In response to growing requests from our nonprofit partners, the Sarah Ralston Foundation is proud to host a special Nonprofit Networking Meeting on Thursday, September 25th at NewCourtland Conference Center. The gathering is designed to promote connection, idea-sharing, and collaborative problem-solving across Philadelphia’s aging services sector.

“This event is a natural outgrowth of what we’ve been hearing at every convening,” said Heather Finnegan, Executive Director of SRF. “Nonprofits are eager to connect with one another—not just socially, but strategically. They want to learn what’s working, where others are struggling, and how we can support each other in a more structured way.”

The meeting will kick off with brief introductions from each organization in attendance. Each nonprofit will share its mission, its biggest current challenge, and (if they choose) one insight or resource they’ve found valuable in their work.

From there, participants will break into smaller discussion groups, guided by peer “coaches” who can help frame meaningful conversations around shared challenges. Each group will be asked to explore not only the hurdles they face, but also to identify tangible ways SRF might help address them—whether through funding, training, connections, or new kinds of support outside of our traditional grant cycles. The goal is to surface actionable ideas that can inform how SRF evolves its role as a partner and catalyst in the nonprofit community. Each group will report out on their key insights and recommendations.

The session will conclude with open networking time—designed to make it easier for attendees to follow up with those they found especially compelling during the introduction round.

“This is just the beginning,” said Finnegan. “Our hope is that what comes out of this meeting—whether it’s new partnerships, actionable strategies, or bold ideas for collective progress—will inform not only future SRF learning sessions, but also our approaches to support and the ways in which we engage with our partners.”

Interested organizations will be asked to RSVP with their organizational name, a current challenge they’re facing, and optionally, something they’re willing to share. Each will receive a numbered name tag to help streamline conversations and follow-up during the event.

For those committed to collaboration and growth, this networking session offers a new space to start meaningful conversations and spark solutions—together.