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Landmark Summit of Women in Philanthropy: A New Era for Nonprofits

On October 22, 2025, Attain Partners orchestrated an influential summit titled "Strengthening the Scaffolding: What Nonprofits Need Now to Sustain Society's Future". This landmark event convened some of the foremost Chief Development Officers from the nonprofit sector, leaders who collectively oversee organizations that raise over $19 billion annually. For many, this summit marked their first face-to-face interaction since the pandemic began, transitioning from virtual meetings held since 2020 to an in-person dialogue that aimed to tackle pressing challenges and opportunities in philanthropy.

Hosted by Sterrin Bird, Attain Partners' Nonprofit Executive in Residence, the gathering provided a crucial platform for these women to strategize and reflect on the evolving landscape of the nonprofit sector. The discussions were particularly relevant as public trust wanes, fundraising models shift, and the nonprofit workforce faces increasing pressures.

Bird emphasized, "Philanthropy has always been a powerful force for possibility. Bringing these extraordinary leaders together was about more than conversation; it was about amplifying the collective voice of women who are shaping the future of giving. Together, we are reimagining what philanthropy can be and ensuring that generosity continues to sustain our society's foundation."

Among the participants were fundraising leaders from notable organizations such as American Academy of Pediatrics, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, and United Way Worldwide. These leaders engaged in thoughtful discussions exploring how the sector can maintain its relevance by adapting to contemporary demands while committing to its foundational values of empathy and community.

A significant aspect of the summit was the contribution of Attain Digital, the firm’s technology and innovation branch. Reshma Patel-Jackson, Partner and Digital Lead, highlighted their dedication to equipping nonprofits with the necessary tools to enhance their impact through technology. According to Patel-Jackson, "This event underscores our commitment to helping mission-driven organizations evolve for a digital future, strengthening their ability to connect, inspire, and create change at scale."

The insights gathered during this summit will culminate in a thought leadership paper titled "Strengthening the Scaffolding: What Nonprofits Need Now to Sustain Society's Future", set to be published on attainpartners.com. This document will not only encapsulate the key themes from their meetings but also serve as a collective call to action for the nonprofit sector, urging them to innovate and adapt to the shifting landscape of philanthropic giving.

Attain Partners, headquartered in McLean, Virginia, stands as a prominent management and technology consulting firm, dedicated to advancing the missions of clients across education, nonprofit, healthcare, and governmental sectors. For more information on their initiatives, including Fundraising Advisory and Precision Philanthropy services, visit attainpartners.com. In our ever-changing world, the commitment of these women and their strategic dialogues could very well ensure that philanthropy remains a powerful catalyst for societal change, inspiring future generations to contribute to the public good.

Stay tuned for the upcoming paper, which promises to illuminate the path forward for nonprofits facing uncertain futures. Together, these leaders are crafting a legacy of resilience and innovation, each one contributing to the scaffolding that supports a sustainable nonprofit ecosystem.