INSIGHTS is The Rome Group’s monthly newsletter designed to keep nonprofit leaders, funders, and changemakers informed and inspired. Each issue features timely sector news, thought-provoking articles, funding opportunities, and upcoming local events to support and strengthen your work.
Nonprofit leadership can feel isolating, even in the best of times. In a world of constant uncertainty, it threatens to suck the joy out of work that we love. At The Rome Group, we’ve seen an uptick in participation in our monthly Meet-Ups and are hearing from leaders who are craving connection. As a result, this months Insights includes 2 special features:
An invitation to join your nonprofit friends for Nonprofit Industry Night at Beffa’s on November 11th from 5 – 7 p.m. TRG is calling a happy hour to connect and unwind! This is a no-host event so everyone’s on their own tab, but the company will be priceless, we promise. Come one, come all but click here to RSVP, just so we can give the bar a heads up.
Remember the sage advice of Winnie the Pooh: A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside.
If we don’t see you at the happy hour, TRG is a sponsor for National Philanthropy Day and would love to see you there. Details below!
—Dayna
AI Is Already Reshaping How Nonprofits Work. But Will It Widen inequities - Or Help Us Build a More Just Future?
The AI Equity Project is launching a new phase focused on exploring how AI can support social sector goals without reinforcing systemic inequities. This update highlights upcoming opportunities to engage, including events, partnerships, and new resources. The project invites nonprofit leaders, funders, and tech experts to join the conversation and co-create ethical, inclusive AI practices for the common good.
This article challenges the overuse of jargon in philanthropy and how it can erode trust with the communities nonprofits aim to serve. It argues for clearer, more authentic communication that centers people over buzzwords. By simplifying language, funders and nonprofits can foster deeper connection, transparency, and accountability.
GoFundMe Responds to Concerns Regarding Nonprofit Pages
GoFundMe recently came under fire for creating 1.4 million donation pages without permission, using publicly available nonprofit data. While intended to streamline giving, the move sparked criticism from nonprofits who weren’t informed or consulted. The incident raises concerns about consent, transparency, and platform accountability in online fundraising. Click here to read the organization's response.
New Report Illuminates Evolving Trends in Women’s Philanthropy
A new report highlights key trends in women’s philanthropy, showing that women are driving more intentional, community-centered giving. Today’s female donors prioritize impact, equity, and collaboration, often supporting causes aligned with their values over institutions. The article offers insights into how nonprofits can better engage and partner with women donors in meaningful, lasting ways.
Affluent Americans Give More Strategically, But Fewer Are Donating
Affluent Americans are giving more strategically, focusing on long-term impact and aligning donations with their values, but fewer of them are donating overall. A new report reveals a decline in the number of wealthy donors, even as those who do give are becoming more intentional and engaged. The findings highlight the need for nonprofits to build deeper, more personalized relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
How Remote and Hybrid Work Can Give Nonprofits a Recruitment Advantage
Remote and hybrid work models can give nonprofits a competitive edge in recruitment by expanding their talent pool and appealing to candidates seeking flexibility. This article highlights how offering remote options not only attracts top talent but also supports employee well-being, retention, and organizational resilience.
Tax incentives for charitable giving will change in 2026, making it more advantageous for high earners to maximize their gifts before year end. Savvy nonprofits can help donors navigate these changes. Click here to read more.
Applications are Now Open for the Class of 2027 Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs!
For 50 years, the nonpartisan Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs has equipped emerging civic leaders in St. Louis to better understand how decisions are made, how complex policies are shaped, and how to influence meaningful change. Up to twelve Fellows are selected each year to participate in St. Louis’ program from a highly competitive national applicant pool for the nine-month, full-time, graduate-level leadership training program. Throughout their program year, Fellows have rich interactions with private, public, and nonprofit decision-makers while immersed in intentionally ambiguous and stimulating environments designed to support their growth and development in a collaborative, peer-to-peer learning space. The program is open to early to mid-career professionals. The program is tuition-free and offers stipends based on financial need.
Community Children’s Services & Community Mental Health Funds Combined Competitive Funding Cycle
The St. Louis Mental Health Board (MHB) has announced the opening of their FY2027 – 2029 Community Children’s Services Fund (CCSF) and Community Mental Health Fund (CMHF) Application Cycle with a simple Eligibility Quiz and Letter of Interest beginning November 3, 2025. In the past, MHB offered rotating three-year grant cycles between the Community Children’s Services Fund and the Community Mental Health Fund for adults. For the first time, MHB will combine the cycles to offer them both at the same time to streamline the application process for organizations.
