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A Breath of Fresh (Spring) Air

 
Jessica Bearman

Dear NNCG Community -


The first few months of 2025 have been a blur of activity and—let’s not deny—anxiety, as we have all tried to navigate our own personal and professional responsibilities in the midst of national upheaval and confusion. I hope you are all doing ok—and encourage you to continue reaching out and finding comradery, advice, and support from your colleagues and friends here in this NNCG community. Tell us what you need by clicking here and sharing your thoughts.  


On to some good news!


After a search that brought in more than 60 impressive, diverse applicants from across the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, we are so pleased to welcome our new Managing Director, Kamilah Martin, to NNCG. You will read more about Kamilah later in this newsletter, so I will just tell you that we are beyond excited about her warmth, breadth and depth of experience, and entrepreneurial spirit. Kamilah has already jumped in with both feet, and you’ll be seeing and hearing from her soon as she gets to know NNCG and our membership. 


Also, make sure to look below for useful upcoming workshops and webinars! Coming up on April 2, we will share data from our Benchmarking Survey, conducted in partnership with 21/64. It's free for all, so please join us and invite friends! Register here


Finally, I’d like to thank everyone for your continued engagement in NNCG. We are a volunteer-driven community that thrives when our members are involved in designing programming, answering each other’s questions, and sharing resources. Nothing makes me happier than a buzzing NNCG listserv.


We are looking for members to join our task forces (Membership, Programming, and Strategic Resource Generation), to propose webinars, and to be active on the listserv. Want to become more involved? Let us know!

Yours in solidarity,


Jessica

Jessica Bearman

Chair, NNCG Steering Committee

 

NOTE: If the newsletter cuts off at the bottom, please click VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE to continue reading.

 

Meet Kamilah Martin!

 
Kamilah Martin


Hello NNCG Members!


I’m excited to introduce myself as the new Managing Director of NNCG! It’s an honor to step into this role and support such a powerhouse network of philanthropy consultants who are shaping and strengthening the sector in meaningful ways.


With a background in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and consulting, I know firsthand the value of having a strong community of experts to lean on. Nurturing these thriving spaces of mutual support and empowerment has become a life's work for me in this precarious season of our evolution. NNCG is a vital resource for our field, and I’m looking forward to contributing to its continued impact—ensuring each of you has the support, visibility, and connections you need to thrive.


While my time in this role is "fractional," my enthusiasm is not! I’m eager to dig in, help advance NNCG’s mission, and celebrate the incredible work you all do. I'm excited to connect and get to know you all inside our member spaces. You can reach me via email if you'd like to chat.


Looking forward to the journey ahead!




Kamilah

 

All-In Campaign THANK YOU 🙌 🙌🏼 🙌🏾

Many thanks to our donors that participated in the 2024 All In Campaign.


These donors helped NNCG raise $6,305!

 

Athena Adkins

Susan Barry

Jessica Bearman

Shana Buxser

Cause Communications

Marcia Cone

Eileen Egan

Engage R+D

Dawn Franks

Angela Frusciante

Marshall Ginn

Justin Goldbach

Gita Gulati-Partee

Maritza Guzman

Mae Hong

Kelli King-Jackson

Seth Klukoff

Aimee Laramore

Tony Macklin

Marga Incorporated

Rachael Mosher-Williams

Jennifer Pedroni

Mary Phillips

Leslie Pine

Kirsten Scobie

Suzanne Smith

Dara Steinberg

Sharmila Rao Thakkar

 

Update: Benchmark Survey Results Available!

 

Snapshots and early learning from “Generative Relationships – Insights into the Role of Consultants and Advisors in Advancing Giving” 

Last summer, we heard from more than 550 consultants, donors, advisors and funders from across the country who responded to the survey NNCG did in partnership with 21/64. Among the more than 300 consultants and advisors who responded are professionals at all stages in their career and all levels of experience. Their services run the gamut, from strategic planning and grants management to facilitation and equity. It’s an exciting representation of our field.

Interested in learning what consultants and advisors are thinking about?


What trends are most on their minds?


How many are working with firms and how many are working on their own?


How are consultants and advisors evaluating potential clients?


...and more?

Join us on April 2 for a special webinar where findings and perspectives gathered through the survey will be shared. Participants will explore how those findings align with the group's current thinking – or not. The goal will be to share this information with colleagues and provide a dedicated space for discussion. 


This event is FREE for all, so please invite friends!

Register Here
 

Upcoming 2025 NNCG Programming

 
 

Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge, connect with peers, or explore new strategies, our upcoming programming has something for everyone. 


