Reconnecting and Reimagining: Highlights from the April 2025 MidAtlantic Regional Gathering
On April 25, 2025, fiscal sponsors from across the MidAtlantic region convened at CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia for a day of connection, reflection, and forward-thinking. Co-hosted by the National Network of Fiscal Sponsors (NNFS) and Social Impact Commons, this in-person gathering brought together practitioners from Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and beyond to share insights, challenges, and opportunities in the evolving landscape of fiscal sponsorship.
Setting the Stage: Welcome and Introductions
The day began with a warm welcome from CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia, followed by introductions facilitated by Social Impact Commons and NNFS. Attendees were invited to reflect on the prompt: "Given the turmoil of today, what do you want to start, stop, and keep doing?" This exercise set a collaborative tone, encouraging participants to think critically about their practices and aspirations.
Exploring Vulnerabilities and Responses
A key session led by Social Impact Commons delved into data-driven insights on current vulnerabilities within the fiscal sponsorship field. Participants engaged in discussions about the challenges they face and the strategies they employ to navigate an increasingly complex environment. Topics included organizational resilience, risk management, and adaptive responses to external pressures.
World Café: Generating Ideas and Building Consensus
After lunch, attendees participated in a World Café session, where they generated and voted on topics for deeper exploration. Breakout groups then convened to discuss selected themes, which included:
Models L & B
Collaboration/Communication - among fiscally sponsored projects and fiscal sponsors
Cyber Security
All things operations
This format fostered peer-to-peer learning and collaborative problem-solving - allowing for diverse perspectives and experiences to inform the conversations.
Group Share and Action Planning
The afternoon continued with group sharing sessions, where insights from the breakout discussions were presented to the larger assembly. This collective exchange highlighted common challenges and innovative solutions, reinforcing the value of shared learning. The day concluded with a focus on identifying priorities for the field and outlining actionable steps to advance collective goals.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Conversation
As the gathering wrapped up, participants expressed enthusiasm for ongoing collaboration and the importance of regional connections. Plans for future meetings and continued dialogue were discussed, emphasizing the commitment to strengthening the fiscal sponsorship community.
If any region, city or locale would like support to organize a local fiscal sponsorship gathering, please reach out to Polly at NNFS (fiscalsponsors@gmail.com) or call (443) 418-0394.
For those interested in joining future gatherings or learning more about the discussions from this event, Join our Newsletter or Becoming a Member for updates and resources.
