State of Philanthropy

About this event

What does the year ahead hold for philanthropy, and how can nonprofit leaders prepare for it?

Every year brings new opportunities and new challenges for the nonprofit sector. Kick off the WID-NJ season with our signature State of Philanthropy roundtable, where fundraising and nonprofit leaders come together to discuss the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping our work.

From evolving donor expectations and fundraising strategies to volunteer leadership and broader shifts across the nonprofit landscape, this timely conversation will explore what’s changing, what’s working, and what leaders should be thinking about in the year ahead.

Join us for an engaging discussion, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connections with fellow professionals as we take stock of where philanthropy stands—and where it may be headed next.

Event Details

Date: Tues, Sep 15, 2026
Time: 1 PM - 2 PM
Setting: Online, hosted on Zoom

Feel free to reach out to us with any thoughts or questions ahead of time at info@widnewjersey.org.

We look forward to kicking off the 2026-27 season with you!

Registration Information

• Registration is required by Mon, Sep 14, 2026
• Free for members | $20 for non-members
• All levels of experience in development, fundraising, and nonprofit management are welcome

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

About the Speakers

Shelley Skinner is Chief Portfolio Officer at The Tepper Foundation, where she leads the Foundation’s grantmaking strategy and oversees seven giving portfolios. As the Foundation’s first full-time, non-family hire, she partnered closely with CEO Randi Tepper and the board to build the infrastructure that has supported its growth into a leading philanthropic organization, with annual grantmaking approaching $130 million.

With more than 20 years of experience in public policy and the nonprofit sector, Shelley previously served as Executive Director of the Better Education Institute and Better Education for Kids (B4K). She is a recognized leader in philanthropy and social impact, helping drive investments that strengthen communities, civic engagement, and resilience.

Megan Toppel’s passion for philanthropy began while teaching in historically marginalized communities with Teach For America, where she later launched her fundraising career. With more than a decade of nonprofit experience, she believes relationships are foundational to progress and has built coalitions that raise funds and advance mission-driven work. At CCS, Megan has advised clients across sectors, including Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child, Dwight-Englewood School, New Jersey Symphony, Postpartum Support International, The Conservation Fund, and Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester. Her expertise includes campaign management, Annual Fund growth, strategic staffing and planning, mid-level giving, and board learning.

Originally from Atlanta, Megan now lives in New Jersey with her husband, three young children, and two dogs. She enjoys reading, gardening, and paddle boarding, and volunteers with a local organization working to end diaper needs for New Jersey families.

Yvonne Casuso is the Deputy Director of Development at the ACLU of New Jersey, where she helps lead fundraising strategy and builds meaningful partnerships with donors committed to protecting civil rights and liberties.

With more than 16 years of nonprofit development experience, Yvonne specializes in major gifts, capital campaigns, donor engagement, and building sustainable fundraising programs. Her career spans the arts, education, healthcare, and social justice sectors. Before joining the ACLU-NJ, she served in development leadership roles at the New Jersey Symphony, Corlears School, and Habitat for Humanity International. Specialty areas include annual fund, galas, capital campaigns, individual solicitations, and board education.

Yvonne earned a Bachelor of Science in Arts Administration from Wagner College and serves on the boards of ICP Care and Women in Development New Jersey.

Beyond her career, Yvonne finds joy in family life, residing in New Jersey with her husband, son, and a beloved American Staffordshire Terrier rescue. Her dedication to both her family and the nonprofit sector reflects her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place through philanthropy and community engagement. She moonlights as a yoga teacher and enjoys hot yoga, true crime, and oat milk lavender lattes.