The Center recognizes and commemorates Caribbean American Heritage Month—a month of exploration, celebration and connection. Throughout June, we hope our members took every opportunity to embrace the brilliant tapestry of Caribbean culture and honor the remarkable contributions made by Caribbean Americans. This month allowed us to reflect on the richness of Caribbean American heritage, the resilience this community embodies, and gave us a deeper appreciation for the vibrant Caribbean diaspora. 

There are numerous trailblazers of Caribbean American heritage to honor—extraordinary individuals whose spirits and achievements have left an indelible mark on history. Among them, Bob Marley stood as a global icon, utilizing his timeless music and powerful lyrics to become a champion for social justice, spreading messages of love, unity and equality. Colin Powell, whose parents immigrated from Jamaica to New York in the 1920s, broke barriers and made significant contributions as the first Black man to serve as the United States Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. With his exceptional leadership and diplomatic skills, Powell played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and international relations. As we reflect upon these individuals’ groundbreaking accomplishments, we are reminded of the profound legacy they have left behind. Marley and Powell‘s remarkable journeys continue to inspire and uplift us, serving as a beacon of hope and motivation for all.

Caribbean American Heritage Month 2023 immersed the DC area in events to celebrate this community’s art, history and culture.The Caribbean Reads Events shone as a delightful opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of Caribbean American authors, their captivating stories and the profound impact of their literary contributions. Caribbean Restaurant week treated attendees to Haitian cuisines, vegetarian and vegan dishes from Chef Lois Baker of Sweet Sosumba and so much more. 

As Caribbean American Heritage Month concludes, The Center carries the spirit of celebration forward into our ongoing efforts. Inspired by the ideals of diversity and unity, we strive to foster an environment that cherishes the richness of our various heritages. Through cultural exchange, collaboration, and the promotion of equal opportunities, we continue to weave a tapestry where the achievements and ongoing contributions of Caribbean Americans are acknowledged, valued and celebrated throughout the year.

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In collaboration with CCS Fundraising and K&L Gates, the Center organized an enlightening discussion centered around the findings of the Giving USA 2023 report. This comprehensive report sheds light on charitable giving in the United States, providing valuable insights into the current challenges and opportunities faced by fundraisers.

The event kicked off with Glen O’Gilvie, CEO of the Center for Nonprofit Advancement, addressing the elephant in the room—post-COVID anxiety. He acknowledged that it was strange to be back in person after so long, but he was also excited for us all to connect and discuss the future of philanthropy.

Next, Natalie Skinner and Nana Oppong of CCS Fundraising presented the key findings of the Giving USA 2023 report. Natalie highlighted the resilience of giving in the United States. She noted that giving has remained relatively stable during recessions and that it is a part of the American character. However, she also noted that inflation had a dampening effect on giving in 2022 and that the composition of giving is shifting. Nana emphasized the importance of being adaptable, innovative and aware of the current landscape when fundraising. She provided some specific tips for how fundraisers can do this, such as using AI, moving giving days earlier in the year and targeting specific sectors.

Following the presentation, there was a panel discussion with three experienced and tenured fundraisers: Lynn English, seasoned consultant and Managing Partner of English Hudson, Rahsaan Bernard, the president of Building Bridges Across the River, and Flordelisa Perez Dolan, the Major Gifts Director at Latin American Youth Center. The panelists discussed their strategies for engaging donors in the current economic climate and offered valuable advice on how to cultivate fruitful funding outcomes

One of the key takeaways from the event was the importance of building relationships with donors. As Rahsaan Bernard said, “The foundation of relationships is trust. Progress moves at the rate of the progression of trust.” This means that fundraisers need to take the time to get to know their donors and understand their motivations for giving. They also need to be transparent about the organization’s mission and its work.

The panelists also stressed the importance of being creative and innovative in fundraising strategies. Flordelisa Perez Dolan underlined the importance of getting the board involved in fundraising efforts in whatever ways they can think of. She said that board members can be a valuable resource for fundraising ideas and contacts.

Lynn English shared that being as real as possible with donors allowed the biggest allies in the mission’s work to be the source of funding. Posturing and pretending can be exhausting for everyone involved; honesty builds trust, which leads to funding.

