Sustainer (or recurring) giving is a fast-growing strategy for attracting, engaging, and retaining donors. Sustainer programs provide a win-win: for donors, an easy path to impact; and for nonprofits, dependable revenue for the mission. Realizing their full potential takes rigorous intentionality–including communicating proactively, creating a sense of belonging, and providing ongoing opportunities to connect to the mission.

In this session, we will explore:

1. Trends and projections

2. Practical tips for starting and building your program

3. How to integrate sustainer giving into the broader donor journey

4. Common mistakes to avoid

Moderator

Beth Wrubleski (she/her) – Senior Director of Direct Response, Obama Foundation 

Panelists

Kendra Paiz (she/her) - Director of Annual Fund, Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina

Liz Scott (she/her) - Co-Executive Director, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

Dana Snyder (she/her) – Founder and CEO, Positive Equation 

This event is offered in collaboration with the George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs.

Artificial intelligence is transforming how nonprofits engage supporters, but many fundraisers are still unsure how to harness its potential–and mitigate its risks. Early adopters have shown how AI can support everything from strategy development, analytics, and planning to outreach, proposal development, and stewardship. These benefits can free up valuable fundraiser time for relationships and engagement. However, at a time of ebbing donor trust, getting it right is key.

In this session, we will explore:

1. The potential for integrating AI into donor engagement

2. Practical applications for fundraisers—beyond the buzzwords

3. How to use AI ethically and responsibly

4. Common mistakes to avoid

Moderator

• Erin Capone (she/her) - Senior Executive Director of Development, Health & Social Sciences, New York University

Panelists

• Meena Das (she/her) - CEO, Namaste Data

• Kelley Hecht (she/her) - Strategic Executive Advisor, Global Research and Nonprofit, Amazon Web Services (AWS)

• Aziza Musa (she/her) - Chief External Affairs Officer, Tilting Futures

• Dominic Papa (he/him) - Senior Director, Phoenix Community Alliance

This event is offered in collaboration with the George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs.

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) increasingly dominate philanthropy. Since 2020, assets in these funds have more than doubled, and nonprofits see an increasing share of revenue from them. With over $326 billion sitting in DAFs waiting to be deployed, the opportunity for mission-driven organizations is enormous—if we know how to seize it.

In this session, we will explore:

1. Trends and projections

2. How to engage donors who give through DAFs

3. How to engage DAF sponsors and advisors

4. Common mistakes to avoid

Moderator

Richard Feiner (he/him) - Adjunct Instructor, New York University School of Professional Studies

Panelists

Dan Heist (he/him) - Co-Founder, Donor Advised Fund Research Collaborative

Elaine Kenig (she/her) - Chief Communications Officer, Vanguard Charitable

Erika Albert (she/her) - Senior Director - Major and Principal Gifts, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - ALSAC

Sharon Bean (she/her) - Senior Director of Planned Giving, International Rescue Committee

This event is offered in collaboration with the George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs.

Series description

In uncertain times, diversifying your donor base is more important than ever. In this discussion series, we’ll get granular about how to expand your donor community authentically and sustainably. We’ll explore what it takes to supercharge revenue growth and, simultaneously, forge deep connections between your mission and your community—to achieve lasting impact.

Our 2025 event series will explore:

• How to authentically connect with new donor communities 

• How to steward new relationships for long-term connection

• How to set your team up for successful relationship management 

Event description

Women increasingly drive decision-making in philanthropy—a trend that will only accelerate as wealth transfers between generations. Studies have also shown that women give and engage differently—meaning that building and sustaining a donor community looks differently than it did in the past. While change can be challenging, organizations that are shifting their donor engagement model to better reach, learn about, and deepen relationships with women donors have seen tremendous new revenue growth—and opportunities for impact.

In this session, we will explore: 

• Trends in women’s role in philanthropy

• How women give and engage differently—and what that means for how we fundraise

• Strategies for growing revenue through more effective engagement of women donors

• How to avoid common mistakes

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Moderator 

• Tia Hodges (she/her) – President & CEO – MetLife Foundation

Panelists

• Marie D’Costa (she/her) – Executive Vice President, Philanthropic Partnerships – Silicon Valley Community Foundation

• Dr. Cannie Graham (she/her) – Founder & Principal – Spark Women’s Philanthropy

• Diane Lebson (she/her) – CEO & Co-Founder – Evergreen Philanthropic Solutions

• Shaunna Thomas (she/her) – Co-Founder – UltraViolet

This event is offered in collaboration with the George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs.

