More than 120 Nonprofit Affiliate Leadership Members of the Satell Institute, together with more than two dozen role model business leaders participated in the 2020 Nonprofit-Business Leadership Summit. Its compelling theme was how nonprofits gain and keep financial partnerships with willing businesses. Its emphasis was on strategies for an effective recovery. The nonprofit leaders found the event was timelier and more stimulating than ever.
In spite of the fact that many nonprofit CEOs were reeling from various pressures due to the pandemic, they eagerly participated in the Summit. Larry Dubinski, the Institute’s Vice Chair for Nonprofits and CEO of the Franklin Institute, was again the perfect partner to host our 2020 Summit. His leadership, enthusiasm and pragmatism were invaluable, and his opening remarks set the stage for candid explorations of strategies for partnering to sustain the region, despite the increasing challenges.
Co-Chair Lorina Marshall-Blake, President of the IBX Foundation and a lifelong champion of nonprofits, welcomed everyone from in front of the marble feet of Ben Franklin with a pertinent quote: “Tough times never last, but tough people do. When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on”. Keynote speaker Pedro Ramos, CEO of the Philadelphia Foundation, first thanked Ed Satell for his vision and steadfastness in advancing the benefits to the greater community made possible when institutions and their leaders from business and social sectors collaborate and partner in ways that advance the community. He urged the audience to connect with those individuals and corporations whose values align with their mission, activate those relationships through meaningful engagement opportunities and then accelerate their impact in the community.
Kevin Duffy, President of Tozour Energy Systems and a Founding Affiliate Member of the Institute, was Co-Chair. He introduced the panel discussion with his thoughts on the impact of CSR for companies of every size. All of these comments set the stage for a series of takeaways attendees were raving about. This included three ideas that were expressed in different ways by the Panelists. The three important ideas are: partnerships need to be mutually beneficial for the nonprofit and the business, they have to have an alignment of values between them and, most importantly, be consistent with open communication. As with all partnerships, the collaboration must be good for all parties involved.
The distinguished “practitioner” panel was: Jim Dever, Market President of Bank of America; Romona Riscoe Benson, Director of Corporate and Community Relations at PECO; Michael J. Van Wagner, Vice President of Public Affairs, NJM Insurance; and Dan Koval, Global Corporate Initiatives Manager, Bentley Systems. During the discussion, skillfully moderated by Sharmain Matlock-Turner, CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition, Panelists shared insights about their individual organizations’ key practices so important to creating successful private-nonprofit partnerships.
Other comments from the Panelists included: “CSR really means community, sustaining relationships.” Also, “With many companies looking to strategically manage limited resources, they seek to have more impact with their giving. That means knowing what a company has determined to be as a funder, its area of focus becomes more important for nonprofits to understand.” and “We’re looking to support the communities that we serve so community improvement runs through all of this.”
Nonprofit attendees were thrilled with the networking and idea sharing offered by the Institute’s hallmark, peer discussion groups. Many cited valuable new relationships made for going forward as well as important takeaways that they thought would help them. And the business and foundation executives who moderated and participated in the discussion tables were also strongly impressed with what they heard.
One inspiring impact created directly by the Summit was shared by Moderator Morey Goldberg, Principal of Rose Glen LLC. Just minutes after the Summit, Morey sent an enthusiastic email to the employees of his emerging company talking about the benefits to his company and their employees for their participation in Corporate Social Responsibility. The email is shared, with permission, below.
We thank the outstanding Summit Committee, our Co-Chairs, Keynote Speaker, Panels and Moderator, and all who participated in the 2020 Summit.
Email sent to his employees by Summit attendee, Morey Goldberg, following and inspired by, the Summit.
Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2020 12:56 PM
To: Rose Glen
Subject: Our Community is in Need and I wanted to give us an opportunity to respond
As in prior crises, we have gathered funds to help the needy. We are fortunate to all be able to stay employed and tend to our families. Unfortunately, based on a seminar I attended for Non-profits this morning, the needs in our community are great and getting worse. Below is some information shared with me from the head of Philabundance.
Food Insecurity 2018
635,240 people or 11.7%
Food Insecurity 2020, Projected Post-COVID
892,150 or 16.5%
I have decided to ask if you will join me in raising some funds to give out to a few charities to help make a difference. As I want this to be meaningful, I am prepared to match you dollar for dollar up to $12,500 so that we can have a pot possibly as high as $25,000 with the thought of dispersing five $5,000 charitable donations. Please email me by Monday your confidential interest level, and I will tabulate the pool and share it with you, and we can vote on a few charities next week.
Those of you that asked, thank you for encouraging me to do this.
All the Best,
Morey
The Satell Institute
Welcomes New Member
Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar
Satell is honored to welcome the Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar as our newest member. We salute Founder and CEO Dave Magrogan for his commitment to offer healthy and locally grown food as well as inspiration to others who wish to achieve their big goals. His 4-year substantial commitment to the Brandywine SPCA is indicative of his dedication to contributing actively to our community. Founded in 1929, the Brandywine Valley SPCA exists to end animal suffering and to involve the entire community in the welfare and well-being of animals. Its mission is to put the “human” back in humane animal treatment and advocate on their behalf. Brandywine SPCA’s vision is to be the recognized leader in animal welfare that empowers communities to treat life with respect and dignity.