September 2025 Nonprofit News | | | | |
Each month, we're highlighting one of the many benefits that come along with membership.
This month's mention: A 90-minute coffee chat with a OneSource Center Consultant.
| | |
This personalized session is a chance to assess your leadership team’s strengths and challenges, explore strategies tailored to your organization, and gain fresh perspective and actionable next steps.
It’s a simple way to tap into expert guidance and set your organization on the right path whether you’re refining strategy, navigating change, or strengthening leadership.
Schedule your Coffee Chat today by emailing lastopa@onesourcectr.org and start turning ideas into impact.
| | September Reflections from Christie | | |
The New Work of Sustainability in a Changing Landscape
Lately, I’ve noticed a new thread woven into nearly every conversation with nonprofit leaders. More and more organizations are reaching out to OneSource not just for the traditional areas we’ve long supported—strategic planning, governance, and capacity building—but with a deeper, pressing question: How do we ensure our organization is truly sustainable in today’s climate?
It’s a critical question. Funding models are shifting dramatically. Federal support has changed, and that ripple has altered the mix of resources nonprofits have relied on for decades. What once felt like steady ground now feels uncertain. Leaders are navigating reduced or restructured funding streams, fiercer competition for grants, and heightened expectations from donors who want to see impact proven in new ways.
The climate is challenging and nonprofits are being asked to serve more people, in more ways, with fewer guaranteed resources. But this sector is filled with the most resilient, creative, and mission-driven people I’ve ever met. This gives me hope.
At OneSource, we’re leaning into this moment with empathy and resolve. Sustainability isn’t just about keeping the lights on, it’s about building organizations that can deliver impact despite the challenges. This means helping leaders to think differently about revenue diversification, business models, stronger boards, and making decisions with both courage and clarity.
This work isn’t easy, but necessary and deeply aligned with our mission: to walk alongside nonprofits as a trusted partner, offering not just expertise but also fellowship. Because in times of change, what matters most is not facing it alone.
| | Why Sustainability Matters | | |
Sustainability planning helps nonprofits move beyond short-term survival and build strategies that ensure long-term impact. It’s about more than keeping programs funded, it’s about diversifying revenue streams, strengthening governance, and aligning people and resources so your mission thrives even in uncertain times. For nonprofits, this planning is critical: shifting funding models, changing donor expectations, and growing community needs mean organizations must be both resilient and adaptable.
At OneSource, our consultants bring decades of nonprofit leadership and board experience to guide you through this work. Our approach is practical, collaborative, and designed to fit your organization:
-
Phase 1: Discovery – We gather data, financials, and insights to fully understand your current reality.
-
Phase 2: Interactive Sessions – We engage with your leadership, board, and key stakeholders to hear perspectives, surface options, and explore creative pathways.
-
Phase 3: Building the Plan – We combine the findings from Phase 1 with the input from Phase 2 to craft tailored recommendations and a clear sustainability roadmap for your future.
With OneSource as your partner, sustainability planning becomes not just a safeguard but a powerful tool to strengthen your mission and secure your future. Reach out to ashley@onesourcectr.org to start the conversation.
| | September Self-Care Giveaway | |
Red Bike 2 Hour Passes
This month, we’re treating hardworking nonprofit employees to a special self-care perk: free 2-hour passes for Red Bike!
If you’re not already familiar, Red Bike is Cincinnati’s nonprofit, station-based bike share system. They're dedicated to connecting people to places—and each other—by offering a low-cost, green transportation option. And what better way to enjoy a pass than to ride through Smale Riverfront Park, along the Ohio River Trail, the Lunken Airport Loop—or to explore the riverfront, historic Newport and Covington, or OTR—all without the headache of parking?
Passes are limited, so contact L-A Stopa at lastopa@onesourcectr.org to share what you'd do with a free Red Bike pass to enter! Recipients will be contacted at the end of September for delightful fall color riding in October.
| | |
On October 10, 2025, we’re gathering for something truly special — The 10:10 Experience at The Filson, at the heart of Cincinnati's River Roots Festival. More than a fundraiser, it’s an evening to celebrate, connect, and support the nonprofits that strengthen our community every day.
Here's how to get involved:
-
Sponsor the event and shine a light on your organization while lifting up hundreds of others.
-
Attend and experience an unforgettable night of music, laughter, and connection all while knowing that every ticket helps nonprofits thrive.
-
Nominate a community hero for our new Community Excellence Awards by September 15th. Selected honorees and their nominators will receive 2 VIP tickets each and will be celebrated live at the event.
By showing up — whether as a sponsor, guest, or nominator — you’re helping build a stronger, more vibrant Greater Cincinnati.
| | |
September is for Treasure Hunting at the Common Goods Store & Furniture Bank!
