Fri., Jan. 30, 12:00-2:00pm
- Community Partners Center, Colmar
This free event for attendees brings together local organizations for brief 2–3 minute highlights, fostering education, connection, and meaningful community conversation. Join as a vendor, or attend to learn!
Insights & Opportunities
Funders & Funding
Leo and Peggy Pierce Family Foundation | Application Due Jan 15
The Foundation makes grants to support initiatives that address hunger and food insecurity through direct service programs and/or advocacy efforts.
Ideal candidates for general operating grants are organizations that focus on food access and/or food distribution as their primary mission (i.e., a food pantry, an organization that distributes meals, or a food-growing or gleaning organization). Nonprofits with a mission that does not focus on food but that operate specific programming around food, such as a senior center that operates a congregate meal program, should submit a request for program or project support. Learn more!
The Alliance for Social Trust | Trust in Practice Awards
The Alliance for Social Trust, an initiative of the Aspen Institute in partnership with Allstate, recently opened the application process for their Trust in Practice Awards. This one-time grant opportunity seeks to recognize and support collaborations among 501(c)(3) nonprofits advancing innovative approaches to building trust within and across communities in the U.S.
Each selected collaboration will receive a grant of $100,000, $500,000, or $1,000,000 to fund its proposed initiative. The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM eastern on January 30, 2026. Learn more!
Selection Criteria: Each application must be submitted by a lead 501(c)(3) nonprofit on behalf of a collaboration of at least two other 501(c)(3) partners working together on a trust-building initiative.
Grants will be selected based on:
- The impact of trust levels in a community;
- The strength and commitment of organizational leadership;
- Execution capabilities;
- The potential to extend learnings.
Foundations Community Partnership | PYS Grant Program Cycle is Open!
The Partnership in Youth Services (PYS) Grant Program awards up to $5,000 to non-profit organizations serving Bucks County, Pa. After completing the brief online application, select applicants will be invited to discuss their project/program with members of FCP’s Board of Directors.
PYS recognizes and supports organizations that are dedicated to helping solve community problems and enhancing the quality of life for Bucks County children, young adults, and families. This grant cycle focuses on eligible nonprofits that have never received a grant from FCP. Awarded in March, applications must be submitted by February 1, 2026. Learn more!
Thank you to Representative Greg Scott for sharing these grant opportunities!
Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction (SAEDR) Category One
Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations.
Use: To support projects designed to educate the public about the dangers of substance abuse and/or reduce demand for these substances.
Funds: PCCD expects to award up to nine grants with budgets not to exceed $200,000 over a 24- month project period.
Application Deadline: February 23, 2026
More Information: PCCD Website
Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction (SAEDR) Categories Two and Three
Who May Apply: A statewide organization that possesses five or more consecutive years of experience carrying out substance abuse education and demand reduction programs, maintains a drug-free workplace policy, and has as its purpose the reduction of substance abuse.
Use: The goal of SAEDR Category 2 funding is to educate youth, caregivers of youth, and employers about the dangers of substance use; and increase the awareness of the benefits of a drug-free Pennsylvania. The goal of SAEDR Category 3 funding is to educate employers, unions, and employees about the dangers of substance use in the workplace
Funds: PCCD expects to fund up to three Category 2 and three Category 3 Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction (SAEDR) projects to support this initiative. Budgets for each project may not exceed $300,000 over a 24-month project period.
Application Deadline: February 23, 2026
More Information: PCCD Website
Department of Aging: Senior Community Center Grants
Who May Apply: Pennsylvania Senior Community Centers with an existing, contractual relationship with an Area Agency on Aging.
Use: Enhancements to increase participation and programming, attract a new generation of older adults, and enable Senior Community Centers to provide a safe and healthy environment for their participants.
Funds: $2 million in state funding is available.
Application Deadline: January 9, 2026
More Information: Aging Website
Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund
Who May Apply: Any nonprofit organization designated under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the organization must primarily serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidence identified by the FBI in it’s Hate Crime Statistics Publication (race/ethnicity/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, or gender identity).
Use: For security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of the users of a facility located in the Commonwealth.
Funds: A total of $10 million in state funding is available for this round. Grants may range from $5,000 to $150,000 with match funding required above a request of $25,001 based on the size of the grant request.
Application Deadline: January 12, 2026
More Information: PCCD Website
Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Mental Health Grants
Who May Apply: This noncompetitive, formula-based solicitation is specifically for eligible school entities as defined under 24 P.S. §13-1314.2-B of the PA Public School Code (i.e., a school district, area career and technical school, intermediate unit, charter school, regional charter school, and cyber charter school)
Use: To support physical security enhancements and/or mental health initiatives at schools.
Funds: $100 million in state funding is available to support this program.