Series description

In uncertain times, diversifying your donor base is more important than ever. In this discussion series, we’ll get granular about how to expand your donor community authentically and sustainably. We’ll explore what it takes to supercharge revenue growth and, simultaneously, forge deep connections between your mission and your community—to achieve lasting impact.

Our 2025 event series will explore:

• How to authentically connect with new donor communities 

• How to steward new relationships for long-term connection

• How to set your team up for successful relationship management 

Event description

Collective giving offers communities an opportunity to drive change through collaboration. With philanthropic power shifting to new generations and new decision-makers—especially women—collective giving is on the rise. These donors want to go beyond ‘cutting a check’—and beyond feeling like ‘an ATM’. They want to create real impact through their dollars and to contribute beyond their dollars.

In this session, we will explore: 

• Trends in collective giving and opportunities for your mission

• How to catalyze collective giving within your community

• How to build and support giving circles

• How to avoid common mistakes 

Moderator 

• Colvin Hedgepeth (she/her) – Director, Client Services – Aperio Philanthropy

Panelists

• Jessica Graham (she/her) – Co-Founder - Align Point Ventures

• Beth Groves (she/her) – National Director, Individual Giving – American Red Cross

• Ryan VanMeter (he/him) – Director, Principal Gifts – City Harvest

• Joy B. Webb (she/her) – Founder – Circle of Joy Giving Circle

This event is offered in collaboration with the George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs.

Series description: 

In uncertain times, diversifying your donor base is more important than ever. In this discussion series, we’ll get granular about how to expand your donor community authentically and sustainably. We’ll explore what it takes to supercharge revenue growth and, simultaneously, forge deep connections between your mission and your community—to achieve lasting impact.

Our 2025 event series will explore:

• How to authentically connect with new donor communities 

• How to steward new relationships for long-term connection

• How to set your team up for successful relationship management 

Event description: 

Generational changes are upending ‘tried and true’ fundraising techniques. As wealth and philanthropic decision-making power transitions to Generation X and Millennials, giving practices—and priorities—are shifting. As even younger generations begin to use their dollars as advocacy, new opportunities are emerging. Engaging these ‘next-generation’ donors takes more than a strategy shift. It requires a whole new way of thinking about why and how our organizations achieve impact—and how we invite donors into the process. 

In this session, we will explore:  

• What motivates ‘next gen’ donors—and how does that differ from prior generations 

• How to engage with ‘next gen’ donors in an authentic way  

• How to shift your communication, cultivation, and stewardship strategies to adapt to up-and-coming generations of donors 

• How to avoid common mistakes and wasted efforts 

Moderator
Channon Lucas (she/her) – Chief Administrative Officer and EVP of External Engagement, Mother Cabrini Health Foundation

Panelists
Sarah Asma (she/her) – Executive Director, Big Nova
Kalpana Kanthan (she/her) – Chief Development & Marketing Officer, American India Foundation
Shaunda McDill (she/her) – Managing Director, Pittsburgh Public Theater
Michael Whitney (he/him) - Director, Digital Engagement, Mozilla Foundation

This event is offered in collaboration with the George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs.

In a tense election year, divisions feel sharp across the country. Nonprofit leaders are grappling with the question: How can we use our influence to bring people back together? What role can we as fundraisers play as we build relationships across the community?

This conversation will convene a panel of experienced leaders to discuss:

• How nonprofits can step up as community leadership to bridge divisions

• The special role that fundraisers play in that work

• Storytelling strategies that build understand, empathy, and connections

• Techniques for navigating difficult conversations

Moderator:

Bianca Derouene – President & CEO - Aperio Philanthropy

Panelists:

Jamie Dillon - Director of Advancement - Issue One   

 David Chaney - Capital Campaign Director - Houston Food Bank

John Donahue - Managing Director, Development - Brennan Center for Justice 

Michael Guerra  - Chief Sustainability Officer - San Antonio Food Bank 

This event is offered in collaboration with the George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs.

