2026

February 11

Modern Nonprofits, Modern Realities: Navigating Funding Shifts, Governance, and Strategy

Nonprofit leaders are operating in an increasingly complex environment—marked by federal funding cuts, legislative uncertainty under a new administration, capital market volatility, and rising expectations to deliver impact with constrained resources. While uncertainty is not new to the sector, the scale, speed, and interconnectedness of today’s challenges demand more intentional approaches to financial stewardship, governance, and long-term strategy.

As an investment manager with more than 60 years of experience advising nonprofits, this session, led by Marisa Swystun, National Director, Foundation and Institutional Advisory, offered practical, executive-level insights on financial stewardship, governance, and strategic decision-making to help nonprofit organizations navigate today’s pressures and position themselves for long-term stability and impact. Drawing on new research from Bernstein and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, we shared actionable perspectives for leaders charged with guiding their organizations through continued change.

We did a deeper dive into the merger and acquisition (M&A) considerations, and if that is the right path for your nonprofit.

Jacquelyn Davis, Managing Partner and Founder of Volution Advisors, and Dave Uejio, Chief Operating Officer at Prosperity Now, explored how strategic consolidation can strengthen mission and impact and create efficiency–without sacrificing your organization’s identity, and be a powerful tool for sustainability and growth.

We covered:

• when M&A makes sense for nonprofits;
• key considerations around mission alignment, due diligence, and stakeholder buy-in;
• navigating the cultural and legal complexities distinct to nonprofit transactions;
• real-world case studies and practical frameworks you can apply to your own organization.

2025

October 29

Meeting the Moment: 2025 in Review 

From sweeping federal funding cuts to widespread economic and market impacts of tariffs, nonprofits and funders alike are facing a new set of challenges and opportunities. While giving is up by over 6% per recent Giving USA data, cuts to federal funding, increased demand for services, and policy shifts are placing added strain on the nonprofit staff and board leaders.

These shifts present ideal timing to assess nonprofit financial practices. While nonprofit program and development teams are working to meet the needs of community and fundraising goals, finance and operation leaders can focus on streamlining budgeting practices, assess spending policies, and maximize investments to help stabilize and grow the mission.

• Marisa Swystun, National Director of Foundation and Institutional Advisory, spoke on specific tools and strategies to support organizational resilience through change management, potential restructuring, and doing “more with less.”
• With insights from Bernstein’s new research piece created in partnership with Indiana University’s Lilly School of Philanthropy, the session was designed to help funders and nonprofit leaders position themselves to help their communities.
• Heard from peers on what was working for them, lessons to be learnt, and action items to take back to your team.

This was a valuable opportunity for CEOs, CFOs, CDOs, and Board Members to come together, learn, share, and equip themselves with the knowledge and strategies to be as impactful as possible as we headed into the end of 2025.

May 20

Nonprofit Forum

A half-day program was held at DC Central Kitchen opening with a discussion on succession planning and leadership transitions, followed by a breakout session focused on strategizing and planning for participant's organizations or the organizations they support. Participants then "chose their own adventure" with Bernstein and industry experts, either demystifying donor-advised funds or discussing unique giving techniques. The morning culminated in a panel conversation on community engagement and partnerships. 

Please view the agenda here. 

February 5

2025 Outlook for Fiduciaries and Philanthropists

What was in store for the nonprofit and philanthropic sector in the year ahead and how were we advising fiduciaries and funders? Attendees joined us for an exclusive in-person session tailored for board and executive-level social sector leaders and their philanthropic supporters.

Participants gained insights on:

• addressing vital questions about the incoming administration;
• understanding the impacts of economic growth, deregulation, federal funding shifts, and policy proposals;
• identifying and quantifying key financial risks, and realigning cash reserves if necessary;
• enhancing stakeholder engagement and forging partnerships between funders and nonprofits to “bridge the gaps”;
• forecasting the long-term effects of current spending and asset allocation decisions.

2024

November 12

Investing in Your People: Helping Nonprofits Optimize, Recruit, and Retain Their Talent

Driving your organization’s success requires investing in your most important resource—your people. 

Attendees joined us for a breakfast panel and conversation where we explored the importance of recruiting and retaining staff with varied skill sets, perspectives, and life experience, and establishing a culture that includes and retains staff, providing them with long-term financial wellness, particularly when considering the organization’s sustainability in an uncertain economic environment. 

We explored key issues impacting nonprofit organizations and leaders, discussed the top concerns in this space, and opened the floor to questions regarding overall benefits. 

Our fireside chat included the following industry experts: 
•    Dr. Tochukwu (Tee) Okasi-Nwozo—Chief Human Capital Officer at DC Central Kitchen
•    Rebecca Maltzman—Chief Talent Officer at KIPP DC 
•    Halley Love—SVP, Head of Bernstein’s Defined Contribution Advisory Practice 
•    Jordan Forney—Principal, Wealth Advisor at Bernstein Private Wealth Management 

 

May 8

Nonprofit Forum 

A half-day program was held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library with an opening discussion on expanding your philanthropic toolkit, breakout sessions with professional partners to explore legal and financial challenges and opportunities, and a panel of nonprofit leaders who are successfully navigating their organizations and preparing for the future.

Please find more information about the event agenda and speakers here.

February 14

Strategize and Thrive in 2024

Following a volatile year, what should finance and investment committees be focused on to ensure a successful 2024? Nonprofit organizations face a formidable task: developing and implementing strategies to financially support your mission both today and in the future. How were the economy and capital markets impacting the philanthropic landscape? And which fundraising strategies and planned giving vehicles may offer particular promise as a result?   
 
Some of the questions and concerns we addressed included: 
•    What is the economic outlook this year, given inflation and high interest rates?  
•    How should we be thinking about our reserves and cash management in a volatile environment? 
•    What will fundraising look like with this backdrop? 
•    How can nonprofit organizations address turnover and ensure they are investing in their people to the best of their ability?  
•    How can automation cut costs and bring about efficiencies? 

Clare Golla, CFP®
National Managing Director, Philanthropic Services 

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