Workshops

Across the social (nonprofit) sector, a damaging false narrative shapes daily operations: the belief that the resources required to deliver community impact are luxuries rather than business essentials. 

Despite serving as essential community infrastructure, not-for-profit businesses operate within a system that consistently undervalues their economic and social impact. The sector represents more than 10% of the national workforce and $12.5 billion in economic activity. Yet, 40% of its workers live at or below poverty level. 

Fair and competitive wages, healthcare benefits, training, modern technology, marketing, and fundraising investments are too often treated as luxuries. The social sector industry is expected to function with far fewer resources than any similarly sized industry. 

This is not the result of social sector leaders misunderstanding what excellence requires. It exists because the sector has been conditioned by the public for decades to believe that scarcity-driven budgeting is virtuous, and anything resembling a standard investment made in other industries is excessive. 

This belief is damaging. It is a barrier to progress, a threat to community well-being, and a significant reason the sector struggles with instability. In 2024, 35% of 501(c)(3) organizations experienced a decline in revenue, more than 30% ended the year with a budget deficit, and only 16% held even seven months of operating reserves. These numbers reflect a system where businesses are expected to meet rising community needs with declining resources and inadequate support for capacity building.

The RISE Leadership Series is designed for leaders who are ready to challenge outdated narratives, reject austerity thinking, and build organizations that are financially strong, talent-rich, and positioned to scale impact. The series will help leaders equip the frontlines, fuel policy change, co-create and test new strategies to lead and fund their mission.

This 10-month virtual learning series is grounded in the national Five & Rising movement, informed by the documentary Uncharitable and Social Current curriculum. The program is facilitated by Aileen Meyer, CEO of the Center for Community Impact and Director of RISE Northwest Ohio, a Five & Rising pilot community. 

Each session translates big ideas into practical tools, real-world application, and leadership confidence you can bring directly back to your organization.