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.
Like many of you, we at The Rome Group have been deeply saddened by the damage left behind by the recent tornado that swept through our region. In the days since, we've also been reminded of the strength and generosity that define St. Louis.
The nonprofit community stepped in immediately, providing shelter, meals, supplies, counseling, and a sense of stability in the midst of crisis. Volunteers are clearing debris, checking on neighbors, and helping families begin the hard work of rebuilding.
Across the region, people are showing up for each other. In times like these, nonprofits are often the first to respond and the last to leave. We've always known how vital your organizations are to the fabric of our community, and that truth has never been more evident.
To those doing this critical work: thank you. We are grateful for your leadership, your compassion, and your unwavering commitment to the people of St. Louis.
Below are several resources to check out and pass along to others:*
As economic worries grow amid federal funding cuts and threats of a potential recession, monthly giving can provide stability for your nonprofit by creating a predictable and dependable revenue stream. Among the many ways these programs pay off for charities, monthly donors tend to be easier — and cost less — to hang on to than other supporters. One study found that the retention rate for sustainers typically is around 90 percent, compared with an average rate of about 45 percent for all donors. Click here to read more on this topic from The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
“Advocacy Works”: Nonprofit Status-Stripping Measure Dropped from Republican Budget
A provision that would have allowed the US treasury secretary, appointed by the president, to unilaterally strip a nonprofit of its tax-exempt status if deemed to be a “terrorism supporting organization” (a standard undefined in the bill), has been dropped from Republican-led tax legislation making its way through Congress. Nonprofit advocacy groups and civil libertarians warned that such a measure would empower the Trump administration to arbitrarily target any nonprofit that runs afoul of its political agenda from Republican-led tax legislation making its way through Congress. Click here to read more.
Say It Simply — So Donors Feel It Deeply
This article emphasizes the power of simplicity in nonprofit messaging, urging organizations to strip away jargon and complexity in favor of clear, emotionally resonant language. By focusing on the human impact of their work rather than organizational processes or statistics, nonprofits can create deeper donor connections. The author highlights that memorable, heartfelt communication—rooted in authentic stories—ultimately inspires action and generosity. Click here to read more.
The Scarcity of Money from Nonprofit Major Donors
This article challenges the assumption that major donors are always eager to give, revealing that many are actually experiencing donor fatigue or financial uncertainty. It explores how economic shifts, personal priorities, and evolving values are reshaping donor behavior, even among wealthier individuals. Nonprofits are encouraged to adapt by fostering trust, offering transparency, and engaging donors in more meaningful, purpose-driven ways to maintain strong relationships and continued support. Click here to read more.
Leading Nonprofit Organizations Express Serious Concerns About Proposed Tax Bill
This joint statement from a coalition of nonprofit organizations addresses proposed changes by the U.S. Postal Service that would significantly increase postage rates for nonprofits. The coalition warns that these repeated and steep hikes could severely impact nonprofits’ ability to fundraise and communicate with supporters. They call for a more sustainable and predictable pricing model, urging policymakers to recognize the essential role that mail plays in nonprofit operations and public engagement. The statement is a unified plea to protect nonprofits from financial strain and ensure continued access to affordable mail services. Click here to read statement.
Know Your Rights: How Much Can Tax-Exempt Groups Speak Out?
The first months of the second Trump administration have been a whirlwind of policy disruption. By executive order, the White House has announced vast changes to public policy on civil rights, health care, the environment, immigration, the arts, and federal contracting, all while canceling billions of dollars of grants to nonprofits and proposing a sweeping revision to federal tax law. Profound policy changes that impact nonprofits of all stripes are happening at a breakneck pace. Click here to read more and better understand rules to confidently advocate without risking tax-exempt status.
National Council of Nonprofits - Communication Guide
The 2025 Communications Guide by the National Council of Nonprofits offers a strategic framework to help nonprofit organizations effectively convey their value and impact. Recognizing that trust in nonprofits is being challenged, the guide emphasizes proactive storytelling to highlight the sector's role as America's "invisible backbone." It provides messaging themes that showcase nonprofits' contributions to communities, their efficiency, and their ability to fill gaps left by government services. The guide also includes practical tips for interviews and public communications to ensure consistent and compelling narratives. Click here to view the guide.
Why Legal Fear Shouldn’t Drive DEI Decisions: What Leaders Need to Know
This article addresses the growing apprehension among nonprofit leaders regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives amidst political and legal pressures. It emphasizes that, despite recent executive orders and heightened scrutiny, the fundamental legal protections for DEI efforts remain intact. Experts advise organizations to avoid reactionary rollbacks and instead reinforce their commitment to DEI by integrating it into core strategies and maintaining transparency. The piece underscores that abandoning DEI can hinder talent acquisition, innovation, and global relevance, urging leaders to act with conviction and not let fear dictate their decisions. Click here to read more.
Millennial Donors Give Significantly More Than Gen Xers
Millennial donors are giving more per year than older Gen Xers, a new report finds. An increase in religion might be part of the explanation — both millennials and Gen Z say they attend in-person religious services at rates that are far higher than those of older generations. Click here to learn more.
