Reflecting on a year of resilience, collaboration, and meaningful impact across our nonprofit community.
“Through Mission Forward, Jeff came to the Community Immigration Law Center (CILC) at a very critical moment. We had to start and successfully manage an entirely new development program in just a few months. He was able to assess our need, organize our planning, and personally put into action the new steps and solutions. It was a significant success. Not only did we get new support and funds in the door immediately, but he helped us to launch our own program that we could enhance and manage on our own. It was the ideal example of a seasoned expert coming in to consult on and solve problems when we didn’t have the expertise, the experience, or the bandwidth. Jeff is a professional of real action!”
– Grant Sovern, Director, Community Immigration Law Center
As this year comes to a close, I’ve been looking back at the resilience, creativity, and heart of our nonprofit community. Despite federal funding cuts, increased needs, and greater stresses on essential services, nonprofit leaders continued to step up with courage and commitment.
I am grateful for all of the opportunities to collaborate and learn from so many wonderful organizations. Here are some highlights from 2025:
Setting a course for the future
With Stuart Hee and Mary Beth Collins, I co-presented at the Green Bay Nonprofit Conference on Succession Planning.
In the past year, I worked with several organizations to clarify a vision with actionable implementation plans for the future. This includes:
- Developing values, strategy, and tools for long-term success with Madison Schools and Community Recreation, Madison Festivals, Inc., Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, Friends of the Madison Arts Commission, and WayForward Resources.
- Coaching leaders to develop clearer priorities and stronger community engagement with the Wisconsin Academy, Justice Outside, and Arts for All Wisconsin.
- Creating successful fundraising plans, donor databases, and external communications with UnityPoint-Meriter Foundation, Community Immigration Law Center, and Haiti Allies.
Supporting Leadership in Dynamic Times
Board members practice their skills as ambassadors in our September board training at UW-Extension
Executive directors often feel isolated in their roles. I coached several leaders who were navigating complex transitions, helping them strengthen communication, rebalance priorities, and gain clarity and confidence.
I also co-facilitated several board leadership trainings— including two with my co-facilitator Sharon Lezberg at UW-Extension — helping leaders build stronger teams, healthier cultures, and more resilient organizations.
Facing Funding Cuts Together
Jody Bartnick (United Way of Dane County), Ruben Anthony (Urban League of Greater Madison), Angela Davis (Madison Community Foundation), and Nydia Martinez (Latino Academy of Workforce Development) were panelists for our Power in Partnership: Nonprofits Respond to Funding Crisis discussion in June.
The political landscape has brought significant funding challenges. As federal grants were discontinued, nonprofit leaders stepped up to support one another.
In June, more than 50 local leaders joined a community strategy session to share insights and discuss how to advocate collectively. Three clear needs emerged:
- Collaborative Community Education — shared messaging and storytelling
- Innovation and Efficiency — resource sharing, round tables, and new partnerships
- Sustainable Funding — growing grassroots support and building long-term donor engagement
Interim Leadership at the Goodman Community Center
With Mike Zhang (Fenrici) and Meghan Johnson (Goodman Community Center) at this summer’s backpack drive. Fenrici donated hundreds of backpacks to help students get a good start to the school year.
In June, I stepped into the interim executive director role at the Goodman Community Center. Over the past months, we have focused on restoring confidence, strengthening leadership systems, and bolstering our core programs. I’m grateful to work alongside such dedicated staff and board members.
Celebrating Community Collaboration
I facilitated a retreat with board members of the Alliance for Community Media, which represents over 1,700 Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) access organizations and community media centers throughout the country.
Throughout the year, I’ve been energized by the wisdom and generosity of nonprofit leaders who continue to show up for their communities — sharing tools, learning from one another, and navigating change with courage.
Thank you for everything you do to strengthen our community. I hope you have an opportunity to relax and recharge in the coming weeks. I look forward to continuing our work together in the year ahead.