Spur Local

Nonprofit leaders are navigating a moment that requires more than simply working harder.

Five Steps for Leading Through Chaos: A Human-Centered Strategy offers nonprofit executives and senior leaders across the DMV space to step back, strengthen their approach, and learn alongside peers facing similar realities.

During this six-week ALIGN Lab group coaching experience, participants will develop practical strategies for navigating uncertainty, supporting their teams, and advancing meaningful change with limited resources. Each participant will also receive a personalized Five Steps Playbook, a one-on-one coaching session, and a peer network of DMV nonprofit leaders.

Offered by Michelle Gilliard & Associates in partnership with LeaderBridge.

📅 October–November 2026
💻 Six virtual sessions
💵 $449 per participant
👥 Limited to 12 participants
⏳ Apply by August 31

Learn more and register: https://tinyurl.com/LeaderBridge

There is no simple playbook for leading through a moment like this.

Across the DMV, nonprofit leaders are making difficult decisions amid shifting funding, rising community needs, and growing pressure on their organizations and teams.

Working harder cannot be the only response. Leaders also need room to pause, reassess, exchange ideas, and draw support from others who understand the realities they are facing.

If you’re carrying a lot right now, you’re not alone.

What kind of support would make the greatest difference for you or your organization?

Volunteers strengthen communities in ways both visible and behind the scenes. They share their time, knowledge, skills, and care, helping local organizations expand their capacity and respond to community needs.

In 2025, the estimated value of one volunteer hour reached $36.14 nationally, and $54.77 in Washington, DC.

While no dollar amount can fully capture what volunteers contribute, these figures offer one way to recognize the significant role they play in our communities and the local economy.

How are volunteers making a difference in your organization?

👉 Explore the data from Independent Sector and the Do Good Institute.

Environmental stewardship requires a collective effort to protect the places we call home. From clean water to drink to parks where families gather, from trees that control the temperature of our neighborhoods to healthy ecosystems, nonprofits play a vital role in sustaining this work.

Across our network, our partners are restoring rivers, advocating for clean water, preserving historic landscapes, stewarding public parks, and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders.

Swipe through to meet five Spur Local nonprofit partners helping build a healthier, more resilient region.

💧 Anacostia Watershed Society
🌊 Potomac Riverkeeper Network
💚 Accokeek Foundation
🌳 Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy
🌱 Nature Forward

Give where you live. It's a simple idea with the power to strengthen entire communities.

Every day, local nonprofits are addressing the challenges, and celebrating the opportunities, throughout the region we call home. When you choose to support them, your generosity helps create and sustain stronger neighborhoods, connections, and impact.

That's why Spur Local created the Everyday Giving Pledge: a commitment to direct at least 50% of your charitable giving to local nonprofits.

When we give where we live, we all benefit.

Learn more and take the pledge at EverydayGivingPledge.org 💚

"Healthy food is a human right." — DC Greens

Building a healthier community starts with creating a food system where healthy, affordable food is accessible to everyone.

Since 2009, DC Greens has worked alongside residents, advocates, schools, and community partners to advance health equity across Washington, DC. Through collaboration, community partnerships, and policy advocacy, they're helping build a more just and resilient food system.

Their impact was recently recognized with a 2026 District Sustainability Award from the DC Department of Energy & Environment, an honor that reflects years of community-driven work toward a healthier, more sustainable DC.

At Spur Local, we're proud to support nonprofit partners like DC Greens that are creating lasting change by addressing challenges at their roots. 💚

By taking small steps together, we sustain communities for the long-term. Spur Local's nonprofit partners work in tandem to address today's challenges while building a stronger future for our region. And we each play a part.

Community Changemakers is a place for you to meet your nonprofit neighbors! Throughout the evening, connect with 50+ local nonprofits about what they do, how you can get involved, and where we envision going together. Plus, participate in a pop-up giving circle experience!

Join us on Thursday, November 5, at 6pm for food, drinks, celebration, and community.

Early bird tickets are now available at dcchangemakers.org!

Will we see you at the 21st Annual Bridge Conference?

The Bridge to Integrated Marketing & Fundraising Conference, produced by DMAW and the Association of Fundraising Professionals DC Chapter, returns July 29–31 for its 21st annual conference.

Each year, Bridge brings together nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and communications professionals for three days of educational sessions, networking, and practical strategies to strengthen their organizations.

We’d love to connect with you there!

📅 July 29–31, 2026
📍 Ga***rd National Resort & Convention Center | National Harbor, MD
🔗 Register at bridgeconf.org

Every organization needs the freedom to make good decisions.

Nonprofits are no different.

While some needs can be planned for, others can't. As community priorities shift, opportunities arise, and challenges emerge, the ability to adapt is part of what makes an organization resilient.

That's one reason unrestricted funding is so valuable. Unlike restricted funding, which is designated for a specific purpose, unrestricted support gives nonprofits the flexibility to invest where it's needed most, whether that's strengthening operations, responding to emerging needs, or planning for the future.

Healthy organizations are better equipped to build healthy communities.

When we think about what makes a community strong, we often think about the things we can see: a neighborhood park, a local business, a community event, a family finding the support they need.

What's easier to miss is everything working behind the scenes to make those moments possible.

Communities are strengthened through many different contributions. Local government provides essential services and informs policy. Businesses invest in local economies. Residents give their time, voices, and ideas. Nonprofits connect people, build trust, and respond to community needs.

None of these roles replace another. Together, they create the conditions for communities to thrive.