human service forum
FAQs
General & Mission
The Human Service Forum (HSF) is a membership community that helps nonprofits thrive through learning, connection, and shared expertise. For over 40 years, we’ve brought together the leaders, organizations, and partners who strengthen Western Massachusetts communities, because stronger nonprofits create stronger communities.
Nonprofit leaders face big challenges with limited resources, and they shouldn’t have to face them alone. HSF gives them a place to grow their skills, learn from peers who understand their work, and reach trusted experts, so they can do more with what they have.
HSF was founded in 1986 by nonprofit and public sector leaders who saw the need for a more connected human service community. They modeled it on a Chamber of Commerce: a place to share ideas, solve common problems, and speak up for the sector. That vision still guides our work today.
Our offices are in Easthampton, and our roots are in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire Counties. Our programs and network reach nonprofit and human service organizations across Massachusetts and beyond, and many training sessions can be attended virtually or in person. HSF continues to hold a focus in Western MA.
Yes. HSF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Who We Support
HSF serves two groups:
- Nonprofit and human service professionals, including executive directors, managers, emerging leaders, and frontline staff at member organizations.
- Business partners and sponsors, including banks, foundations, technology providers, and consultants who serve the nonprofit sector.
Our network includes 100+ member organizations and professionals, representing about $400 million in combined budgets and more than 16,000 employees.
What We Do
Everything we offer is built to help nonprofits grow stronger:
- Learn: leadership development, management training, professional development, and specialized certifications.
- Connect: roundtables, peer groups, and networking with colleagues facing similar challenges.
- Resources: a job board, community calendar, resource library, and member discounts and tools.
- Partner: connections to trusted consultants and business partners who understand the nonprofit sector.
Roundtables are small peer groups that meet monthly around a shared role or topic, such as HR and IT. They give members a trusted place to compare notes, solve problems, and learn what’s working at other organizations.
Our trainings help people grow as leaders and managers, from programs for new supervisors to certifications and executive-level development. Sessions are offered virtually and in person, and members receive discounted rates. Workshops
Yes, at a non-member rate. Members save on every training.
Members get access to discounts, practical tools, and pro bono consulting through Catchafire. HSF members have saved $1.99M on work completed through Catchafire.
Yes. Job posting is a Members Only benefit. The job board connects your openings with a network of experienced nonprofit professionals.
Membership
Organizational dues are based on your organization’s annual budget, so the cost scales with your size and stays accessible for smaller nonprofits. Individual memberships are also available, with reduced rates for retirees and students. (Link for rate information https://www.humanserviceforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/fy-27-rates.jpg)
HSF maintains a policy of inclusion that allows all human service agencies access to membership, regardless of financial ability. Please reach out to Becca Coolong (rcoolong@humanserviceforum.org) for more information.
- Organizational membership: for nonprofit and public human service providers, colleges, and universities. Staff across your organization can take part.
- Sponsoring membership: one rate that covers your membership and a sponsorship of our Breakfast Series or trainings, giving your organization more visibility in the network.
- Individual membership: for professionals whose organization isn’t a member, retired nonprofit leaders, college students, government aides, and solo consultants who serve nonprofit leaders.
- Consultant membership: Coming Soon!
Membership gives you discounted trainings, roundtable participation, peer networking, the job board, highlights in our community calendar, member discounts and tools, access to trusted experts,free access to Catchafire and a voice in a network that represents the sector across Massachusetts.
You can join online in a few minutes at (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdikBX3xkLgp6HKrE4OD8UAyapnlG9_xcs3aSnqmf2OytP8yw/viewform)
or download a form and mail it with a check. After you join, we’ll send your login so you can start using your benefits right away.
Membership runs on a July 1 – June 30, confirm year.
Catchafire is an online platform that connects nonprofits with skilled professional volunteers for pro bono projects and one-hour calls. Nonprofits can get help with marketing, strategic planning, HR, finance, technology, and more. Through HSF, members can use Catchafire at no cost, thanks to support from The Beveridge Foundation, the Community Foundation of Western Mass, and the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation So far, HSF members have received more than $1.98M in expert support without spending anything.
Contact Pam Root (proot@humanserviceforum.org) at HSF to receive your organization’s Catchafire invitation.
Business Partnership & Sponsors
HSF gives you direct, trusted access to the nonprofit decision-makers you want to reach. Partners gain visibility across a network of 100+ organizations, chances to share their expertise, and credibility that comes from supporting the sector.
Sponsors can support our Breakfast Series, trainings, and community events. Each opportunity comes with recognition and a chance to meet nonprofit leaders face to face. Check Resources
Yes. We welcome proposals from partners and consultants who have practical expertise to offer nonprofit leaders. Please reach out to Jeff Tingley (jtingley@humanserviceforum.org) for more information.
Yes. Several partners support HSF with in-kind services.
Get in Touch
Email us at info@humanserviceforum.org. You can also follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for training information and news.