DECEMBER INSIGHTS

Consultant End-of-Year Reflections for 2024

As we close out 2024, we asked members of The Rome Group team to share their insights from the past year. Here are some of their responses:

As you do your work and build your team, remember this quote from Stephen Covey: "Strength lies in our differences, not in similarities." #embracediversity
 

"Entering difficult conversations with compassionate curiosity can be transformational."

"AI can be a really powerful tool and I've been pleasantly surprised by its usefulness!"

"Continuing to learn, grow, stretch and connect is a great adventure!"

"Perplexity AI is a great resource."

"AI is here to stay. And that's a good thing!" 

Women Give 2024: 20 Years of Gender & Giving Trends

The Women's Philanthropy Institute has shared the release of their latest research, Women Give 2024: 20 Years of Gender & Giving Trends. This comprehensive study explores how societal and economic changes—including the COVID-19 pandemic—have shaped women’s philanthropy over the last two decades. The findings illuminate the resilience and adaptability of women donors and provide actionable strategies for nonprofits to engage this vital group. Based on longitudinal data from the Philanthropy Panel Study, Women Give 2024 offers a roadmap for navigating today’s evolving philanthropic landscape. Click here to learn more.

HR 9495: Bill Threatening Nonprofits Passes House

A bill, HR 9495, which would allow a presidentially appointed treasury secretary to unilaterally strip a nonprofit of its status if deemed a “terrorism-supporting” organization, has passed in the US House of Representatives. The bill passed 219-184, mostly along partisan lines, with Republicans in support and Democrats opposing; 15 Democrats broke with their caucus to vote in favor of the bill. Read more here.

Racial Justice Conference Uplifts Importance of Local Organizing and Coalition Building

This article discusses the key themes and messages from the Facing Race conference held in St. Louis, Missouri. Organized by Race Forward, this event is recognized as the largest multiracial, multigenerational racial justice conference in the United States. A central message from the conference was the emphasis on the power of local organizing and coalition building in advancing racial justice, especially in the face of political challenges. Speakers highlighted the necessity of community engagement and collaboration among activists, nonprofit leaders, and organizers to effectively address and combat systemic racism. Read more here.

YouthBridge Community Foundation Now Accepting Grant Applications

YEP is a group of high-school students who work together to tackle issues in the St. Louis community by donating money to organizations that directly benefit youth. We have $10,000 dollars to distribute between a few different organizations that align with our values. This year they are focusing on: early childhood education for children in need, child safety, prevention of gun violence in schools, child abuse prevention, mental health, resources in schools, school supplies, hygiene products, and food. Click here to learn more.

The Dana Brown Charitable Trust Offers Grant Opportunity

The primary purpose of The Dana Brown Charitable Trust is to provide for the health, education and welfare of underprivileged/economically disadvantaged children in the St. Louis, Missouri Metropolitan area and the health & welfare of animals in the St. Louis, Missouri Metropolitan area. Interested applicants for the Spring cycle must submit a Letter of Intent by February 15th. Click here to learn more.

The Jewish Federation Announces 2025 Community Investment Opportunities

The Jewish Foundation has announced several community impact opportunities for 2025. Their funding opportunities are divided into two categories: one for nonprofit organizations and schools and another to support individuals, students or specific clients from nonprofits or congregations. Click here to learn more about available opportunities.

Marillac Mission Fund Announces Spring FY25 Grant Cycle Now Open

Marillac's Capacity Building Grant Program (CBG) is designed to provide support for improvements in key organizational functions within grantee organizations aligned with their focus areas including immigrants and refugees, older adults living independently, human trafficking prevention, veterans, advocacy and coalition-building, and a new focus area of rural well-being. Grant applications are due February 1, 2025. Click here to learn more and apply.

SAVE THE DATE - The Green House Project's 2025 Conference

The Green House Project, a leader in eldercare innovation, is hosting its 2025 Conference in St. Louis from August 11-13, 2025. Focused on advancing person-centered care, this event offers local nonprofits the chance to connect with industry leaders, share insights, and collaborate on transforming eldercare practices to better serve older adults. Click here to learn more about the event.

SAVE THE DATE - Meeting Professionals International's World Education Congress Conference 

Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the world's largest association for meeting and event professionals, is dedicated to providing innovative education, networking opportunities, and business exchanges for its global community. From June 17-19, 2025, MPI will host its World Education Congress (WEC) at the America's Center Convention Complex in St. Louis. The conference will feature industry-leading education sessions, unparalleled networking opportunities, and insights into the latest trends in event planning. Click here to read more about the experience.

SAVE THE DATE - 2025 Racial Equity Summit

The 2025 Racial Equity Summit will take place on August 8-9, 2025. The summit is a bi-annual conference that aims to raise awareness of inequities in education, housing, and healthcare, and engages participants in how to address these issues. Click here for more information.

Nonprofit Job Openings 

See the latest opportunities to serve your community. 

The People Section

Congratulations to the following individuals who are starting new roles in the St. Louis nonprofit community.

Nicole Brueggeman, Executive Director, St Louis City Senior Fund

Danny Cohn, CEO, Jewish Federation of St. Louis

Christina Cook, MSW, Director of Philanthropy Operations, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Mike Doss, LSW, Program Coordinator, East St Louis Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis

Andre Grinston, MBA, CFRM, Chief Development and Marketing Officer, Safe Connections

Dr. Michael Havener, Chief Operations Officer, EducationPlus

Laura Kelly, Chief Development Officer, Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri

Jeff Cernicek, Capital Campaign Director, The Salvation Army Greater St. Louis Area Command

Dr. Maggie Sullivan, Ed.D., Executive Director, Gratitude House

Christi Tennyson, Development Director, Meds & Food for Kids Haiti 

Brandon Williams, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis

Jesse A. Winters, President & CEO, T-Rex (Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center)

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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