In its third year, the DC Postsecondary Success Collaborative held its Summit, hosted by Trinity Washington University, bringing together area education, workforce, and community partners in the area. While DC has convened several postsecondary and workforce-related groups over the last twenty years, this Collaborative remains a connected postsecondary ecosystem, many of whom are leaders at nonprofits, city agencies, research organizations, school districts, and other experienced practitioners working together for clear pathways, coordinated support, and adults who are ready to lead with purpose. This year’s sessions focused on six themes: partnerships that matter, how AI is transforming postsecondary, sustaining work in lean times, coordinating data, research, and policy, creating safety for youth in challenging times, and designing equitable, high-quality career pathways. At the Leader Lunch, facilitated by the Opportunity Network, Senior Program Officer Robyn Ellis learned about the gaps leaders are facing (i.e. shifting philanthropic support, the need to connect trainings, degree options, and real-time job outcomes, in identifying employer partners, and more). In a discussion on artificial intelligence, more organizations talked about seeing an immediate opportunity to build out programming to build more human critical thinking people skills. To learn more about the Collaborative and opportunities to support its momentum, visit here.

In 2026, FADICA - Catholic Philanthropy Network celebrated its 50th Anniversary in Washington DC at its Annual Symposium and Meeting. Founder & Executive Chair Gabriela Smith, President & CEO Danielle M. Reyes, and Sustainability & Stewardship Partner Bill Reig represented the Crimsonbridge Foundation, who connected with funder peers and shared learnings and updates on the Laudato Si' movement. Bill shared: "I was deeply inspired by the chance to learn from Sister Helen Prejean and her extraordinary journey from Catholic nun to death penalty abolition activist. Her latest adaptation of 'Dead Man Walking' as a graphic novel captures her testimony in a vivid and compelling way. It was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact one person can have on the lives of so many." As FADICA begins its second half-century, this milestone reflects the strength of its mission and the lasting role it plays in the lives of its members and partners.

In a climate of uncertainty, how can storytelling build empathy? Partner Georgetown University Center for Public & Nonprofit Leadership hosted a series of panels called "Lift Your Voice: Leading with Courage, Purpose, and Story" that assembled national leaders to offer insight on this question. During this two-day convening, President and CEO Danielle M. Reyes, Senior Program Officer Robyn Attebury Ellis, and Philanthropy Fellow Lauren Kim connected with other nonprofit and philanthropic organizations for dialogue on cultural narrative and strategies for building and sustaining stories that talk about the issues of today and spur action. Speakers Michelle Alexander, Clint Smith, Judy Belk, Rinku Sen, and others taught attendees about the concepts of narrative oceans, revolutionary love, and how to catalyze narratives that move us forward. Together, leaders hosted breakout sessions sharing communications strategies like op-eds, film, podcasts, and more as tools for action.

Photo credit: Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership, Georgetown University

Crimsonbridge Foundation’s Stewardship and Sustainability Partner, Bill Reig, joined 19 diocesan leaders from across the country at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) headquarters in Washington, DC. The cohort learned how to design and implement a Laudato Si’ Action Plan to address environmental sustainability in their diocese. Alongside the Catholic Extension Society and FADICA - Catholic Philanthropy Network, these leaders shared what truly moves their communities. A key takeaway? Transformation happens through relationships built around shared goals—in this case, caring for our common home.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is devoted to building access to nature, providing green job opportunities for young people and teaching members how to become environmental stewards. In honor of MLK Day, Grants Manager Sarah Babins joined SCA's DC team and over 100 volunteers for a morning of invasive vine removal and refuse clean-up work at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Learn more about SCA's Washington D.C. region work here.