Thank you for joining us on March 20th!

Thank you for joining us at the Regional Foundation’s annual partner gathering in Camden. Your contributions, shared stories, wisdom, insights and positive energy were truly appreciated. We hope the event helped you build new relationships and leave with valuable perspectives. As we navigate the changing national and regional landscape, we’re committed to sharing our learnings and networks with you so we can face the challenges ahead together. We deeply believe in the power of your work at the local level and are honored to partner with you. Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here for you and stand with you and your communities.

Kick-off: The day started with warm welcome remarks from Kevin Dow (Executive Director, Regional Foundation), Dr. Nyeema Watson (Vice Chancellor at Rutgers University-Camden), Bridget Phifer (Executive Director, Parkside Business & Community in Partnership), and Pilar Hogan Closkey (Executive Director, St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society).

Landscape Assessment & Strategic Planning Conversations: Led by Just Strategies, the session focused on reflecting on the current landscape and vision for the future. Participants shared experiences and explored trends, challenges, and opportunities within their roles and broader ecosystem. They also worked on shaping the foundation's emergent values and collaborated on a strategic vision and action plan for continued collaboration.

Keynote: Jasmine Rivera, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition, delivered a powerful moving keynote. She shared her experience in community organizing and coalition-building, with highlights from her impactful work in advocating for immigrant rights, closing the Berks County Detention Center, and pushing for social justice and racial equity in our region. You can view the recording here.

Afternoon Break-Out Sessions:

Session A: “Data + Heart,” by Jacob Rosch (Reinvestment Fund) and Sara Shahriari (Resolve Philly), focused on integrating data-driven strategies with a community-centered approach. Session B: “From Outreach to Ownership,” presented by Candace Kenyatta and Nichole McCoy (Grovider LE), discussed how to mobilize power in communities from outreach efforts to ownership. Session C: “The Full Financial Picture,” with Marisa Swystun and Evan Linhardt (Bernstein Wealth Management), provided insights into understanding the broader financial landscape for nonprofits and community organizations. You can access breakout session presentations here.

Foundation Updates: The foundation shared updates on ongoing initiatives, including the availability of rapid response funds for urgent needs. We also announced the launch of a Bridge Loan program to support non-profit cash flow, and a Capacity Strengthening Grant program focused on immigrant and refugee-serving initiatives. Please visit our website for full details and apply through our online grants portal and remember to check your spam boxes for our communications.



To streamline this year's technical assistance (TA) provided to our grantee partners by our core TA team, please remember to sign-up here (ONE response per RF grantee partner organization) to select the areas where you would like continued support in your organizational planning, data collection, evaluation, and interpretation.

Delicious treats and prizes were provided by Glassy Brown Cookies and Curate Noir.

Photography was provided by Rian Watkins.

Gracias to our board members and facilitators for your thoughtful listening and for sparking such engaging conversations.



Mèsi to Community Wealth Partners for your wonderful event coordination support.

Thank you to Rutgers University Camden for your coordination, support, and hospitality.