Maurice Mitchell’s seminal article “Building Resilient Organizations“—co-published in 2022 by NPQ, The Forge, and Convergence—held up a mirror to the challenging internal management and culture of progressive organizations and offered pointed guidance about what people working at these organizations could do to shift toward resilience and joy. It has been read and referenced by thousands of leaders, consultants, and funders in the three-plus years since.

In this Learn Out Loud session, NPQ welcomes Maurice Mitchell and a panel of experts to revisit the central themes of the piece, including anti-leadership attitudes; anti-institution sentiment; and unanchored care whereby people assume that one’s mental, physical, and spiritual health are the responsibility of the organization or collective space.

The panelists will address these questions:

• Where have we seen progress in how our organizations function internally?
• What challenging organizational dynamics have proven more difficult to disrupt?
• How has the deepening threat of fascism impacted the inner workings of our organizations?
• Which tools and practices are contributing to greater organizational resilience in today’s hyperchallenging operating context?
• How can philanthropy best support organizational resilience in our shared fight for a multiracial democracy?

Panelists:

Maurice Mitchell, National Director, Working Families Party
Allison Conyers, Executive Director, EpicWorks
Mistinguette Smith, Principal Consultant, M Smith Consulting LLC
Rebecca Epstein, Principal Consultant, R. Epstein Consulting
Moderated by Jeanne Bell, Program Host, Leading Edge (NPQ)

• Gain research-informed and practice-proven board member competencies
• Explore and advance personal leadership capacity as a board member or nonprofit executive
• Deepen professional network by interacting with professionals serving as board members and executives at various organizations

• Executive Directors (or equivalent staff leadership) and Board Chairs/ Presidents of nonprofit organizations
• Current Board Members of nonprofit and public service organizations,
• Professionals considering board service
• Nonprofit CEOs/EDs responsible for leading board development efforts at their organizations

America’s biggest donors gave away $22.4 billion last year, according to the Chronicle’s latest “Philanthropy 50” list of the nation’s top donors. That’s 35 percent more than in 2024, and the largest sum since 2021. Yet even as more dollars are raised, the number of donors continues to fall — and the competition for big gifts is fiercer than ever.  

How can your organization keep major donors close, attract new wealthy supporters, and land large gifts in 2026? 

Join this 75-minute webinar to learn from two leaders at nonprofits with thriving major giving programs: Thomas Moore, executive director of American Friends of the Louvre, and Kathryn Van Sickle, director of parent gifts at Yale University. 

They’ll share key tactics driving major giving at their organizations, including creative events — from galas to intimate dinners — that deepen ties with existing donors and spark interest among prospects. They’ll also offer tips for identifying potential new major donors outside your networks, building authentic connections, and charting the steps that most likely will lead to a big gift.  

Plus, you’ll get detailed guidance on how to prepare for donor meetings and make the most of them, including how to recognize when a supporter may be ready to give — and what to say when they are. 

You’ll learn: 

• Tips for creating events that appeal to major donors and inspire generous gifts 

• How to approach conversations with wealthy supporters — and what to avoid 

• Ways to find and get to know prospects, even without a personal connection 

In an era of rapid change and heightened scrutiny, government communicators are called to do more than deliver messages. We are called to manage brands, tell our community’s story, and strengthen the foundation of public trust.

Join us in Decatur, GA on May 28 for the 3CMA Regional Conference, Playing the Long Game: Strategy, Trust & Public Engagement. Together, we’ll step back from the day-to-day demands and focus on the strategic work that drives lasting impact.

Whether you’re a seasoned communicator or early in your career, this conference will offer fresh perspectives, practical insights, and valuable peer connections to help you think bigger, plan smarter, and engage more meaningfully with your community.

Learn how to proactively plan for leadership transitions to ensure continuity, stability, and long-term success for your nonprofit.

Join us on May 12 for a focused session on Succession Planning, where we’ll explore why succession planning is a core governance responsibility—not a contingency plan. This session, led by Katha Kissman, will cover key roles boards play in leadership continuity, common risks of being unprepared, and practical steps organizations can take to plan for both expected and unexpected transitions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your organization’s resilience, reduce risk, and prepare for the future with confidence. Connect with fellow nonprofit leaders and walk away with clear, actionable next steps. Mark your calendar and secure your spot today.

Learn how to build a collaborative board culture that strengthens trust, improves meeting dynamics, and enhances your board’s impact.

Join us on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 12:30 PM Central for Creating a High Performing Board Culture, led by Jim Schwarz. This session will explore the key elements of effective board culture, practical strategies to foster trust and collaboration, and tools you can use to run more productive, strategic board meetings.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights, connect with fellow nonprofit leaders, and enhance your board’s effectiveness. Mark your calendar and secure your spot today!

Join a collaborative space for nonprofit leaders to share challenges, exchange ideas, and build a supportive network. Through thoughtful conversation and peer connection, we’ll explore best practices and principles rooted in the Standards for Excellence. Gain new perspectives, strengthen your leadership, and grow alongside others committed to ethical, effective, and impactful nonprofit work.

PitchMasters is a collaborative learning series designed for anyone who wants to sharpen their message and confidently share their work. Whether you’re pitching to funders, partners, customers, or your community, this space helps you refine your story and deliver it with clarity and impact.

In an evolving funding landscape, nonprofit organizations in the Rio Grande Valley are finding new ways to grow stronger, more sustainable, and mission-focused. This presentation explores practical, forward-thinking strategies to help nonprofits diversify revenue streams, strengthen organizational capacity, and build long-term financial resilience.

Participants will gain insights into identifying new funding opportunities, fostering meaningful donor relationships, leveraging partnerships, and aligning funding strategies with community impact. Designed for nonprofit leaders, staff, and board members, this session offers actionable tools and real-world approaches to support stability, adaptability, and continued growth in the Rio Grande Valley.

The Fundamentals of Fundraising will explore how organizations can move beyond donor fatigue and build a more sustainable path for giving. Participants will learn strategies for identifying and engaging new donors in smaller communities, telling compelling stories that inspire support, and building relationships that lead to larger gifts over time.

About the speaker

The session will be led by Jaime Freidrichs, a nonprofit fundraising expert with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations build confident teams, clear strategies, and practical systems that increase giving. Jaime works with nonprofits across the country and also serves as a Faculty Associate for the Nonprofit Leadership and Management program at Arizona State University.