FEBRUARY INSIGHTS

CELEBRATING OUR 30TH ANNIVERSARY

Since our founding in 1995, The Rome Group has had the privilege of partnering with nonprofit organizations across St. Louis, helping them grow, thrive, and amplify their missions. Over the past three decades, we have supported over 350 organizations in their efforts to strengthen communities, fund critical initiatives, and create lasting change. As we mark this 30-year milestone, we are grateful to our incredible clients and partners and the dedicated and talented consultants who are and have been part of the journey. Here’s to many more years of nonprofit impact!

What is the Financial Risk of Nonprofits Losing Government Grants?

The Urban Institute's analysis highlights the financial vulnerability of nonprofits reliant on government grants. In 2021, over 103,000 public charities received more than $267 billion in government funding. Without these grants, the majority would struggle to cover their expenses, with 60 to 80 percent facing financial shortfalls across all states. This underscores the critical role government support plays in sustaining nonprofit operations nationwide. Click here to read.

Five Things Every Nonprofit Should Do Right Now

The Institute for Nonprofit News outlines five critical actions nonprofits should undertake to mitigate legal and financial risks in today's evolving landscape. These include evaluating essential insurance policies such as directors and officers, general liability, and cyber liability; establishing legal counsel proactively; reviewing contracts for mutual indemnification and current legal compliance; maintaining up-to-date financial records and filings; and conducting regular risk assessments to adapt to changing circumstances. Click here to read more.

Bridging Gaps and Weaving Networks: The Vital Work of Place-Based Intermediaries

This article in Philanthropy News Digest discusses the crucial role of place-based intermediaries (PBIs) in supporting grassroots organizations. PBIs are region-specific entities that provide capacity-building assistance, connect isolated stakeholders, and foster collaboration within communities. By offering resources, training, and facilitating networks, PBIs enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of local nonprofits, enabling them to address community needs more efficiently. The piece emphasizes that PBIs are essential in empowering grassroots initiatives and amplifying their impact on regional development. Click here to read more.

St. Louis County Children's Service Fund 2025-2027 Grassroots Funding Opportunity

The St. Louis County Children's Service Fund (CSF) letter of intent for their Grassroots Funding Opportunity opens March 3, 2025. Established in partnership with CSF's Community Advisory Committee, CSF's Grassroots partners embody what it means to be of and for the community as they provide services to kids and families through a framework based on the strengths of their shared sense of community. Click here to learn more.

BoardBridge Applications Opening Soon

Launched as a pilot test in fall 2023, BoardBridge is an initiative of FOCUS St. Louis designed to help connect nonprofit organizations with potential board candidates. Applications for their Spring round of matching will open soon. Click here to learn more and sign up to be notified when applications open.

REGISTER - Annual Charitable Gift Planning Bootcamp

This session will explore innovative approaches to donor stewardship, emphasizing relationship-building, impact communication, and long-term engagement strategies. Learn from industry experts, connect with fellow fundraising professionals, and gain practical takeaways to strengthen donor retention and maximize philanthropic impact. The event is on March 4, 2025 8:30-11:30pm. Click here to learn more and register.

Nonprofits Are Messy Podcast by Joan Garry

Answering the most pressing questions faced by nonprofit leaders around the world, Joan's podcast is created for the heroic leaders in our society who commit themselves to public service – executive directors, senior staff, heads of school, development professionals, board leaders, and many more who provide service to the nonprofit sector. Click here to learn more.

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.

Melissa Brickey, Chief Development Officer, CHADS Coalition for Mental Health

Pete Cerone, Executive Director, Today and Tomorrow Educational Foundation

LaKricia Cox, Executive Director of the Greater St. Louis Chapter, American Red Cross

Haliday Douglas, President & CEO, St. Louis Public Schools Foundation

Leah Freeman, Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, Nine PBS

Maureen Hergenroether, EVP - Education and Employment, Concordance

Joe Holt M.A., Chief Development Officer, Family Forward

Amar Jasarevic, Senior Lender, Southern Region IFF

Heather Jaconis, Chief Operating Officer, Prosperity Connection in St. Louis

Jeanne Marshall, President, Easterseals Midwest

Stewart McDowell, Associate Director, Behavioral Health Response

Claire Mueller, Communications Manager, Great Rivers Greenway

Anne Silea, MSW, Director of Community Engagement, Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments

Roy Whitley, President and CEO, Rx Outreach

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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