Elections affect us all—including all our fundraising programs. Some donors shift resources to campaigns; others invest more deeply in issue areas. As fundraisers, we face more noise in telling our stories and sparking conversations. We also have an opportunity to spotlight the relevancy of our missions and develop meaningful partnerships with donors.

This conversation will convene a panel of experienced leaders to discuss how to approach fundraising in this election season:

• What can we learn from past elections?

• How could the upcoming election affect the year-end giving season that follows?

• What strategies and tactics can fundraising teams use to elevate their work in a noisy environment?

• What should every organization be doing right now to prepare?

Moderator

Channon Lucas - Chief Administrative Officer - Mother Cabrini Health Foundation

Panelists

Anna Zawisza – Vice President of Development - Conservation Lands Foundation  
Shobana Gubbi - Chief Philanthropy Officer - Second Harvest of Silicon Valley 
Marissa Todd - Deputy Director – Midwest Innocence Project 
Jennifer Goforth - Senior Director of Individual Giving - Third Way

This event is offered in collaboration with the George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs.

The word ‘metrics’ sparks many feelings for fundraisers—from a sense of stability to frustration with unattainable goals.

At their best, however, metrics create a practical roadmap to the aspirational goals we work toward as fundraisers. They keep our outreach consistent throughout the year, enabling us to reach a large community of supporters and form lasting relationships. This panel will explore:

• Why are metrics so central to fundraising success and resiliency?

• How can teams and individual fundraisers use them most effectively?

• How can teams create a healthy culture around metrics, avoiding common pitfalls?

Meet our expert panelists

Moderator: 

Beth Katznelson (she/her), NYU Adjunct Professor and Founder & Principal - Contributing Factor Consultancy 

Panelists:

Michael Karg (he/him), Executive Director of Development – California State University, Fullerton College of Engineering & Computer Science
Liz Fitzgerald (she/her), Director of Development – ACLU
Melanie Buhrmaster (she/her), Vice President, Philanthropy – Food Bank For New York City
Leya Petrovani Miller (she/her), Managing Director – Aperio Philanthropy

About this event series

In an uncertain world, we need nonprofits more than ever. But uncertainty affects nonprofits too, complicating everything from strategic planning to service delivery. For fundraisers, the demands are high: Raise funds today—and deliver the growth for tomorrow. Aperio Philanthropy, in collaboration with the NYU SPS Heyman Program, will host three free, virtual panel discussions to explore:

• How do we build fundraising resiliency in an environment where the only certainty is uncertainty?

• How do we make revenue growth that is predictable?

• How do we craft strategies that work no matter the surprises, changes, and crises that come our way?

Revenue diversification is top-of-mind for nonprofit leaders.

It’s natural for organizations to gravitate to a small number of revenue sources, such as events, grants, or a small number of big donors. But, as many organizations have experienced recently, it’s also risky.

Our panel will explore:

• How can diversification create fundraising resiliency?

• How do we build new revenue streams, particularly on a base of a robust events program?

• How do you avoid spreading your team too thin?

Moderator: 
Cassy Cox (she/her), Senior Director, Institutional Partnerships - Accion 

Panelists:
Abby Farris Rogers (she/her), EVP, Chief Development Officer – YMCA of the USA
Cortney Nicolato (she/her), President and CEO – United Way of Rhode Island 
Tunde Wackman (she/her), Chief Development Officer – World Central Kitchen

About this event series

In an uncertain world, we need nonprofits more than ever. But uncertainty affects nonprofits too, complicating everything from strategic planning to service delivery. For fundraisers, the demands are high: Raise funds today—and deliver the growth for tomorrow. Aperio Philanthropy, in collaboration with the NYU SPS Heyman Program, will host three free, virtual panel discussions to explore:

• How do we build fundraising resiliency in an environment where the only certainty is uncertainty?

• How do we make revenue growth that is predictable?

• How do we craft strategies that work no matter the surprises, changes, and crises that come our way?

Relationships are the foundation of fundraising resiliency.

A broad, diverse, and engaged coalition of donors can fuel a mission year over year, even through crisis or uncertainty—but donor loyalty doesn’t happen automatically. This panel will explore:

• What it does it take to build real relationships with donors?

