CEO's Corner:

A Season of New Beginnings



Cynthia Rivera Weissblum

EGF President and CEO


Dear Friends,



As the year winds down, I’ve been reflecting on how much has changed — and focusing on how much possibility lies ahead. One milestone I’m especially excited to share is that we’re in the final stages of construction at our new home at 61 Gramercy Park North. Seeing it come together has been both humbling and inspiring.

This project has been years in the making. From the earliest sketches to the finishing touches, every decision has been guided by a single goal: to create a place where nonprofit leaders can connect and organizations can thrive. EGF’s offices have always been more than workspaces — they’ve been homes for community and collaboration, whether at 126 East 31st Street, 23 Gramercy Park North, or 55 Exchange Place. Our new home will carry that spirit forward in an even more intentional way.


We designed 61 Gramercy Park North to fill a gap — a space that eases financial strain for nonprofits while meeting essential needs like space for retreats, staff development space, board meetings, training, and connection. It is a space built for gathering, learning, and growing together.



I’m deeply grateful for the dedication, patience, and care that have brought us to this moment. As we prepare to open our doors, we are filled with optimism for what is ahead — for EGF and all the organizations and people who will find support and community here. Together, we are building not only a new home, but also a stronger, more connected nonprofit community.


With warmest thanks,

Cindy

A Deeper Glimpse into Construction

Creating a Space That Brings Our Mission to Life

by Nana Tam, EGF CFO & COO  


As construction continues at 61 Gramercy Park North, we’re excited to share a glimpse into the thoughtful design process shaping our new home. Every element — down to the furniture fabrics and the distance between workstations— has been chosen with intention to support collaboration, connection, and the way our team and partners work together.


Our team prioritized open, flexible spaces that naturally encourage teamwork. Collaborative zones are arranged with seating that balances comfort and productivity, allowing small groups to gather without disrupting others.

Private focus rooms and soft-seating areas offer quieter options for deep work, while shared conference areas can be utilized for workshops, strategy sessions, or community gatherings.

Sightlines throughout the floors were designed to feel open and inviting, making it easy for staff and partners to connect while still maintaining defined spaces for confidential conversations.


From lighting to layout, the environment is being built to reflect who we are: collaborative, mission-driven, and centered on lifting the organizations we support. We can’t wait for you to experience it when we open our doors in 2026.


Welcome to EGF Alexandra Hamilton, Community Experience Manager!



Alexandra brings a strong background in event operations, hospitality management, and community engagement to EGF. A graduate of Scripps College with a B.A. in Legal Studies and a minor in Psychology, Alexandra combines her understanding of human connection with a systems-driven approach.


Prior to joining EGF, Alexandra served as an Event Chair and Hospitality Specialist. Known for her attention to detail and her ability to anticipate needs, she strives to create spaces where people feel both supported and empowered to do their best work. She is deeply committed to fostering a welcoming environment that supports the diverse network of nonprofit leaders and innovators who call the Accelerator home.


Alexandra is deeply excited to contribute to EGF’s mission and to help bring its new space to life. She looks forward to collaborating with the team to cultivate a welcoming, efficient, and connected environment that champions the incredible work of EGF’s nonprofit partners. 

Listening to Leaders

Centering What Matters Most

- AiLun Ku, EGF Vice President Community and Capacity


Community is paramount.

At EGF, it’s not just about weathering the storm — it’s about doing the work that leads to enduring impact. We’re committed to creating intimate spaces where leaders can be candid, tactical, and vulnerable; spaces that allow them to refuel, reflect, and return to their work with renewed clarity.


What we've been up to:

  • United Nations General Assembly: Hosted our first UNGA event, leading conversations on building equitable AI futures and exploring how emerging technologies can support long-term social change.
  • Intimate Luncheon with Christina Joseph (NYU Law): Held a small group conversation with Christina Joseph, Director of the Advancing DEI Initiative at the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at NYU Law, about sustaining DEI efforts in a shifting landscape.
  • Leadership Pipelines & Succession Planning: Convened a private luncheon featuring Erica Hamilton, EGF Leader in Residence and Founder of Memo I Never Got, to discuss leadership pipelines and succession in the social sector.


What's next:

  • January 14, 2026Navigating the Shifting DEI Tides, A Webinar for Nonprofits: Start 2026 with clarity, a playbook, and a community of support. The DEI policy environment has shifted — your mission hasn't. Get legal insights, risk assessment tools, and stakeholder talking points you need to move with confidence. Featuring Christina Joseph, Project Director at the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at NYU School of Law. RSVP now.
  • January 21, 2026 — Leading Like a Coach: A community luncheon featuring Millie Hau, EGF Leader in Residence, who will lead a session on adopting a coaching mindset to support healthy and effective team development. RSVP now.
  • January 28, 2026 — Fearless Fundraising: A leadership luncheon featuring Francisco Tezén, EGF Leader in Residence focused on building sturdy nonprofit revenue models and approaching fundraising with confidence and intention. RSVP now.


Community Resource

Navigating Financial Management in Uncertain Times A Series Offered by Nonprofit Finance Fund

The Nonprofit Finance Fund will host a free financial management technical assistance series launching in February 2026 for NYC-based nonprofits, designed to strengthen financial strategy and planning amid ongoing fiscal and political uncertainty. Please complete the brief survey by Wednesday, December 17 to help inform the topics, formats, and pacing of the workshops, webinars, and coaching sessions. If you have any questions in the meantime, please reach out to Maggie Burkhardt (mburkhardt@nff.org)Complete survey now.

Community Connections

Where People and Possibilities Meet


Cindy Rivera Weissblum and EGF Fellow Alumna Alison Shillingford Founder, Navigate the Maze at the Spark Youth Awards Gala. It was an inspiring night celebrating young people uplifted by outstanding nonprofits across our great city—a night that strengthened our spirit and carried us forward with hope. 




The Grand Reopening of SEO



EGF Chairperson Mark Bieler, Board Members Steve Gross and Devesh Shah, AiLun Ku, VP, and Cindy Rivera Weissblum, CEO, joined the celebration at the reopening of SEO. EGF was recognized for its donation of space and long-standing partnership in advancing the SEO Scholars Program.




A Tribute to Michael W. Osheowitz



The heartfelt celebration at SEO paid tribute to Michael OsheowitzSEO Founder, with the renaming of 55 Exchange Place as the Michael W. Osheowitz Nonprofit CenterThe dedication serves as a lasting testament to his vision and lifelong commitment to the nonprofit community. In attendance were his wife Mariadaughter Tania Goldand grandson Eli Gold 

A New Year Awaits!

We are deeply grateful for every conversation, collaboration, and moment of community that shaped this year. As we enter 2026, we look forward to growing together and creating even more space for connection.


EGF | 55 Exchange Place, Suite 401 | New York, NY 10005 US