Online Giving Is Sliding Amid Turmoil. Should Fundraisers Retreat or Go Big?
President Trump’s tariff announcements and the corresponding stock-market volatility are leading online donors to pull back, according to some online fundraising companies. Experts disagree on the right way for fundraisers to proceed, with some urging caution, and others encouraging charities to move ahead, even with ambitious campaigns. Click here to read more.
The Brown Sisters Foundation 2025 Grant Cycle Now Open
The Brown Sisters Foundation has opened their 2025 grant application and will be accepting Letters of Inquiry through Friday, June 6, 2025. St. Louis-based Catholic or Christian organizations/ministries with operating budgets under $2 million that seek to bring the hope and love of God to under-resourced communities should apply. Click here for more information.
NSC to Reboot A&E Grantmaking
Network for Strong Communities (NSC), which absorbed the Arts and Education Council (A&E) last year, is reviving grantmaking under the A&E brand. Its Arts and Healing Initiative will fund requests up to $15,000. Rural Arts Programming grant requests will be limited to $5,000. Applications open on July 1, 2025 and a website is under development. Click here to learn more about NSC.
Social Justice Shorts
Get your tickets for Social Justice Shorts 2025, running June 6–8—an evening of powerful short plays that bring vital issues to the stage through bold storytelling and unforgettable performances, produced by Bread & Roses Missouri and A Call to Conscience Interactive Theater for Social Change. Featuring 20 short plays and monologues written by playwrights from across the country—including 5 from right here in St. Louis — this year’s festival explores themes of justice, resistance, identity, and hope. Click here to get tickets and learn more.
Recruiting Underway for FOCUS Leadership Programs
FOCUS St. Louis is currently accepting applications for the fall 2025 cohorts of its civic leadership programs. Individuals from all backgrounds and sectors are encouraged to apply. Below are the links to two programs now accepting applicants.
Emerging Leaders – for early-career professionals – applications due June 6, 2025
Women In Leadership – for women at all stages of their careers – applications due July 7, 2025
AFP St. Louis Chapter Gateway Conference - Fundraisers' Legacy: 50 Years of Relationships, Resilience & Results
The AFP St. Louis Chapter Gateway Conference on August 6-7, 2025 will celebrate 50 years of advancing philanthropy in St. Louis. This year’s theme honors the remarkable impact of fundraisers who have built lasting relationships, demonstrated resilience through changing times, and delivered measurable results for their organizations and communities. This 1.5-day conference will feature inspiring keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities designed to empower you with tools and strategies to elevate your fundraising success. Click here to learn more and register.
St. Louis Racial Equity Summit by Forward Through Ferguson
The 2025 St. Louis Racial Equity Summit will be hosted by Forward Through Ferguson on August 8-9, 2025 at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Forward Through Ferguson aims to ensure that the Ferguson Commission's 189 calls to action are not forgotten. They look forward to convening hundreds of advocates in-person and online to exchange ideas, insights, and perspectives on ways to transform the St. Louis region into a racially equitable place to live and thrive. Click here to learn more.
2025 Philanthropic Landscape
Save the date for TRG's 2025 Philanthropic Landscape on August 28th! We are excited to be back at COCA and look forward to sharing more details in the coming months. Doors open at 7:30 AM.
The Rome Group's book club offers a space for our team to explore books that inspire personal and professional growth. This quarter, we are reading:
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
In Killers of the Flower Moon, David Grann revisits a shocking series of crimes in which dozens of people were murdered in cold blood. Based on years of research and startling new evidence, the book is a masterpiece of narrative nonfiction, as each step in the investigation reveals a series of sinister secrets and reversals. But more than that, it is a searing indictment of the callousness and prejudice toward American Indians that allowed the murderers to operate with impunity for so long. Click here to learn more.
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.
Christina Bresnan, MBA, Chief Operating & Impact Officer, Covenant House Missouri
David Bruns, Foundation Vice President and Executive Director, The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Jeff Buchek, Senior Director of Advancement, Today and Tomorrow Educational Foundation
Mike Doss, LSW, Strategic Projects Manager, East Side Aligned
Kylee Garretson, Senior Vice President of Business Attraction, Greater St. Louis Inc.
Courtney Grady, MA, LPC, Senior Director of Programs & Services, Covenant House Missouri
Amy Lewis, Senior Director Of Advancement, Paraquad
Kate Loar, Engagement Lead, Greater St. Louis Inc.
Michael Lourie, Vice President of Public Affairs and Chief of Staff, Jewish Federation of St Louis
Jeff Mazur, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Greater St. Louis Inc.
Jules McCormick, Director of Events, Pedal the Cause
Ryan Pride, Chief People and Culture Officer, Operation Food Search
Allison Roberts, Senior Vice President for Administration, Greater St. Louis Inc.
Rosalynn Robinson, MA, Director of People & Culture, Covenant House Missouri
Christine Rutherford, Chief Development Officer, St. Andrew's Charitable Foundation
Gil Thomas, Project Manager, Great Rivers Greenway
Robert C. Vogel, Chief Development Officer, Covenant House Missouri
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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