• What inspires donor loyalty and ongoing investment?

• How can lean teams expand their reach?

About this event series

In an uncertain world, we need nonprofits more than ever. But uncertainty affects nonprofits too, complicating everything from strategic planning to service delivery. For fundraisers, the demands are high: Raise funds today—and deliver the growth for tomorrow. Aperio Philanthropy, in collaboration with the NYU SPS Heyman Program, will host three free, virtual panel discussions to explore:

• How do we build fundraising resiliency in an environment where the only certainty is uncertainty?

• How do we make revenue growth that is predictable?

• How do we craft strategies that work no matter the surprises, changes, and crises that come our way?

Moderator:
Cheryl Gentry (she/her), Adjunct Instructor, NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs

Panelists:
Kristine Templin (she/ her), Chief Development Officer, Meals on Wheels America  
Sara Lipsky (she/her), VP, Philanthropy, Shatterproof
Kate Landon (she/her), Executive Director, Ban Ki-moon Foundation
Janet Kingsbury Warren (she/her), Senior Managing Director, Dartmouth College Fund

What would you want your startup organization’s mission to achieve—if only you had the funding? What would you want your philanthropic dollars to achieve—if only you had the right investment vehicle?

As nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, philanthropists, and funders, we know what lies at the heart and power of every organization: relationships. And one of the most compelling relationships is the relationship between a nonprofit’s founder and its first funder. In these early discussions between founder and funder, an organization’s vision, mission, and values start to take root—paving the way for transformational impact in our communities. 

This series features successful nonprofit founders and their first funders sharing their respective experiences in conversation: 

How did they first learn about their shared passion for the mission? 

• What was most important in establishing trust with each other? 

• What conversations were most critical throughout the process? 

• What advice would you give to nonprofit founders looking to fund their startup nonprofit? 

• What advice would you give to funders on how to maximize investment in a startup nonprofit?  

Moderator
Lu Hanessian (she/her), Adjunct Instructor, NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs

Founder
Jabee Williams (he/him), Executive Director, Live Free OKC

Funder
Perrin Duncan (she/her), Special Projects Manager, Arnall Family Foundation

This virtual event series is offered in collaboration with the George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs.

What would you want your startup organization’s mission to achieve—if only you had the funding? What would you want your philanthropic dollars to achieve—if only you had the right investment vehicle?

As nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, philanthropists, and funders, we know what lies at the heart and power of every organization: relationships. And one of the most compelling relationships is the relationship between a nonprofit’s founder and its first funder. In these early discussions between founder and funder, an organization’s vision, mission, and values start to take root—paving the way for transformational impact in our communities. 

This series features successful nonprofit founders and their first funders sharing their respective experiences in conversation: 

• How did they first learn about their shared passion for the mission? 

• What was most important in establishing trust with each other? 

• What conversations were most critical throughout the process? 

• What advice would you give to nonprofit founders looking to fund their startup nonprofit? 

• What advice would you give to funders on how to maximize investment in a startup nonprofit?  

Moderator: Liz Ngonzi (she/her), Founder and CEO of The International Social Impact Institute® and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at New York University's Center for Global Affairs

Founder: Carmita Semaan (she/her), Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Surge Institute

Funder: Julie Mikuta (she/her), Co-President Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies

This virtual event series is offered in collaboration with the George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs.

Housing is a human right. Yet, homelessness, housing discrimination, unaffordable housing, and a myriad of other problems continue to plague communities across the country. 

This panel will explore how philanthropists and funders have been–and should be–approaching support for accessible, affordable, and secure housing? How can they defend and advance rights and access to services for homeowners and tenants? How can they center community needs in their activism? They’ll discuss the role of philanthropy, as well as recommendations for nonprofits seeking to deepen partnerships with philanthropists in these areas.

Moderator

Matthew Kwatinetz (he/him), Clinical Assistant Professor of Real Estate Economics at NYU School of Professional Studies Schack Institute of Real Estate and the Director of the NYU Urban Lab  

Panelists

Cy Richardson (he/him), Senior Vice President for Programs, National Urban League

Aubrey Merriman (he/him), Chief Executive Officer, LifeMoves

Kyle Bennett (he/him), Senior Director of Policy and Equity, United Way of Rhode Island

—

This event series is offered in collaboration with the George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs.

