Bethany Flood, Executive Director of F4HE, highlighted the value of creating spaces for nonprofits to connect: “Advocacy thrives when organizations network, collaborate, and share ideas. This convening allowed us to foster these connections, helping nonprofits grow stronger together as they champion the needs of older adults.”
David Griffith from Center in the Park (CIP) shared CIP’s innovative advocacy initiatives, emphasizing their commitment to centering members’ voices. He described CIP’s engagement with city and state officials, advocacy efforts around the redevelopment of the Germantown YWCA, and participation in campaigns like the “Aging Our Way PA” planning process. His presentation underscored the importance of community-based participatory research and building strong partnerships to amplify advocacy impact.
Karen Buck of SeniorLAW Center discussed the legal boundaries for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in advocacy, differentiating between issue education, lobbying, and political activity. She highlighted the organization’s work on guardianship reform, eviction prevention, and funding advocacy for the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). Karen’s talk equipped attendees with practical strategies to remain compliant while making meaningful contributions to policy conversations.
The diversity of participants—from organizations like Generations Online, Urban Resources and Development Corporation, Abramson Senior Care, African Family Health Organization, and the Health Federation of Philadelphia—fostered dynamic conversations throughout the event. Attendee Toby Dichter of Generations Online reflected, “In all my years of working with foundations, I’ve never seen this level of engagement and genuine interest in our work.” Tomiko Shine of Aging People in Prison Human Rights Campaign added, “We are each other’s resource, partner, collaborator, and change agents. Thank you for your intentional thoughtfulness and efforts on our behalf.”
The event concluded with discussions on future topics, with participants expressing strong interest in sessions focused on fundraising, grant writing, and housing challenges. Both SRF and F4HE remain committed to supporting these evolving needs by continuing to convene meaningful conversations and empowering nonprofits in ways that matter most to them.