Application Deadline: January 28, 2026
More Information: PCCD Website
Job Listings & Open Board Positions
Partnership for Transportation is Hiring!
Partnership for Transportation is happy to announce that they’re hiring a Project Coordinator to join their dynamic team. If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to champion the advancement of one of the most significant sections of the Circuit Trails Network, they want to hear from you!
Position: Project Coordinator
Location: North Wales, PA ( Hybrid )
Hours: Part-time, flexible, occasional weekend and evenings
Details & Application: Visit Job Vacancy – Project Coordinator for more information and to apply.
Pottstown Beacon of Hope is Hiring | New Hiring of a CEO!
The addition of a CEO will allow this team to expand capacity, strengthen partnerships, and sustain their long-term vision, while Tom Niarhos, Executive Director, continues to lead daily operations, programs, and the dedicated team that carries out their mission each day.
All candidate submissions, inquiries, and communication related to the CEO role will be handled exclusively by the HR Committee and should be directed to [email protected]. Learn more!
Shared Wellness is Hiring Nurses and Direct Support Professionals
If you—or someone you know—leads with heart and professionalism, Shared Wellness wants to connect. Visit their dedicated nursing and career page to learn more and apply!
Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice (CTIPP) is Hiring | Ready to Lead Change on a National Level?
If you’re a strategic, heart-centered leader passionate about transforming systems and advancing trauma-informed policy, Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice (CTIPP) invites you to step into your next level of impact as their Executive Director. You’ll guide a respected national nonprofit, shape advocacy at the highest levels, and champion a movement rooted in equity, healing, and resilience. Learn more!
Primarily Work-from-Home | Washington, D.C. Metro Area Required (or Willing to Relocate) | Full-Time | Salary $100,000 to $125,000 annually
New MontCo Sustainability Committee Opportunity
The Sustainability Committee will be an advisory group to Montgomery County’s new Department of Sustainability, supporting the County’s commitment to a healthy environment, resilient communities, and a vibrant economy by guiding the development of the County’s first Sustainability Plan.
Montgomery County’s Sustainability Department is seeking applicants from 10–15 experts from academia, nonprofits, and the public and private sectors who are committed to advancing sustainability in Montgomery County.
Applicants may come from diverse backgrounds, including environmental science, business, economics, psychology, and other applied disciplines. Committee members will collaborate via email and shared digital workspaces.
The Committee will meet monthly throughout 2026, primarily virtually, with occasional in-person meetings. Participation is voluntary and uncompensated. Learn more, share, and/or apply!
News and Resources
News
Bucks and Montgomery Counties 2026 Budgets Pass
Bucks County: “If a budget is a statement of your values, then this year we are making clear that we stand by the people of Bucks County,” said Commissioner Chair Bob Harvie. “With this budget we are pressing forward in our mission to make this government responsive to its people. That’s why we’re expanding the Human Services Hub, continuing our work to build a state-of-the-art Lower Bucks Government Services Center, finally meeting the commitment made to Bucks County Community College 50 years ago, and shoring up public safety infrastructure.” Learn more!
Montgomery County: “This is the first bipartisan budget passed in Montgomery County in nearly a decade, and it reflects what’s possible when we put people first,” said Neil K. Makhija, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “While federal and state governments struggle with gridlock, local governments are closer to the ground. We know how and why we need to get things done at the local level, whether we’re investing in an emergency behavioral health crisis center or funding public safety. I’m proud to partner with my colleagues to have a budget that delivers the high-quality service our residents need in a fiscally responsible way.” Learn more!
2026 Greater Philadelphia Innovation Awards | Voting is Open!
The Greater Philadelphia Social Innovations Awards celebrate and honor our region’s most passionate social innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers whose work and social impact too often goes unacknowledged, yet their efforts are what makes our communities thrive by revolutionizing realities.
From 250 public nominations, these 70 finalists across 12 Award Categories have been selected. Vote now!
National Low Income Housing Coalition | NLIHC Accepting Nominations for 2026 Organizing Awards
The National Low Income Housing Coalition is accepting nominations for the 2026 Annual Organizing Awards. These awards recognize two organizations’ outstanding achievements in statewide, regional, citywide, neighborhood, or resident organizing throughout the last year. NLIHC will recognize accomplishments that further NLIHC’s mission of achieving racially and socially equitable public policy that ensures people with the lowest incomes have quality homes that are accessible and affordable in communities of their choice.
Nominations are due by 5:00 pm on Monday, January 12, 2026. Nominated organizations must be current NLIHC members. Organizations may self-nominate. Learn more here, and nominate an organization in our region!
Resources
Understanding Asian American Diversity & Growth: A Community Profile in Montgomery County, PA
This report explores the strengths, challenges, and identity of the Asian American population in Montgomery County, PA. As the county becomes more racially diverse, County and local governments and stakeholders have a limited understanding of this complex population. Despite their significant contributions, their needs often go unnoticed.