When disaster hits, what is the role of philanthropy in advancing recovery efforts? Oftentimes, nonprofits are some of the first responders to crises, whether they be disaster-related or humanitarian. What does it mean for our sector to be a first responder? 

This panel will explore how philanthropists and fundraisers have been–and should be–approaching recovery efforts. How can we center community needs in our support? How do we make sure recovery efforts remain relevant to our donor communities once the disaster moves out of the news cycle? What lessons can nonprofits learn in scaling up to meet these needs when dollars quickly pour in? They’ll discuss the role of philanthropy, as well as recommendations for nonprofits seeking to deepen partnerships with philanthropists in these areas.

Moderator

Chloe Demrovsky (she/her), President & CEO, Disaster Recovery Institute International

Panelists

Amanda Lepof (she/her), Executive Director of Fundraising Programs and Operations, American Red Cross

Maria Lopez-Nuñez (she/her), Deputy Director of Organizing and Advocacy, Ironbound Community Corporation

Jeffrey Correa (he/him), Senior Director of Major Giving, International Rescue Committee

—

This event series is offered in collaboration with the George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs.

When it comes to racial equity, philanthropy is part of the problem. Our history of colonialism still impacts how philanthropy redistributes wealth in the United States—and it's up to us, the philanthropic and fundraising community, to fix that.

Following the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, philanthropic giving became more equitable, transparent, and available. But has philanthropy continued to embrace systemic change in the long term? Have we slid backward as the movement's momentum waned?

This panel of philanthropists and fundraisers will assess how funders and nonprofits are doing in their efforts to decolonize. What positive changes do we continue to see? Where do we need to continue pushing change? They’ll offer recommendations for nonprofits seeking to deepen partnerships with philanthropists that center equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Moderator:

George Suttles (he/him), Executive Director, Commonfund Institute

Panelists: 

Cynthia Heard (she/her), Chief Operating Officer, Los Angeles Urban League

Hali Lee (she/her), Founding Partner, Radiant Strategies and Founder & Director, Asian Women Giving Circle

Rickke Mananzala (he/him), Executive Director, New York Foundation

—

This event series is offered in collaboration with the George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs.

Explore how philanthropists and funders have been–and should be–approaching support for the advancement of women’s rights.

In its 2021 report, the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy released its third annual Women & Girls Index–indicating that women’s and girls’ organizations only received 1.9% of overall charitable giving in 2018. At the same time, women’s rights and access to services is being eroded at the federal, state, and local levels.

This panel will explore how philanthropists and funders have been–and should be–approaching their support for gender equality. They’ll discuss the role of philanthropy, as well as recommendations for nonprofits seeking to deepen partnerships with philanthropists in these areas. 

Moderator: 

Dr. Sylvia Maier (she/her), Center for Global Affairs at NYU School of Professional Studies

Panelists:

KD Chavez (they/she) – Development Director, UltraViolet

Wendy Doyle (she/her)– President & CEO, United WE

Françoise Girard (she/her) – Chief Executive Officer, Feminism Makes Us Smarter

Rufaro Kangai (she/her) – Director of Individual Major Gifts, Global Fund for Women

This event series is offered in collaboration with the George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs.

Explore how philanthropists and funders have been–and should be–approaching support for the LGBTQIA+ community.

In recent years, anti-LGBTQ bills have been filed in states around the country, attempting to curtail rights and access to services. Organizers have responded through grassroots and coordinated efforts. Nonprofits have stepped up to respond as well.

This panel will explore how philanthropists and funders have been–and should be–approaching support for the LGBTQIA+ community. How can they defend and advance rights and access to services? How can they center community needs in their activism? They’ll discuss the role of philanthropy, as well as recommendations for nonprofits seeking to deepen partnerships with philanthropists in these areas.

Moderator: 

Dr. Sylvia Maier (she/her), Center for Global Affairs at NYU School of Professional Studies

Panelists:

Sarah Kate Ellis (she/her), President and CEO, GLAAD

Kris Hayashi (he/him), Executive Director, Transgender Law Center

Rebecca Fox (she/her), Vice President of Programs, Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice

Katie Hultquist (she/her), Director of Leadership Giving, OutRight Action International

This event series is offered in collaboration with the George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs.

