Learning and Building Together: The Second Annual Nonprofit Leaders Group (NPLG) Convening

In today’s ever-evolving fiscal and political landscape, one thing is clear for nonprofits: there’s massive value and strength in joining together.

Bringing together Nonprofit Leaders

On Wednesday, July 22, leaders from various nonprofits across Greater Philadelphia came together for the 2nd Annual Nonprofit Leaders Group (NPLG) 2026 Summer Convening. The event was hosted by the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy & Practice, who partnered with JEVS on the 2026 Needs Assessment Survey.

Similar to last year’s convening, NPLG organizers tailored the event to fit the needs and concerns of the local nonprofit community. NPLG utilized results from its 2026 Needs Assessment Survey, which looked at how needs and conditions have evolved since 2025.

The event featured experts speaking on critical issues, including:

Welcome remarks from Sara S. Bachman, Ph.D., Dean, University of Pennsylvania’s School of Policy & Practice, and Elliot Weinbaum, Chief of Philanthropy, William Penn Foundation;
A fireside chat with Dr. Val Arkoosh, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of the Department of Human Services, and Loree D. Jones Brown, the CEO of Philabundance;
JEVS President & CEO Cynthia Figueroa leading an annual State of the Nonprofit Sector presentation;
Marianne Fray, President and CEO, Maternity Care Coalition, moderated a panel on “Leading Through Change” featuring Toni Pergolin, Former President & CEO, Bancroft and Casey O’Donnell, President & CEO, Impact Services;
Dalia Mechanic, Partner, Bennett Midland and Raffaele Moore, Senior Associate, Bennett Midland, presented on “Strategic Planning for Unpredictability,” with Arun Prabhakaran, President of Urban Affairs Coalition, introducing the conversation.

After a lovely performance from local Gospel singer Desiree “Dezzie” Neal and a vibrant networking lunch, industry leaders left the convening with ways to navigate ongoing challenges. The panels provided insight on ways to be more effective partners, maintaining key services in an uncertain landscape, and maximizing impact moving forward.

The NPLG is a coalition of nonprofit leaders that was formed in January 2025 to give timely updates, share resources, and build community. There are over 280 participating leaders from organizations of varying sizes and missions. The NPLG prizes collaboration, especially when approaching the industry’s current challenges.

Driving Change through Collaboration

The NPLG has now existed for two years, and its value continues to show. According to the 2026 Needs Assessment Survey results, members viewed the group as an important source of information, support, and connection.

The Nonprofit Leaders Group Convening was made possible through support from the William Penn Foundation.