Looking to refresh your office—or maybe just score that one perfect piece that makes your space shine? The Furniture Bank is bursting with incredible finds this month: from luxurious sitting room sets to a newly added lot of desks with serious gravitas, to the finishing décor touches that say, “We care about our work and the people we serve.”
Come see for yourself at 936 Dalton Avenue or check out our online store!
| | |
Powered by OneSource, the Nonprofit Leadership Institute is a great resource for anyone looking to up their game while working in the Greater Cincinnati nonprofit community.
Our next BUILD session is in November! This 3-part workshop is designed for emerging organizations ready to establish a strong foundation. In this course, you'll learn about about fund development, board structure, financials, and more in a small-group setting. Apply today or reach out Ev at ecoleman@onesourcectr.org.
| | |
Fueling Futures: How DePaul Cristo Rey is Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders
At DePaul Cristo Rey High School, students Believe, Achieve, Become—and that spirit shines in every classroom. “Our students are beacons of hope, perseverance, and profound purpose,” says President & CEO Siobhan Taylor. DPCR helps students who dream big—but need support—reach for college and beyond.
OneSource is proud to walk beside them. From furnishing early classrooms to offering leadership workshops, we’ve watched this mission grow with purpose. As Principal Jim Schurrer puts it: “The good, hard, holy work that we do creates amazing opportunities for our students to grow and thrive.”
DPCR’s Corporate Work Study Program gives students real-world experience while helping businesses invest in the future. Cristo Rey students earn college degrees at twice the rate of their peers—proof that opportunity plus support equals transformation.
Through its bold Vision 2026 strategic plan, DPCR is raising academic success, strengthening partnerships, and building a college-going culture from day one. This is what it looks like when dreams are fueled by action.
“This is all made possible by our donors, corporate and community partners, staff, and volunteers,” says Taylor. “They are not just supporting education; they are changing lives.” We couldn’t agree more—and are honored to stand among them.
DePaul Cristo Rey is where potential meets purpose. Their students are this region’s future leaders—and OneSource celebrates their mission, their momentum, and the community lifting them higher. Bravo, DPCR!
| | | |
Public Allies Cincinnati
Public Allies Cincinnati launches its next service year on October 6, 2025, and is inviting nonprofits to partner!
Host a full-time AmeriCorps Ally for 10 months to boost your team’s capacity, expand programming, and strengthen outreach- while they handle recruitment, training, and compliance. To learn more, contact Executive Director Taisha Rojas-Parker at taisharp@publicallies.org
| |  | |
Energy Supplier Review
OneSource has partnered with The Utilities Group to help agencies find cost-saving gas and electric suppliers (billed through Duke).
Their guidance has resulted in meaningful savings for us, and your agency could benefit too!
We encourage you to connect with Maryanne McGowan for a free analysis—their services are provided at no cost to agencies.
| | | |
BBB Charity Accreditation Free Workshop
Join Amber Ziegler on Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 2–3 pm ET for a free virtual workshop on BBB Charity Accreditation.
You’ll learn about BBB’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability, the application process, and how BBB Charity Reports can boost donor trust.
| | | |
HSCHC Candidate Forum
Registration is now open for the Human Services Chamber of Hamilton County Candidate Forum on Sept. 25 at St. Vincent de Paul (5:30–7:30 PM).
Candidates for Mayor, City Council, and School Board will share how they plan to support our nonprofit sector.
| | | |
New Candid Tool
Candid has introduced a free tool that helps users explore nonprofit statistics at the congressional district level.
You can view the number of organizations, employees, and services in your area, making it easier to understand the local nonprofit landscape.
| | | |
Movers & Makers
Do you subscribe and submit news to Movers & Makers magazine?
This magazine highlights events and people in the nonprofit sector.
Submit news, photos and event dates to get free marketing, and also consider supporting them with paid advertisements in their weekly email or print newsletter.
| | | Grants, Training & Events Calendar | |
September 9 Virtual Class: Introduction to Finding Grants
September 16 Search Inside Yourself: An Emotional Intelligence Workshop
September 16 Virtual Class: Introduction to Proposal Writing
September 17 Grant Seeking Work: GPA Ethics Webinar
September 18 Virtual Class: Advanced Funder Research Lab
September 23 Alternative Funding Solutions/ Captive Programs
September 25 Human Services Chamber Candidate Forum
September 27 Launch Your Nonprofit
October 1 Butler Foundation Grant Deadline
October 1 Fifth Third Foundation LOI Opens
October 1 Millstone LOI Deadline
October 1 PNC Charitable Trust pplication Deadline
October 1 The Erma A. Bantz Foundation LOI Deadline
October 1 Zonta Club Grant Deadline
October 2 PBPO Employment Helpline
October 7 Virtual Class: Introduction to Finding Grants
October 10 The 10:10 Experience
October 14 Virtual Class: Introduction to Proposal Writing
October 15 Warren County Discretionary Grant deadline
October 15 GPA: Funder’s Panel
| | | | |