How can philanthropy advance economic equality?

Economic inequality in the U.S. has been increasing for decades–and has been exacerbated by the pandemic. Millions of Americans struggle to make ends meet today, much less prepare for the future or build up resilience in case of future crises.

This panel will explore how philanthropists and funders have been—and should be—contributing to recovery from the pandemic and financial well-being going forward. They’ll discuss the role of philanthropy in efforts such as providing emergency support, expanding financial inclusion, alleviating poverty, and addressing the root causes of poverty.

Moderator:

Steven Godeke, Founder of Godeke Consulting and Adjust Professor of Finance at NYU’s Stern School of Business

Panelists:

Kristine Borok, Chief Operating Officer and Acting Chief Development Officer, Hot Bread Kitchen

Caitlyn Brazill, Chief Development Officer, Per Scholas

Dr. Stacy Dykstra, Chief Executive Officer, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

Dr. Seft Hunter, Director of Black-Led Organizing and Power Building, Community Change Action

This event series is offered as a collaboration between Aperio Philanthropy and the George H.  Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs.

How can philanthropy advance environmental justice?

Community well-being is intrinsically tied to environmental health. The environment cannot be ignored in efforts to advance human rights, social justice, health equity, and other priorities. The environmental justice movement has broadened the scope of environmentalism beyond conservation and protection to aiming for the creation of healthy places to live for everyone. How do we treat those affected by pollution, climate change, and other costs of economic production fairly? How do we meaningfully involve stakeholders in the decisions that affect their lives?

This panel will explore how philanthropists and funders have been—and should be—approaching this movement toward environmental justice. They’ll discuss the role of philanthropy, as well as recommendations for nonprofits seeking to deepen partnerships with philanthropists in these areas.

Moderated by: Dr. Carolyn Kissane, Academic Director and Clinical Professor, NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs; Director, NYU SPS Energy, Climate Justice, and Sustainability Lab

Panel to include:

Jamiah Adams, Senior Vice President of Diversity and Justice, The Climate Reality Project

Lylianna Allala, Climate Justice Director, City of Seattle’s Office of Sustainability and Environment

King Laughlin, SVP, Principal Gifts, National Park Foundation

Melissa Miles, Executive Director, New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance

Peggy Shepard, Co-Founder and Executive Director, WE ACT for Environmental Justice

This event series is offered as a collaboration between Aperio Philanthropy and the George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs.

How can philanthropy advance health equity?

The pandemic has shifted how we think about our healthcare system. Crisis exposed deep and systemic inequities in access, affordability, and standards of care–and therefore mortality rates and quality of life. As we move forward, how do we close gaps? Center community needs? Improve outcomes?

This panel will explore how philanthropists and funders have been—and should be—approaching this reimagining of healthcare. They’ll discuss the role of philanthropy in efforts such as addressing the social determinants of health, deepening community collaboration, advancing patient-centric care, and accelerating systemic change within healthcare institutions—as well as recommendations for nonprofits seeking to deepen partnerships with philanthropists in these areas.

Moderator:
Gianna Jackson, Special Counsel, Aperio Philanthropy

Panelists:
Chris Connolly, Associate Director, Clinton Health Access Initiative; adjunct instructor, NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs
Daniel Frascella, Chief Program and Grants Officer, Mother Cabrini Health Foundation
Roger Rennekamp, Extension Health Director, Association for Public and Land-grant Universities
Stephen B. Thomas, Professor and Director, Maryland Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland

This event series is offered as a collaboration between Aperio Philanthropy and the George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising within the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs.

Nonprofit fundraisers discuss how to engage boards in relationship-based fundraising.

Rebuilding our communities post-crisis and addressing systemic issues will require sustained investment in nonprofits. Having rapidly innovated last year to survive, nonprofit leaders and fundraisers are redesigning their fundraising programs to generate sustainable revenue growth to enable their missions to thrive.

Like any major strategic initiative, fundraising depends critically on board leadership—as strategic leaders, personal investors, and ambassadors in the community.

