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.
As we head into the season of gratitude, we’re especially thankful for you, our nonprofit partners, who make our work both meaningful and energizing. Every day, you tackle big challenges with creativity, grit, and an unstoppable “let’s figure it out” spirit. Working alongside you keeps us inspired. Thanks for all you do and for letting us be part of the good you’re building. Wishing you a restful holiday season with at least a moment or two to exhale, you’ve earned it.
— The Rome Group Team
Local Impact Outweighs National Causes When It Comes to Nonprofit Fundraising
A new study shows that donors are more motivated to give when they see direct, local impact, often prioritizing community-based causes over national ones. The findings suggest nonprofits should highlight how donations make a difference close to home to boost engagement and giving. Personal connection and visible results are key to donor loyalty. Click here to read more.
How Nonprofits Can Replace Shrinking Government Funding With Corporate Partnerships As government funding declines, nonprofits are increasingly turning to corporate partnerships to fill the gap. This article explores how to build successful, mission-aligned relationships with businesses by focusing on shared values, clear communication, and mutually beneficial goals. It offers practical tips for identifying the right partners and creating long-term, sustainable support. Click here to read more.
5 Forces Shaping the 2026 Nonprofit Fundraising Outlook This article outlines five key forces expected to shape nonprofit fundraising in 2026: economic uncertainty, shifting donor demographics, evolving technology, increased demand for transparency, and the growing importance of personalization. To stay ahead, nonprofits must adapt by embracing data-driven strategies, fostering trust, and prioritizing meaningful donor engagement. Click here to read more.
Free Nonprofit Webinars with The Nonprofit Learning Lab
The Nonprofit Learning Lab is offering free webinars December thorugh January in nonprofit Fundraising, Marketing, IT, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Click here to learn more.
St. Louis Philanthropic Organization, Inc. Responsive Grants Program
The St. Louis Philanthropic Organization’s primary funding focus is the annual Responsive Grants program, which offers up to $10,000 to nonprofits whose programs and services enhance the quality of life for St. Louis City residents. These grants are exclusively for programming that benefits St. Louis City residents. While organizations do not need to be physically located in the City, they must verify their geographic service area in the application.The grant cycle opens annually on December 1st and closes on the first Friday in February of the following year. Agencies are notified about their application status in April. Please note grant periods may not exceed 12 months.
Department of Economic Development's Youth Opportunities Program (YOP)
The purpose of the Youth Opportunities Program is to broaden and strengthen opportunities for positive development and participation in community life for youth, and to discourage such persons from engaging in criminal and violent behavior.
The CY2026 application cycle will open on December 10, 2025. Applications are due January 23, 2026 by 5:00PM. Click here to learn more and apply.
From Challenge to Capacity: Strategic Grantwriting for Sustainable Impact
Join the St. Louis Philanthropic Organization for a 2.5-hour complimentary workshop on December 3, 2025 designed to help nonprofit leaders and development professionals rethink how they approach grant development in times of change. Participants will explore how to reframe restricted language without losing meaning, use AI responsibly to enhance storytelling and strengthen operations, and assess their organization’s readiness to pursue foundation and federal funding. Participants can attend in person or virtually.
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.
The Last Children of Mill Creek by Vivian Gibson
Vivian Gibson grew up in Mill Creek Valley, a segregated working-class neighborhood in St. Louis that was razed in 1959 to build a highway, an act of racism disguised under urban renewal as "progress." A moving memoir of family life at a time very different from the present, The Last Children of Mill Creek chronicles the everyday lived experiences of Gibson's large family - her seven siblings, her crafty, college-educated mother, and her hard-working father - and the friends, shop owners, church ladies, teachers, and others who made Mill Creek into a warm, tight-knit African American community. In Gibson's words, "This memoir is about survival, as told from the viewpoint of a watchful young girl - a collection of decidedly universal stories that chronicle the extraordinary lives of ordinary people."
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.
Claude Bond IV, Development, Jazz St. Louis
Julia Campbell, Deputy Director, The Missouri Technology Corporation
Marvin-Alonzo Greer, Director of Cultural Heritage, 4theVille
Beth Hammock, Director of Development, Meds & Food for Kids
Tessa Sottile, MSW, Charitable Giving Advisor, Missouri Historical Society
John Wolbers, Executive Director, American Institute of Architects St. Louis
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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