Premium Episode: A Roundtable Conversation with Four Community Foundation Leaders on Similarities, Differences, Challenges and Outlooks for the Future.

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In this episode, I bring together four community foundation leaders from across our region for a candid, timely conversation about what nonprofits are facing right now — and what’s coming next.

As needs rise and resources feel tighter, community foundations are sitting at a critical intersection: listening to nonprofits, working with donors, and helping communities adapt in real time. We talk openly about uncertainty, sustainability, collaboration, and why this moment requires new ways of thinking — not just more funding.

This conversation isn’t about one county or one solution. It’s about shared challenges, similarities, unique differences and emerging opportunities, and how philanthropy is evolving to meet the realities nonprofit leaders are navigating every day.

Joining me are Kerry Wood, CEO of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, Veronica Blake, CEO of the Placer Community Foundation, Amy Pooley, Executive Director of the ElDorado Community Foundation and Jessica Hubbard, Executive Director of the Yolo Community Foundation — four leaders offering perspective, honesty, and insight into how communities can move forward together.

Whether you lead a nonprofit, serve on a board, advise donors, have a fund at your community foundation or simply care about the health of your community, this episode offers both clarity and encouragement at a time when both are needed.

⏱️ Chapter Timestamps

00:00 — Why This Conversation Matters Right Now
Setting the stage: rising needs, limited resources, and why bringing community foundation leaders together matters.

02:10 — What Foundations Are Seeing Across Their Communities
A high-level look at the pressures nonprofits and families are facing.

06:45 — Who Is Being Impacted Most
Discussion on how different populations are experiencing today’s challenges — the impact isn’t one-size-fits-all.

10:40 — How Philanthropy Is Responding in Real Time
How grantmaking, donor priorities, and emergency responses are shifting to meet immediate needs.

15:30 — Short-Term Relief vs. Long-Term Solutions
Balancing crisis response with sustainability, systems change, and prevention.

20:10 — Collaboration, Shared Services, and New Models
Why nonprofits are exploring deeper collaboration — and what’s making it both necessary and difficult.

25:30 — Creating Space for Nonprofits to Connect and Exhale
The often-overlooked value of convening, peer support, and shared learning.

30:20 — Ensuring Smaller Nonprofits Have Access and Voice
How community foundations work to support organizations of all sizes and stages.

35:15 — What Nonprofit Leaders Should Be Watching for in 2026
Emerging trends, uncertainty, and what leaders should be paying attention to now.

41:10 — Looking Ahead: What Foundations Are Doing Differently
Trust-based philanthropy, donor engagement, and preparing for the future.

47:30 — Closing Refle

Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.