Join us for a panel discussion to explore how nonprofit leaders and fundraisers can engage boards in what comes next:

• How do you create an exceptional experience for boards, as our most dedicated volunteers and donors?

• How do you engage boards in developing your fundraising strategy?

• How do you translate ideas into progress that is meaningful for both the board member and the organization?

• How do you avoid common pitfalls?

Panelists:

• Laura Safran, Aperio Philanthropy

• Colleen Crino, Creating IT Futures

• Janine Quijije, Communities in Schools

• Marianna Tu, America Needs You

This panel is offered in collaboration with the NYUSPS George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising.

Nonprofit leaders discuss how to build forward-looking partnerships with donors

In 2020, nonprofits discovered new potential and purpose. This year, nonprofit leaders and fundraisers are asking: How do we advance what we learned? Visions are bold, and strategic plans are ambitious. Realizing them will require funding – and soon.

Fortunately, just as nonprofits are embarking on new strategic plans, funders are rethinking what it means to support the causes they care about. A decades-long trend toward rigorous, metrics-based decision-making was disrupted by crisis—which forced funders to adapt and act quickly—and social justice movements—which forced funders to begin to examine their role in systemic racism. Funders gave general operating support, simplified application processes, and made decisions more quickly, breathing new life into the organizations they supported.

Join us for a panel discussion to explore how nonprofit leaders and fundraisers can engage forward-looking individuals, foundations, and companies in what comes next:

• How do you identify prospective early funders in your vision?

• How do you engage those prospective funders in the process of developing your vision and co-creating solutions?

• How do you ensure the partnership you develop is a genuine win-win?

• How do you avoid common pitfalls?

Panelists:

• Tia Hodges, Citi Foundation (moderator)

• Heather Northrop, Child Mind Institute

• Leya Petrovani-Miller, Bowery Mission

• Nancy Sackson, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank

• Jen Szapiro, Audubon Society

This panel is offered in collaboration with the NYUSPS George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising.

Nonprofit visionaries discuss their tips for casting a bold vision for 2021 and beyond.

For nonprofits, 2020 was a year of discovering resilience—and a year for visionary leadership. Through their fearless adaptation and relationship building, nonprofit organizations demonstrated their ability to impact our lives and communities. We saw first-hand: Our potential is limitless.

In 2021, nonprofits have an opportunity to reimagine and redefine themselves.

Join us for a panel discussion of forward-thinking leaders to explore:

• How do you define a clear ‘north star’ for your mission and organization?

• How do you break down barriers to unlock bigger, bolder thinking?

• How do you engage your team and stakeholders?

• How do you inspire donors to invest in your future?

Moderator:

Bianca Derouene, President & Founder, Aperio Philanthropy

Panelists:

Leslie Gordon, President & CEO, Food Bank For New York City

Lisa Gurwitch, CEO, Delivering Good

Michele Hall-Duncan, CEO, enCourage Kids Foundation

Joe English, Founder and Executive Director, Hope in a Box

This panel is offered in collaboration with the NYUSPS George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising.

What does successful pivoting look like? And, more importantly, how is it done?

Since the onset of the COVID-19, nonprofits have rapidly pivoted their programs and services—and the fundraising that fuels them. Months into this work, it’s time to ask: What does successful pivoting look like? And, more importantly, how is it done? Even as we learn from past crises, leading our communities through a crisis of this scale and complexity will require unprecedented innovation. In this event series, we’ll explore how organizations in key nonprofit sectors are pivoting—and what they’re learning along the way.

This panel will bring together leaders from diverse nonprofits in the sector to discuss how they’re building relevancy for their organization, engaging donors in new ways, and generating sustainable revenue for their mission.

Moderator:

Lukas Haynes, Executive Director, David Rockefeller Fund

Panelists:

Randi Berry, Executive Director and Founding Partner, IndieSpace

Yolanda Johnson, Founder, Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy

Shaunda McDill, Program Officer, Arts and Culture, The Heinz Endowments

Nathan Urbach, Director of Development, New York Philharmonic

The Pivoting in Practice series is co-hosted by the NYUSPS George H. Heyman, Jr. Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising and Aperio Philanthropy.