October Newsletter
Big changes rarely start with grand gesture and they start with neighbors showing up for neighbors. On Saturday, October 24, 2026, millions across the country will unite for National Make a Difference Day, one of the largest annual days of community service in the nation. Whether it’s revitalizing a local park, stocking neighborhood food pantries, or tackling large-scale restoration projects, this day proves what’s possible when collective action meets shared purpose. You can join a number of our non profit member organizations by volunteering this month! Find out how you can lend a hand, lead a project, or rally your crew to leave a lasting footprint in our community.
Trainings & Workshops
Upcoming TCN and Member Events
The Financially Healthy Nonprofit: 7 Habits of Financially Strong Organizations
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
C3 Beyond the Policy: What Nonprofit Leaders Need to Know About Insurance, Risk, and Coverage
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
TCN Youth Empowerment Day
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
C3 From Ballout to Turnout- A Non Profit Guide to the Election
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County- Annual Breakfast
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Community Board Fundraising Training: Simple Fundraising Tactics for Nonprofit Board Members
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Non Profit Networking Event
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Citizen Advocacy of Chester County- 40th Annual Phoenixville Run
Saturday, October 24, 2026Community Events & Information
Food & Community Resources
St. Paul's Diaper Bank
Diapers, wipes and other baby supplies available for free to Pottstown families. The Diaper Bank is a ministry of the congregation; we welcome volunteers and donations to continue to support this vital community ministry. Our Diaper Bank is open on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 10-12p and from 5-7p. Volunteers from Mother Goose: Read to Me are also on-site to provide free children’s books.
Visit Website →Chester County Food Bank
Looking for an easier way to enjoy dinner? Try Simple Suppers—delicious, nutritious, and affordable frozen meals made from scratch in the Chester County Food Bank’s licensed commercial kitchen. Prepared by professional chefs, these seasonal “heat & eat” meals are only $6 each. Proceeds from every purchase help provide meals to those in our community experiencing food insecurity.
We appreciate your support—every meal you purchase contributes to our mission of mobilizing and educating the community to ensure equitable access to nutritious and familiar food.
If you have questions, email us at simplesuppers@chestercountyfoodbank.org.
Ricketts Center
Funding Opportunities
Hill School Grant
Hill School Student Philanthropy Council once again is accepting applications for grants to assist Borough of Pottstown - area nonprofits with their vital programming. Please go to the link, where you can access the application as well as other important information. Applications and all supporting materials are due Monday, Nov. 16.
Walmart
Walmart believes that investing in local communities strengthens their business as well as the communities they serve. Local grants are designed to support local organizations that meet the unique needs of the communities where they operate, build pride among all associates, and deepen relationships with their customers and members. Each year, Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs and Distribution Centers award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5,000. Learn more, with Cycle 3 open now through Nov. 30!
Health & Wellness
Job Opportunities
Berks ARL - Multiple Positions Open
Shelter Veterinarian (Part-time or Full-time, salary negotiable)
Shelter Medical Technician Lead (Part-time or Full-time, $21–$24/hr)
Surgery Technician (Part-time or Full-time, $20–$25/hr)
To apply, send a letter of interest and your resume to Leann Quire, Director of Humane Resources and Customer Service, at lquire@berksarl.org.
Member Benefits
TCN's Fee for Service- Grant Writing
Scope of Services
- Writing Full Grant Proposals – Complete development of competitive proposals aligned with funder requirements.
- Drafting Narratives or Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) – Concise, compelling introductions to potential funders.
- Editing or Reviewing Existing Proposals – Professional review for clarity, compliance, and impact.
- Researching and Identifying Grant Opportunities – Curated lists of foundation, corporate, state, and federal grants.
- Building a Calendar of Deadlines and Submissions – A customized tool to track due dates and reporting requirements.
Pricing Options
- Comprehensive Retainer Package: Flat monthly fee covering all selected services. $1000 – $3000 monthly depending on chosen services and organization budget.
Per Service Model (sample ranges):
- Full proposals: $250–$500 each
- Full proposals plus submission: $300 each
- Federal grant development: $500 each
- State grant development: $500 each
- LOIs: $250 each
- Editing: $300–$500 each
- Training workshops: $500 each
TCN's Social Media/Marketing Services
Fundamentals
Includes a discovery call, social media review and strategy session
-
- $250/month
- 5 hours
- Management of up to 3 social media platforms
- 2-3 original posts per week
- 1-2 reposts specific to your focus areas
- Basic content creation (graphics/captions)
- Monthly content calendar
- Monthly analytics summary
- Development of up to 2 flyers/marketing materials
Growth
Includes a discovery call, social media review and strategy session
- $375/month
- 10 hours
- Management of up to 4 social media platforms
- 3-4 original posts per week
- 3-4 reposts specific to your focus areas
- Enhanced content creation (graphics, short videos)
- Target engagement with audiences
- Monthly content calendar
- Monthly analytics & recommendations
- 1 press release, blog, or newsletter per month
- Development of up to 3 flyers/marketing materials
- Website updates
Impact
Includes a discovery call, social media review and strategy session
- $500/month
- 20 hours
- Management of up to 5 social media platforms
- 4–5 posts per week + stories/reels
- 3-4 reposts specific to your focus areas
- Advanced content creation (graphics, video editing, branded templates)
- Monthly content calendar
- Full analytics report with insights
- 2 press releases, blogs, or newsletters per month
- Campaign strategy & execution for events/fundraisers
- Development of up to 5 flyers/marketing materials
- Target engagement with audiences
- Fund development campaign/annual campaign
- Website updates
Need Fund Development Support?
Your membership provides you with consulting time with fundraising expert Chad Barger. Chad Barger [BAR-jur] helps nonprofit professionals and boards fundraise more efficiently and effectively. He is an internationally top-rated speaker, master trainer and coach. Chad is the Chief Strategist and owner of the firm Productive Fundraising which specializes in teaching the latest research-based fundraising tactics and making them approachable for small to mid-sized nonprofits.
Interested? Email akolpak@tcnetwork.org
Need Budget support?
Your membership provides you consulting time with Jan Dégallier. Jan combines expertise in strategic planning, financial process improvement, and leadership development to help nonprofits build strong financial foundations and high performing
teams. With a background as a Certified Public Accountant (inactive), Certified Business and Leadership Coach, Maxwell Leadership Certified Team member, and Certified DISC & EQ Trainer, she equips organizations with the tools to align financial strategies, leadership, and operations for sustainable success.
Interested? Contact akolpak@tcnetwork.org