Mark your calendars now and register for these upcoming webinars!

April 2: Generative Relationships – Insights into the Role of Consultants and Advisors in Advancing Giving (Results from NNCG & 21/64's Survey, Pt. 1)


April 16: Virtual Cafe: Speed Consulting – Quick Solutions, Big Impact


May 8: Virtual Cafe: Our Favorite Tools Share Fair


May 21: Understanding the Role and Impact of DAFs in Philanthropy


June 3: AI in Philanthropy Workshop


Always more to come!

Click Here for More Details
 

Welcome New & Renewing NNCG Members

 

New Members


Aram Nadjarian

Elizabeth Peck

Kerry McCarthy

Julie Simpson

Maisha Armstrong

Judi Powell

Robin Neidorf

Chris Kabel

Lauri Valerio

Renewing Members


Mari Barrera

Gita Gulati-Partee

Seema Shah

Colton Strawser

Suzanne Busta

Rachel Mosher-Williams

Karen Murrell

Suzanne Callahan

Neill Coleman

Marshall Ginn

Linda Marshall

Gabriela Fitz

Rene Bryce-Laporte

Renée Joslyn

Sharmila Thakkar

Mae Hong

Belinda Lyons-Newman

New Firms

Grantmakers for Effective Organizations


Renewing Firms


Whittier Trust

GMA Foundations

The Colorado Health Foundation

Engage R&D

 

Members in Action

 
Mike Berkowitz

Third Plateau shares two recent publications, one authored by the organization's Co-founder and Principal Mike Berkowitz, and the latter a research piece in collaboration with NDN Collective.


  • “How Trump Could Target Nonprofits—and How to Protect Yours,” by Mike Berkowitz, Co-Founder & Principal at Third Plateau and Executive Director of the Democracy Funders Network. This Chronicle of Philanthropy article outlines how donors and organizations could be attacked, harassed, threatened, and investigated by the new administration. It offers tangible steps for how groups can protect themselves in our new political climate.


 
 
 
LittleFoot Ventures
 
 

These initiatives from Littlefoot Ventures provide valuable insights and opportunities for nonprofit consultants committed to advancing climate, sustainability, and food system transformation.


Course: Climate Messaging Mastery Course for Nonprofits

Exclusive Offer for NNCG

Use code NNCG10 for 10% off enrollment

The Climate Messaging Mastery Course is a game-changing program designed to help food nonprofits craft compelling impact narratives that attract critical climate funding. Led by renowned food systems expert and NNCG member Eva Goulbourne, this course has empowered organizations across the USA, Latin America, Europe, East Africa, and Southeast Asia to unlock funding, engage funders more effectively, and amplify their mission in the fight against climate change. Learn More


Podcast: Everything But the Carbon Sink

What if reimagining how we grow and fund our food could save the planet? Hosted by Eva Goulbourne, Everything But the Carbon Sink explores the intersection of food, climate, and capital, featuring trailblazing experts, real-world insights, and actionable ideas.


Listen to the Trailer Here

First episodes dropping soon on The Spoon Podcast Network.

 
 
The Philanthropic Initiative

SAVE THE DATE!


You’re invited to attend the fourth Innovations in International Philanthropy Symposium on September 18 & 19 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The 2025 Symposium — co-hosted by The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI) and the Network of Engaged International Donors (NEID Global) — will build on the success of the past three convenings, bringing together hundreds of donors, foundations, companies, and investors engaged in international philanthropy. This conference will include a mix of keynote addresses and panel discussions featuring prominent philanthropists and nonprofit leaders; participatory skill-building workshops promoting innovative approaches and solutions to pressing global issues; and ample time for attendees to network with others.


Registration for the 2025 Symposium will open in April.


Visit innovatephilanthropy.org for more information.

 
 
 
 

Member Reposts on LinkedIn


  • Shoutout to NNCG member Suzanne Smith for sharing one of her favorite tools to help nonprofit organizations focus their energies in the new year! Read More
  • Congrats to NNCG member Colton Strawser, Ph.D., CFRE, BCC, who hit an incredible milestone—over 100 citations of his research in peer-reviewed academic publications. Read More
  • Check out this article NNCG member Tony Macklin shared that delves into how research firms are shaping philanthropy Read More

Learn More about NNCG Members Spotlighted on LinkedIn

Aria Camaione-Lind
Holli Rivera
Jason McGill Ph.D.
Linda Marshall
Leticia Alcantar
Yvonne Moore
Advocacy & Communication Solutions
Learning in Action
 
 

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

Learn More
 
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