What's Inside: End-of-Year Reflection from Managing Director Kamilah Martin; 2025 All In Campaign Update; NNCG Facilitation Learning Community Reflections; 2026 NNCG Call for Programming; New & Renewing Members; NNCG Member News; NNCG Members in Action; NNCG Member Reposts & Spotlights | | |
End-of-Year Reflection
from NNCG Managing Director Kamilah Martin
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Hello, Network!
As we close out the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the work we’ve done together since I stepped into this role in March — and to honor all that this network represents.
Philanthropy consulting is not simple work. It requires an uncommon blend of strategy, courage, discretion, empathy, and a deep commitment to equity. Yet every day, our members show up with integrity and intention.
- You guide funders through moments of uncertainty.
- You help institutions navigate complexity.
- You stretch yourselves to build practices that are both impactful and sustainable, while holding the human side of this work with care.
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There's Still Time To Be All In! 🤚
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and support NNCG’s efforts to strengthen its technology and information systems.
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This investment in technology and systems is part of a bigger long-term strategy for NNCG.
We are looking to raise
a minimum of $10,000
from at least 50 members
by the end of December.
Give what you feel is meaningful and right for you — participation is key.
All gifts are important, and all gifts make a difference!
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All donors receive the
2025 All In Badge to showcase their support of NNCG!
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⭐ Share news about the All In Campaign → Share This Link
⭐ Tell others about the All In Campaign on → LinkedIn and Facebook
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NNCG 2025 Facilitation Learning
Community Reflections - Year One
from NNCG Steering Committee Co-Chair Jessica Bearman & NNCG Member Courtney Bourns
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Dear NNCG Network,
The first year of NNCG’s Facilitation Learning Community engaged NNCG members eager to be in deeper discussion of facilitation.
The group included experienced facilitators looking to nerd out on techniques and hoping to further hone their craft — as well as folks newer to facilitation, and those who have been facilitating successfully “by feel” without formal training.
Like all learning communities, this one relied on participants’ stories, experience, questions, and recommendations to create a rich, collegial space for growth.
Read the full message from Jessica & Courtney below.
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2026 NNCG Call for Programming
Let's Share Your Success & Learning Stories
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As we build the 2026 programming calendar, we are seeking webinars that feature consultants and client foundations in conversation about the work you have done together - the successes, challenges, conundrums, and what you have learned from each other through the experience.
Do you have a story to tell?
We can offer design support, moderation, or whatever you need to bring your story to life.
Email us at info@nncg.org and share:
- The name of the client organization
- The nature of your work together
- A few notes on what you did together and your successes, challenges, conundrums, lessons, etc.
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New & Renewing NNCG Members |
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24 new members joined NNCG in 2025!
Here are the most recent additions:
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Renewing Members
Mari Barrera
Courtney Bourns
Angela Frusciante
Justin Goldbach
Gita Gulati-Partee
Tony Macklin
Kerry McCarthy
Amy Main Morgenstern
Mistinguette Smith
Dara Steinberg
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New Interview
Molly Schultz Hafid was interviewed on the Fund for Shared Insight Listen to Communities podcast. Eileen Farbman, co-founder and board co-chair of the Kolibri Foundation, sat down with Molly for an open and detailed walk-through of Kolibri’s journey from a traditional family foundation to one intentionally designed to share decision-making power with movement and community-rooted leaders. Read More
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Congratulations to Cause Communications
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Cause Communications celebrated the 14th year of its capacity building partnership with the Dwight Stuart Youth Fund (DSYF), which includes an annual cohort-based training program — led by Senior Vice President Vanessa Schnaidt — that focuses on communications skill building and community power building. Since 2012, these programs have supported more than 450 community-based leaders and 185 grantee organizations. During this time, 100% of participants said they would recommend the program to other nonprofits. Read More
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Well Done, Social Strategy Associates
Social Strategy Associates, Justin Goldbach's firm, project managed The Tow Foundation's 2025 Innovation Fund, which recently announced $10M in grants to nonprofits — expanding access to youth mental health and well-being.
NNCG members representing funders should reach out to Justin to receive learnings and/or data from this initiative.
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Thanks to NNCG member Leah Ersoylu, PhD for sharing a thought-provoking article 💡 from Nonprofit Quarterly, highlighting how philanthropy can unintentionally sustain the systems it seeks to change. Read More
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Thanks to NNCG member Sharmila Rao Thakkar for highlighting a new report from Geneva Global and the Gates Foundation, mapping the growing field of philanthropy advising. 🙌 Read More
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Why Join Our Network?
NNCG’s network includes a distinguished membership of philanthropy consultants representing an array of areas of expertise related to grantmakers and their philanthropic missions. It also includes foundation members that have a deep commitment to supporting philanthropy consultants as peers and trusted colleagues in efforts to advance the field. Collectively, our network serves all types and sizes of philanthropy consultants, as well as grantmakers, grantmaker networks, and philanthropic families. As a result, the work of NNCG members has a positive impact in hundreds of communities.
WATCH REEL: Learning Benefits
WATCH REEL: Discount Benefits
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The National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers (NNCG) is a learning community and forum for open discussion among consultants dedicated to strengthening philanthropy and increasing its impact.
Learn More at nncg.org.
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