Overall, this event was a valuable opportunity for fundraisers to learn about the latest trends in philanthropy and to share ideas with other professionals. The panelists’ insights and advice will be helpful to fundraisers as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of the current economic climate.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the event:

• The increase in foundation giving is a significant trend.
• The decline in individual giving is a cause for concern.
• Fundraisers need to be creative and innovative in their strategies.
• The foundation of relationships is trust.
• Donors are more likely to give when they feel connected to the organization.

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The Center for Nonprofit Advancement celebrates and supports the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month, 2023. Pride is a time to honor the progress made by the LGBTQIA+ community and set our sights on the future. This year’s theme, “Looking Back and Moving Forward,” encourages us to reflect on the struggles and triumphs that have shaped the journey towards equality.

In the spirit of celebration and reflection, we are inspired by the enduring legacies of James Baldwin, Billie Jean King, and RuPaul, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the LGBTQ+ movement. James Baldwin fearlessly explored the intersections of race, sexuality, and identity, challenging societal norms through his acclaimed writing and powerful speeches. Billie Jean King, a tennis champion, tirelessly fought for LGBTQ+ equality, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations of athletes. The impact of their visibility and representation cannot be overstated. RuPaul, a drag superstar, brought drag into the mainstream with “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” providing a platform for artists to express their creativity and resilience, fostering a sense of belonging within the LGBTQIA+ community.

This year, June is filled with events, parades and opportunities to celebrate, offer support and educate ourselves on figures and efforts that will shape future pursuits for equality. The Center encourages its members to celebrate at the Capital Pride Parade, show support for locally-founded Black queer publications and learn from LGBTQIA+ stories.

Each year, Pride empowers us to challenge the efforts of those who seek to marginalize and erase vulnerable communities. It serves as a reminder that our ultimate goal is for LGBTQIA+ individuals to exist and thrive with the same opportunities and privileges enjoyed by the most privileged and least persecuted groups in society. Achieving this equality will signify true progress. Throughout this June, let us remember all those who did not get the opportunity to live and enjoy life as their most authentic selves, and move forward in our fight to ensure every one of us has this right.

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Throughout American Asian Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the Center for Nonprofit Advancement embraced its theme for 2023: “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity.” By honoring AAPI heritage, we not only preserve its rich history within our collective culture but also amplify the efforts and achievements of contemporary leaders within this vibrant community. Together, we ensure that the legacy of AAPI heritage endures and thrives, inspiring future generations and fostering a more inclusive society.

In the spirit of honoring AAPI leaders and recognizing their extraordinary contributions, we draw inspiration from the remarkable achievements of individuals like Madame Chien-Shiung Wu and Ellison Onizuka. Madame Wu’s groundbreaking contributions to nuclear physics challenged the status quo and expanded our understanding of the fundamental forces of the universe. Similarly, Ellison Onizuka’s trailblazing journey as a Japanese American astronaut exemplified the immense potential and limitless possibilities within the AAPI community. 

Throughout May, celebrations of AAPI leaders and achievements took place in the DC area. The National Museum of Asian Art hosted a two-week festival featuring keynote speakers, performers, interactive experiences, culinary adventures, and community projects. Additionally, the Library of Congress offered a special display highlighting the art and literature of Jade Snow Wong, a prominent Chinese American author and ceramist. The Center hopes that our members took every opportunity to attend these events and demonstrate their support for AAPI heritage in addition to their more contemporary work.

As AAPI Heritage Month comes to a close, we must vow to take every chance we get to honor the rich and diverse tapestry of AAPI cultures and histories. In doing so, we can reaffirm our commitment to embracing diversity, promoting inclusivity and providing meaningful opportunities for AAPI leaders to thrive.

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The Center for Nonprofit Advancement honors and reflects on the achievements of women throughout history and in contemporary society during Women’s History Month.

The Women’s History Month 2023 theme of “Women’s Resilience and Resistance” underlines the challenges that women have faced throughout history and the qualities that empowered them to overcome them. These women exemplified steadfast determination and strength, championing causes such as the suffragist movement, equal pay and reproductive rights. This theme is especially relevant today, as policies that affect women continue to be up for debate. It highlights the ongoing fight for gender equality and reminds us of the importance of unwavering resistance in the face of adversity.