In addition to improving understanding of the Asian American community, this research project and report aim to build community engagement, highlight local leadership, and provide a foundation for future initiatives.
Explore and share the full report and executive summary, with the summary translated into eight languages.
Training & Events
Interagency Council of Norristown | Is This More Than Just the Winter Blues (Professional Development)
- Thurs., Jan. 9, 9:00-10:30am
- Virtual Meeting
- Register
Housing Alliance of PA | Advocacy Essentials for Nonprofits
- Thurs., Jan. 22, 12:00-12:45pm
- Zoom
- Register
Advocacy is an essential part of advancing your organization’s mission and protecting the programs, services, and funding your community depends on. This webinar will break down what advocacy looks like in practice, what distinguishes it from lobbying, and how storytelling can be a powerful tool for change. Join to explore real-world scenarios and gain tools to engage confidently in advocacy efforts!
Interfaith Philadelphia | Earn a Certificate in Interfaith Leadership
Are you ready to enhance your interfaith leadership skills? Join for Foundations of Interfaith Leadership LIVE—a unique opportunity to develop and practice the essential skills needed to lead in a diverse, multi-faith world.
This interactive workshop is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their interfaith work—whether you’re new to interfaith engagement and seeking a solid foundation, or an experienced leader eager to elevate your skills to the next level.
This program grants a Certificate in Interfaith Leadership upon completion. The course combines flexible, self-paced learning (5 hours of independent online coursework) with engaging live sessions (9 hours of virtual video conferences), providing a well-rounded, interactive experience. Learn more!
The Imagination Lab | 2 Sessions
The Imagination Lab is a small, two-session learning experience designed to create space for reflection, creative inquiry, and shared learning. Learn more and register here.
- Session 1: A Fragmented Reality, Seeing What We Usually Miss, February 16, 12:00pm ET
- Session 2: Paradox, Truth Is Loopy, March 16, 12:00pm ET
The Imagination Lab is for people who want to rediscover what is possible. It may resonate especially with:
- Leaders and managers who want to reconnect themselves and their teams to what matters
- Facilitators looking for fresh tools to deepen reflection and dialogue
- People working in movement building and systems change who need a moment of respite
- Anyone feeling a little lost and also curious about what might unfold
Image from Lean in & Let Go: Tools for Reimagining, Written and Illustrated by Chrissie Bonner.
LEAD PA | 2026 Trainings
LEAD PA (Leadership, Education, and Development) exists to seek out, encourage, and cultivate a new generation of progressive community and civic leaders across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. They collaboratively engage with organizational partners across the progressive landscape to identify future leaders with the potential to serve in elected positions, appointed positions, or in advocacy roles in their communities, with 2026 opportunities coming up!
For Candidates and Staff: The Nuts & Bolts Series, hosted virtually by LEAD PA, provides a deep dive into the basic processes that are required for campaign compliance.
For Prospective Candidates: LEAD PA’s Taking the LEAD program is a rigorous, comprehensive, cohort-based training for those considering running for local/county office or the state legislature. These trainings cover the fundamentals of running for office. With insights from campaign professionals as well as both current and former elected officials, graduates leave these trainings with all of the necessary tools needed to mount a successful campaign.
For Campaign Staff: Ready to Manage (101) is for anyone interested in working as a staff member for a competitive electoral or policy-change campaign. These trainings cover the fundamentals of running a compliant and effective advocacy effort. With insights from professionals from across the progressive community, graduates leave these trainings with the necessary tools needed to mount a successful operation.
The Council of Southeast PA and PRO-ACT | Certified Recovery Specialist & Certified Family Recovery Specialist Training Opportunity
This training is for professionals who are interested in applying to become a Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) and/ or a Certified Family Recovery Specialist (CFRS) through the Pennsylvania Certification Board. Learn more, share, and/or sign up!
Woods System of Care | Call for Abstracts: IDD, Autism, and Integrated Behavioral Health Summit at TUFH2026, Philippines
Woods System of Care is excited to announce the IDD, Autism, and Integrated Behavioral Health Summit 2026, hosted by the Woods System of Care in collaboration with The Network: Towards Unity For Health (TUFH) and the Mollie Woods Hare Global Center of Excellence, taking place on August 6, 2026, in Manila, Philippines.
This global summit, which will take place during the TUFH 2026 conference, will bring together thought leaders, healthcare professionals, policymakers, families, and advocates to explore innovative approaches and strategies for improving care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), autism, and behavioral health needs.
You are invited to submit an abstract for an oral presentation and share your work with an international audience. Learn more!
Thank you to our amazing Sponsors and Funders!
Bucks-Mont Collaborative Sponsors
Bucks-Mont Collaborative Funders