Hank and Dottie Rosso Scholarships Applications Now Open
The Fund Raising School at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is now accepting applications for the 2026 Hank and Dottie Rosso Scholarships. Recipients receive financial assistance toward courses and certificate programs designed to strengthen fundraising knowledge, sharpen leadership skills, and expand professional impact. These scholarships are for staff and volunteers at smaller organizations ($1M or less) for 50% off tuition for a professional certificate at the Lilly School.
Association of Fundraising Professionals National Philanthropy Day
You're invited to the AFP St. Louis Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day Celebration, on Nov. 13, 2025 from 11:30am-1:30pm. During this event, AFP will recognize outstanding achievements by individuals, families, corporations, foundations, organizations, and other groups. These awards are given in recognition of lifetime or long-term achievements that have had a major impact in the St. Louis area. Click here to learn more and register.
Assess to Select the Best Hiring Objective: Using Assessments to Reduce Bias and Increase Accuracy in Hiring
Looking to strengthen your organization from the inside out? Join the Nonprofit Learning Lab’s upcoming session on November 3. During this session, you’ll learn how to incorporate objective data into your selection process to reduce bias, improve decision-making, and increase the odds of hiring the right person the first time. Ideal for nonprofit leaders, HR professionals, and hiring teams. Utilize the discount code: partner25. Learn more and register here.
FUNDER REGISTRATION: First Fridays (Q4 2025) by Philanthropy Missouri
After a successful pilot, PhilMO's St. Louis Funder Network is establishing the Funder First Friday program. Building on popular single funder efforts, First Fridays are free, confidential opportunities for staff members from community organizations to meet with 2+ funder representatives outside of a formal grantmaking process for a 30-45 minute technical assistance meeting. Click here to learn more and register.
Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University - Full Course Schedule
Check out these courses to increase your understanding of the total fundraising process through the principles and techniques taught by Indiana University. Click here to view the 2025-2026 course directory.
THINKSGIVING: A Day of Collaboration for a Lifetime of Impact
THINKSGIVING partners St. Louis nonprofits with teams from smart businesses for a day of creative problem-solving focused on the future. Mark your calendars for November 6, 2025. For more information, click here to learn more.
First Day Podcast from the Fundraising School
In this episode of The First Day, Muhsin Hassan discusses the power of nonprofit collaboration, drawing on his experience with the Community Collaboration Initiative, which united 21 Muslim-led nonprofits to co-create equitable, community-driven solutions. Rather than being donor-led, the initiative prioritized trust-building, shared goals, and equitable partnerships, resulting in innovative models like “one-stop shop” services for new Americans. The conversation highlights the value of intentional design, logistical support, and cross-sector dialogue in making collaborations successful. It’s a compelling listen for any nonprofit leader looking to expand impact through meaningful partnerships. Click here to listen.
The AI Breakthrough That Rewrites Every Rule of Fundraising
In this episode of Hey Nonprofits, host Trevor Nelson is joined by fundraising expert and AI pioneer Nathan Chappell to discuss the most profound technology shift in human history. They explore why old methods like focusing on cost per dollar raised are failing and how the shrinking donor pool is forcing a new approach. Nathan explains how any nonprofit can use predictive and generative AI to build a true community, create personalization at scale, and foster generosity. This conversation reveals the simple steps to embrace innovation and curiosity, ensuring your organization thrives in this new era. Click here to listen.
Nonprofit Job Openings
See the latest opportunities to serve your community.
Congratulations to the following individuals who are starting new roles in the St. Louis nonprofit community.
T.J. Brown, Product Sourcing Relationship Coordinator, St. Louis Area Foodbank
Nathaniel Carroll, Executive Director, Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts
Perry Hogan, Human Resource Manager, Lutheran Family and Children's Services
Amy Lutz, Director of Marketing & Communications, St. Louis Shakespeare Festival
John McCombs, Volunteer Center Coordinator, St. Louis Area Foodbank
Sylvia McMakin, Community Resource Coordinator, St. Louis Area Foodbank
Scott L. Myers, M.A., ACNP, Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Club of St. Charles County
Kate Tichelkamp, Executive Director, St. Louis Shakespeare Festival
Dr. Javania Michelle Webb, Programs and Evaluation Director, Girls in the Know
Did you find your job on the career board?
As part of The Rome Group’s 30th year celebration, we are collecting testimonials from friends and former clients to use on social media and our website. If you would like to share anything about the impact of The Rome Group on your career in the nonprofit sector, or something you learned from a TRG consultant, please click here.
We’d love to hear from you. Thank you so much.
Do you have news about a job opening, new hire, promotion, or other happenings? If so, send us your news and we’ll consider including it in our next issue of Insights.
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