Who are the women—past and present, known and unknown—moving the needle and making waves in the nonprofit sector? This month, in celebration of “Women’s History Month” we are highlighting eight influential females that have shifted thinking, made tremendous strides, and continue to push the industry forward. From transformative philanthropy to extraordinary leadership as nonprofit founders and executives, these women have shaped the nonprofit sector.

Dalberg Advisors, in partnership with the Council on Foundations and Philanthropy California, recently published a study on how the US philanthropic sector has responded to the ongoing crises in the US in 2020. The national study of top 250 foundations revealed a number of major shifts in the industry going into 2021, most notably: 30 percent are moving to offer support “beyond the check,” including technical assistance; 11 percent have made racial equity a or primary focus of their work; and, 52 percent are actively considering new internal processes, including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

At a time when nonprofits are assuming a larger and larger role in the provision of essential services, it’s more important than ever for organizations to develop sustainable and successful programs. WriteGirl stepped into the national spotlight recently when their alumna Amanda Gorman captured hearts and minds at President Biden’s inauguration - but they have been serving their community and achieving their goals for more than 20 years. By working closely with local government and other stakeholders, building a diverse donor base, and addressing an urgent community need (the overburdened education system in Los Angeles), WriteGirl has demonstrated how nonprofits can be even stronger pillars of community support. 

Nonprofits have long faced many challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has only widened the gap between community needs and the sector’s ability to meet them. Now, there is an opportunity to reduce these limitations and rebuild, with the help of Resilia.