The Center cultivates diverse, transformative, and justice-oriented leaders dedicated to advancing social impact across sectors.
The growing uncertainty of government-philanthropic partnerships at the federal level has prompted philanthropic organizations to turn to state and local governments in order to address emerging community needs. To better understand the forms these relationships are taking, Ryann Alonso analyzed recent survey data from Grantmakers in Health members and conducted interviews with senior staff from the following four organizations: Jacob and Hilda Foundation, Vitalyst Health Foundation, Michigan Health Endowment Fund, and Connecticut Health Foundation. Alonso’s findings underscore the value of institutionalizing long-term partnerships, funding the gap, uplifting community solutions, and meeting partners where they are. This white paper complements the Grantmakers In Health Funder Collaboration Survey Report, which researches the key successes, persistent challenges, and opportunities that health funders have experienced amid deep cuts to health and social services.
Hear from Kevin Thomas, Senior Manager & Research Manager at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, in this segment of CPNL’s Alumni in Action series! Kevin participated in our Summer 2005 Nonprofit Management Certificate program. In the interview, Kevin reflects on the lasting value of the program, the dedication of CPNL faculty, and the importance of connecting nonprofit professionals working across organizations of all sizes.
Listen to the full interview with Dr. Luisa Boyarski here.
“The Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership’s certificate program was an immersion in all facets of nonprofit management, from budgeting and talent management to governance and fundraising. The faculty was so dedicated to sharing their knowledge and engaging the students. And then, you know, even today, the connection through the alumni barbecues and the newsletter you put out regularly really helps to connect so many because, you know, the nonprofit field is so vast.” – Kevin Thomas
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Thashlin Govender to CPNL and Georgetown University.
As the first African appointed a Nielsen Fellow in Philanthropy, Thashlin is leading research on Partnership Governance Standards — a community-authored framework establishing standards for future U.S.–Africa partnerships, drawing on fieldwork across African countries and culminating in a multi-stakeholder Georgetown convening of U.S. foundations, development finance institutions, Congress, and community and nonprofit leaders. The work will advance the sector’s ethical standards across the philanthropic lifecycle, from rigorous entry and onboarding, through transparent stewardship, to responsible exit governance that safeguards communities.
Learn more about Thashlin here
Learn about the Waldemar A. Nielsen Philanthropy Fellowship Here
What happens to communities when their last local newsroom shuts down?
On July 18, 2025, the U.S. Congress rescinded $1.1 billion in previously approved federal funding for public media. One year later, this project examines how the cuts could further deepen the local news crisis. It shows how public media serves as a lifeline for reliable local information, particularly in underserved communities where few other news sources remain. Drawing on her experience in national and community journalism, Carol Rangel developed this project to encourage a more strategic philanthropic response. Alongside the white paper, Carol created an interactive tool that helps funders identify communities where limited local news access and dependence on federal support may create the greatest need for targeted investment.
Access the Public Media and Local News
Risk Screening Dashboard
Please join us in welcoming Connie Archbold Robinson to CPNL and Georgetown University.
During her tenure as the Nielsen Philanthropy Fellow, Robinson will provide executive leadership coaching within the Executive Certificate in Philanthropic Leadership, facilitate strategic dialogues that strengthen community-centered, funder-engaged philanthropic practice, and conduct applied research on expanding individual donor engagement. She will also mentor McCourt School of Public Policy graduate students through candid conversations on career pathways, equipping the next generation of philanthropists to lead with courage, build transformational partnerships, and reimagine what philanthropy can achieve in service of the public good.
Learn about the Waldemar A. Nielsen Philanthropy Fellowship Here
