Commonwealth Center for Change (C3) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to strengthening the social mission and arts communities, which are crucial to the Northampton area’s cultural and economic vibrancy, and key to the quality of life that makes Northampton a model for other small cities around Massachusetts and across the country.

What We Do Social mission organizations and artists both work to make change by making a difference, by raising our sights, by challenging us to be true to ourselves and to each other. And C3 works to sustain both by meeting two of their core needs:

1. Skills. What do we need to know in order to reach our true potential? As individuals. As social change advocates and nonprofit staff? As artists? And what do we know already that we can share with others that will help them meet their potential? These are the questions C3 asks as it creates a network of learning resources that meets the needs of the social mission and arts communities. By marshalling the incredibly rich pool of knowledge, experience, expertise and passion that exists in our community, C3 will provide a powerful, collaborative, needs-based array of learning opportunities that benefits the whole community.

2. Space. Space is where a community comes together, where a community becomes stronger, where we nourish our hearts and feed our spirits. And there’s an acute shortage of it in Northampton. Social mission organizations and artists need affordable space for all kinds of gatherings—meetings, roundtable discussions, workshops, town hall forums, study groups, book circles, classes, lectures, fundraisers, openings, exhibits, readings, screenings—gatherings that bring us closer together, encourage collaboration, help us learn, create and connect. C3 provides affordable and central meeting and event space to local social mission organizations and artists. C3 also works with building owners and the city to facilitate access to other available spaces.

Our Vision Commonwealth Center for Change will be:

• A facilitator of change in our community.
• A vibrant community of organizations.
• A resource for all members of the community.
• A reflection of the true diversity of our community.
• A place where creativity and art flourish.