To meet the moment and find the spark that allows us to continue the fight, we can look to the past and follow the example of those who refused to give up. We can channel the spirit of Susan B. Anthony, who played a pivotal role in securing voting rights for women as a suffragist; We can learn from the legacy of Sylvia Rivera, a trans rights activist who fought for the rights of LGBTQ+ communities; We can share the vision of Dolores Huerta, a labor leader who championed workers’ rights. 

As we near the end of March, we hope everyone found a way to celebrate and reflect on Women’s History Month. Many events were held in the DC area during Women’s History Month, including the 5th annual HerStory 5K run and the prestigious “Women Making History Awards” gala at the National Women’s History Museum. We trust that our members participated in all the events they were able to attend to honor the rich history of women.

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The Center for Nonprofit Advancement recognizes and celebrates the significant contributions of African Americans to our country’s history and culture during Black History Month.

Black History Month is an important time to reflect on the achievements and struggles of the black community throughout history. From civil rights activists like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks to cultural icons like Maya Angelou and Barack Obama, African Americans have made immense contributions to our society. Recognizing and celebrating these contributions not only honors those who came before us but also serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equality and justice for all.

We hope that our members and the wider community had the chance to partake in the various opportunities around the DC area during Black History Month to honor African American heritage, such as taking the African American Heritage Tour of DC or visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

As we near the end of Black History Month, we’d like to remind our members to utilize the free classes offered as part of the Center’s commitment to DEIJ. These classes provide a valuable opportunity for nonprofit leaders to learn about the history and impact of systemic racism and how to effectively address and dismantle it. The Center recognizes that creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive society requires ongoing education and action. As such, this initiative represents one of our efforts towards that goal.

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The Center recently hosted our 43rd Annual Celebration. Many aspects of our preparations for the event went incredibly well – we had great numbers for registration, we landed an excellent speaker and the celebration packets for our guests containing our cookbook, the Nonprofit Agenda and other goodies arrived in time for the day of the event. It felt like everything was going to go swimmingly – until the virtual platform crashed in the middle of the event. Cue an awkward, sad trombone sound. Luckily, the Center team handled everything with grace and transparency. And, because our mission is to support and advance our member nonprofits’ ability to perform and achieve their mission, we thought we’d share what we did to work it out. This way, if your organization ever needs to solve for how to make an event happen when things are going haywire, you can keep these tips in mind to guide you through it.

• Stay calm. The Center team noticed some AV issues prior to the event even starting. Instead of spiraling and panicking, a note was immediately sent to all Center staff members informing them that we were working to address the technical difficulties. In addition, when the event did start, the members of our team went around to different tables and let people know we were delayed in a calm & collected manner. We stayed at the virtual tables beyond that to network and carry on the event because, as they say, the show must go on.

• Have humor. Jokes can make people feel at ease when they sense something is off. During the rather large delay, the Center’s leaders were able to infuse some levity into a tricky situation by making some jokes. Our COO, Taylor, suggested that our guests pretend that they were waiting for a delayed metro train while they were waiting to get into the event. Anyone that knows what that’s like could apply their patience and sense of compassion.

• Pivot, don’t cancel. When outdoor weddings experience inclement weather, if there’s a tent or a serviceable form of shelter, people use it! And guests remember the wedding with an affection reserved for moments where people have made the best out of a tricky situation. All of our guests had arrived and we wanted to continue the celebration. When it became apparent the virtual platform had all together crashed we made the decision to switch everyone over to a platform that’s been relied on since the beginning of the pandemic – Zoom. A silver lining of the whole situation was getting to see the pages and pages of engaged faces as they re-joined us. This event was about celebrating the resiliency of the nonprofit sector, and our guests continued to embody this quality as they endured the transition with flexibility and understanding.

• Get creative. To accommodate the virtual platform we switched to, we had to find different ways to go about things. Normally, we would’ve gotten a composed screenshot of our competition winners all together to post on our site and use in communications materials that go out after the event. Instead, our Communications Associate, Ellie, got individual shots of the winners and photoshopped them together in a composition that utilized Center colors, creating a potentially superior looking end product.

In the end, we had a successful and unique 43rd Annual Celebration. You can check out the highlights here for all the juicy details. 

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