A space to pause, connect, and renew—together
The nonprofit sector is navigating extraordinary change. Funding pressures are increasing. Community needs are growing. Expectations are rising. And nonprofit leaders are often carrying the weight of it all, quietly, steadily, and with deep care.
Nonprofit Renewal Circles were created in response to what we are hearing across the Kansas City nonprofit community:
We need connection. We need support. We need space to breathe.
These circles offer a place to step out of urgency and into community—where nonprofit leaders can reflect, recharge, and support one another as whole people.
Program Details
What Are Nonprofit Renewal Circles?
Nonprofit Renewal Circles are small, lightly facilitated groups of nonprofit leaders who meet monthly over six months. They are designed to be safe, trusted spaces where participants can:
- Speak honestly about challenges and uncertainties
- Share ideas, insights, and questions
- Support one another’s wellbeing and resilience
- Build meaningful relationships across the nonprofit sector
This is not another meeting to manage or perform. It is a space to be human.
Who Should Participate?
Renewal Circles are open to anyone employed by or volunteering with a nonprofit organization.
- Executive Directors and CEOs will participate in a dedicated circle with peers in similar roles.
- Leaders at all levels, program staff, development professionals, operations leaders, board leaders, and volunteers are welcome.
If you care deeply about nonprofit work and could benefit from connection and reflection, this space is for you.
Program Structure
- Each circle includes 10–12 nonprofit leaders
- Each group is facilitated by a professional facilitator
- Groups establish their own ground rules for engagement and confidentiality
- Circles meet in person
- Each group self-designs its approach, including:
- Meeting frequency (at least once per month)
- Meeting length (minimum of 90 minutes)
- Meeting times
- Meeting locations
(Participants are encouraged to meet in creative, inspiring spaces)
Program Timeline
- Promotion and registration: January to mid-February 2026
- Circle meetings: March to August 2026
Participation & Registration
Participants are asked to:
- Register for the program
- Sign a participation and confidentiality agreement
- Pay a $50 participation fee
Note: Scholarships are available upon request. Cost should never be a barrier to care, connection, or renewal.
What You’ll Gain
Participants in Nonprofit Renewal Circles can expect:
- A safe, trusted space for vulnerability and support
- A confidential sounding board
- Shared problem-solving grounded in wellbeing and resilience
- Relationship-building with peers across the nonprofit sector
- Opportunities for reflection and learning
- A certificate of completion
Why This Matters
Nonprofit leaders are the backbone of our communities. Your wellbeing matters—not only for you, but for the missions and people you serve.
Nonprofit Renewal Circles exist because leadership is not meant to be carried alone.
If you have questions or would like to request a scholarship, please contact:
Tom Vansaghi, PhD, Managing Director: vansaghit@umkc.edu
We look forward to walking alongside you.
