The Blackshires helps leaders grow, organizations succeed, and Berkshire County community members collaborate with & invest in the BIPOC community of the Berkshires.
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“The Blackshires is your gateway to discovering and supporting the Berkshire Black Community. Discover the businesses, events, stories, community members, and more that make our community vibrant and unique. Together, we can continue it’s transformation into a model of community innovation, beautiful arts, restorative wellness, belonging, and radical collaboration.”
John Lewis
Cofounder & Executive Director, Blackshires Foundation
The Opportunity
Work Together to Transform the Berkshires
The world is shifting. It needs leaders, and communities to look to for inspiration and hope. Berkshires is already a beacon to so many, and attracts talent from across the world.
As we enter a new age, powered by technology unimaginable merely decades ago, we have the opportunity to revolutionize what it means to collaborate as a community.
We can not only work together to solve our immediate and future challenges, but also serve as a model for communities around the globe.
Our Model
Curated services, products, and resources specific to your goals
Explore causes, businesses, education, stories, events, networks, & resources supporting innovative social, economic, business, and personal development.
How It Works
An Overview
We currently serve 3 types of members on the Blackshires Network platform.
- Community Leaders & Organizations with causes they want to share.
- Businesses with products, services, & resources that can support those causes.
- And third, Community Members who want to support the Berkshire Black Community.
How it Works for Leaders
Join a community of leaders working together for a brighter future.
“Our platform supports existing and emerging leaders, creating a network of support that turns everyday transactions into opportunities for change. Together, we’re building stronger communities, one partnership at a time.”
How It Works:
- Sign Up:
Join our growing network of leaders & organizations dedicated to making a community impact. - Connect:
Match with other leaders & organizations aligned with your mission and ready to support your cause. - Amplify:
Leverage collective support to enhance your programs, reach more people, and achieve greater impact.
Benefits for Causes:
- Sustainable Funding:
Secure a steady stream of support through business donations tied to sales, enabling you to focus more on your mission and less on fundraising. - Visibility:
Gain exposure to a wider audience through partnerships with businesses committed to social good. - Community Engagement:
Engage with a supportive community of businesses and nonprofits, sharing resources, knowledge, and best practices.
Join Us:
Ready to amplify your impact?
Sign up today and start connecting with businesses eager to support your cause.
Learn More
How it Works for Organizations
Your Organization Can Be a Force for Good
Join a network of organizations transforming everyday sales into impactful community support.
Introduction:
“By partnering with our platform, your business contributes to local causes and nonprofits with every sale, aligning your brand with community growth and positive change. Together, we can create a legacy of impact.”
How It Works:
- Sign Up: “Easily register your business and select the causes you’re passionate about supporting.”
- Connect: “Match with causes that resonate with your business values and start making a difference with your sales.”
- Impact: “Track the real-time impact of your contributions, enhancing your brand’s value and customer loyalty.”
Benefits for Businesses:
- Enhanced Brand Image: Stand out by demonstrating your commitment to social responsibility, building trust and loyalty among your customers.
- Community Engagement:
- Deepen your connection with the community by directly contributing to causes that matter to your customers and employees.
- Marketing Opportunities: Leverage our platform’s visibility and network to promote your business and its commitment to positive change.
Make an Impact:
Ready to transform your sales into a source of good?
Join our network of businesses committed to making a difference today.
Learn More
Recently Joined Organizations
How it Works for Community Members
Make Every Purchase Count: Support Your Community with Every Transaction
Every time you shop with our partner businesses, a portion of your purchase goes to support local nonprofits working tirelessly for a cause. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change.
How It Works:
- Explore: “Find businesses committed to causes you care about. From your morning coffee to your new pair of shoes, make purchases that contribute to positive change.”
- Support: “Shop as usual knowing that a part of every purchase is directly supporting nonprofit initiatives in your community.”
- Impact: “See the difference you’re making with updates on how your contributions are fueling community projects and initiatives.”
Benefits for Community Members:
- Empowerment: “Take an active role in community development with every purchase. It’s simple, seamless, and impactful.”
- Transparency: “Know exactly where and how your contributions are making a difference with regular updates and impact reports.”
- Community Engagement: “Be part of a community-focused ecosystem that values growth, support, and sustainability.”
Featured Nonprofits and Businesses:
- Highlight a rotating selection of featured nonprofits and businesses on the platform, showcasing their missions, products, and how they’re contributing to the community.
Get Involved:
Ready to make a difference with your daily choices? Explore our network of businesses and start supporting community causes now.”
Learn More
Collaborate with us on the first open-innovation model for the complex needs of
community empowerment.