Reimagining Impact: The Issues Shaping the Sector

Join us for a dynamic webinar featuring winners of the Long Island Imagine Awards, as they share firsthand insights into the most pressing issues facing the nonprofit sector today. What we covered: Fundraising trends and donor behavior The growing role of AI and technology in nonprofits Economic pressures impacting operations and sustainability Evolving board governance and leadership trends Additional challenges and opportunities shaping the sector Hear directly from award-winning nonprofit leaders who are driving meaningful impact and learn practical takeaways you can apply to your own organization. Meet our amazing panel! Arts & Culture Award Winner: Cradle of Aviation represented by Jennifer Baxmeyer, Executive Director Innovation Award Winner: Hair We Share represented by Suzanne Chimera, Co-Founder Rising Star Award Winner: Book Fairies represented by Eileen Minogue, Executive Director Leadership Excellence Award Winner: Fabiola Turner, Chief Program Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island This discussion was moderated by Kenneth Cerini, CPA, Managing Partner of Cerini & Associates and Founder of the Long Island Imagine Awards, an event designed to recognize Long Island non-profits for their innovation, impact, and leadership. Thank you to our sponsors: Diamond Sponsor: SterlingRisk Insurance Platinum Sponsors: Cerini & Associates, LLP Certilman Balin Chase for Business The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation Paylocity Nerds That Care Vanguard Benefits Chapters: 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 02:10 Meet the 2026 Imagine Award Winners 06:34 Biggest Challenges Facing Nonprofits 09:23 Why Nonprofits Need to Think Like Businesses 15:05 Building a Strong Nonprofit Board 20:41 Recruiting & Retaining Nonprofit Employees 26:39 Managing the Next Generation of Employees 32:18 Fundraising & Changing Donor Behavior 35:25 Storytelling & Demonstrating Impact 37:21 Building & Retaining Donor Relationships 41:52 Legacy Giving & the Great Wealth Transfer 45:42 Diversifying Nonprofit Revenue Streams 50:19 Corporate Partnerships & Recurring Revenue 55:02 Collaboration & Strategic Partnerships 1:00:25 Measuring & Communicating Nonprofit Impact 1:06:36 How Nonprofits Can Use AI 1:11:53 AI Policies, Security & Responsible Use 1:13:50 AI's Future Impact on Nonprofits 1:20:44 Trends Nonprofit Leaders Should Watch 1:21:50 Succession & Scenario Planning 1:24:58 Final Advice from the Panel 1:26:53 Closing Remarks & 2027 Imagine Awards