Overview

“Connection is why we are here,” writes Brene Brown. “It is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.” Indeed, human beings thrive on authentic connections and relationships. For those who are working in the social sector, building and maintaining meaningful connections - both inside and outside one’s organization - can be the lifeblood that sustains one’s efforts, gives hope, and provides real opportunities for shared learning and engagement.

Relationships are core to Nonprofit Leaders’ Circle convenings. These events bring together NLC members from across the city for connection, celebration, and collaboration.

• Connection - Participants have space and time at convenings to connect meaningfully with their peers to deepen existing relationships and build new ones. Conversation is always better over good food, so participants can expect a legitimately delicious hot meal at every convening.

• Celebration - Celebrating wins - no matter how small - is key to sustaining challenging work. That’s why each NLC convening devotes time for attendees to share personal and professional wins and to celebrate each others’ successes. 

• Collaboration - If two heads are better than one, think about what’s possible with dozens of heads (and experiences, perspectives, strengths and resources) all in one place. Each NLC convening includes facilitated time for participants to engage in peer to peer learning and sharing, focusing on timely issues and topics. To this end, convenings make use of different structures and facilitation techniques, including “unconference” formats, guided reflection, interactive presentations and peer consultancies. 

Structure

Participants

NLC Convenings are open to senior leaders and staff from Philadelphia nonprofits that are past or present grantees of the Barra Foundation, sponsored by another foundation or organization, or who pay a membership fee. Leaders can register through a registration portal provided by NLC program staff. If you have questions about eligibility or are interested in an NLC membership, reach out to impact-ed@sas.upenn.edu for more information. 

Schedule

Convenings are in-person events that take place twice per year (Fall and Spring). Both convenings this year will take place at The Hive at Spring Point Partners (The Graham Building) at 30 S 15th St 4th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Convening dates for 2025-26 are below. 

• Thursday, October 30th, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

• Thursday, May 28th, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• Thursday, October 22nd, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Convening Format

NLC Convenings include time for attendees to connect meaningfully with their peers, celebrate wins and successes, share insights and perspectives, and gain knowledge and resources to help achieve their goals. As with all NLC programming, we aim to ensure that the design and delivery of NLC Convenings is aligned to participant needs, goals and interests. In that spirit, we collect feedback from convening attendees to understand what worked, what could have been better, and what we should consider for next time.