Navigating Nonprofit Challenges: The Role of Strategic Connections and Community Support

In the world of nonprofit operations, organizations are constantly navigating the delicate balance between securing funding and delivering impactful programs, with success often hinging on strategic connections and community support. Liana Toscanini, the Founder and Executive Director of the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires (NPC), has dedicated herself to helping nonprofit organizations across the region thrive. With an impressive career spanning multiple sectors, Liana has developed a deep understanding of the challenges nonprofits face, and her organization serves as a vital resource for over a thousand nonprofits in the Berkshires. Her work has become an indispensable resource for both new and established nonprofits, as well as individuals looking to get involved in the nonprofit world.

NPC is a unique "connector" organization, offering a range of services designed to support the growth and development of nonprofits, from strategic planning and legal consultations to job placements and pro bono consulting.

“We’re here to connect nonprofits to the resources they need, whether that’s a lawyer to help fill out a 501(c)(3) or just a person looking for help navigating the sector,” Liana says.

Liana’s path to founding NPC was anything but conventional. With a background in French and marketing, she honed her skills in various sectors, including marketing for a perfume company, working at Newsweek, and even venturing into menswear. However, when she moved to the Berkshires, Liana saw a need for a structure that could provide support for small nonprofits struggling to grow.

“People kept coming up to me asking for help, grabbing my arm in the grocery store—seven or eight times in just two weeks,” Liana says.

This overwhelming demand from the local community sparked the creation of NPC, which operates somewhat like a chamber of commerce, but specifically for nonprofits. What makes the NPC so effective is its ability to be nimble and entrepreneurial. 

“We’re very small, which allows us to do things that larger organizations can’t,” Liana says. 

The Center's ability to respond quickly and personally is what sets it apart in a county that spans nearly 100 miles and includes over one thousand nonprofits. Despite the geographic challenges, Liana and her team are determined to reach every corner of the Berkshires to provide the grassroots support that smaller organizations need to flourish.

Liana’s leadership also shines through in the way she approaches fundraising. With an annual budget of $300,000 to $400,000, NPC relies on a mix of program fees, individual donations, and grants to support its work. However, Liana stresses the importance of building personal relationships to sustain funding. 

“Whenever you can grab a funder to meet in person, having that relationship is crucial,” Liana says. “Social capital can lead to actual funding, and when you’re small and juggling everything, it’s important to make time to network.”

The most challenging aspect of Liana’s role is also one of the most rewarding: the responsibility of managing every facet of the organization. Despite the challenges, Liana’s passion for helping others shines through every day, and her commitment to connecting nonprofits with the resources they need is unwavering.

“Nonprofits have a chicken and egg situation,” Liana says. “You need funding to implement programs, but you also need those programs to attract funding. It’s a constant balancing act.” 

Looking toward the future, Liana has set her sights on expanding the reach of NPC to better serve all three regions of the county. Her goal for 2025 is to continue offering valuable programs and services to nonprofits, including more workshops and regional support.

In the Berkshires, Liana’s work is a testament to the power of connection, community, and perseverance. NPC remains an essential resource, providing the support and guidance that nonprofits need to navigate challenges, grow, and ultimately make a lasting impact.