State of Philanthropy

About this Roundtable

Join us for "State of Philanthropy," a timely virtual roundtable on September 16, 2025, from 1-2 PM, designed to equip nonprofit leaders and professionals with essential insights and strategies for navigating today's challenging funding landscape.

In an era of significant funding cuts, many nonprofits are facing unprecedented pressures on staffing, programming, and community impact. This roundtable will delve into the critical issues, identifying which sectors are most at risk and the common pitfalls organizations encounter during financial downturns.

Our esteemed speakers, Daniella Kaisth, Jackie Cornell, and Brittany Petrella, moderated by Pam Mulligan, will share their expertise on adaptive strategies. Learn how to diversify revenue streams beyond traditional grants, strengthen relationships with individual donors and corporate partners, and leverage collaborations to weather financial uncertainty.

Discover what "resilience" truly means for nonprofits and gain practical steps to build financial reserves and more sustainable business models. We'll explore how boards and staff can align on difficult decisions while staying true to their mission.

The discussion will also look to the future, examining emerging trends in philanthropy, such as donor-advised funds, impact investing, and the role of technology. Find out where hope and opportunity lie amidst cuts and receive invaluable advice for leading your nonprofit through an uncertain funding future. Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights and bold ideas to drive innovation in the next 12 months. 

About the Speakers

Jackie Cornell is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in advocacy, policy, politics, and government. She is currently the Deputy Director of Human Services in Mercer County, New Jersey, focusing on food security, homelessness, behavioral health, and LGBTQIA+ affairs. She also teaches at The College of New Jersey and Rutgers University. Previously, she served as Principal Deputy Commissioner of Health for New Jersey and as Regional Director at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under President Obama, where she supported the Affordable Care Act's implementation. Jackie founded the New Jersey chapter of New Leaders Council and lives in Central Jersey with her son.

Daniela Zane Kaisth, Founder and President of Gratias Partners, is an experienced advisor in high-impact philanthropy. With over 30 years in the field, she has successfully launched global programs and raised over $100 million in philanthropic funds. Her firm helps donors give effectively and non-profits initiate new projects. Daniela currently manages a family foundation, directs a funders collaborative, and consults for various institutions worldwide. Previously, she served as Vice President at the Institute of International Education. She holds degrees from Carleton University and Johns Hopkins, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa, and serves on multiple boards.

Brittany Petrella is the Associate Vice President of University Advancement at Rowan University, where she leads strategic efforts in development, donor engagement, and philanthropic partnerships. An alumna of the Class of 2011, she holds a CAP® credential. Brittany is instrumental in mobilizing support for scholarship programs, endowed giving, and philanthropic campaigns, serving as a key contact for alumni and donors. Her collaborative work helps drive Rowan University's culture of giving, creating a transformational impact on student support and university programming.

Registration Information

• Registration is required for all WID-NJ roundtable events
  
• Free for members | $20 for non-members
• All levels of experience in development, fundraising, and nonprofit management are welcome

To view a list of our upcoming events, visit www.widnewjersey.org/events and save your spots today!