“During these challenging times, nonprofits must look to opportunities for greater collaboration with the for-profit sector to achieve efficiencies, increase effectiveness and leverage their efforts to be most impactful,” NJBIA President & CEO Michele Siekerka said. “We are bringing together some of the most inspiring change-makers in this state for an event that will provide valuable information and connections.”

“The Collaborative Approach: Bridging the Gap” will feature keynote speaker  Alfa Demmellash, CEO and co-founder of Rising Tide Capital, a nonprofit organization that provides under-resourced entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need to launch and grow successful businesses.

RTC, which has been honored as a CNN hero and recognized by former President Barack Obama for social innovation, helps entrepreneurs in disadvantaged communities by providing training, mentorship and access to funding for promising ventures. RTC’s Community Business Academy serves a network of over 3,000 entrepreneurs in New Jersey and three other states.

Siekerka said the two-day event organized in conjunction with NJBIA’s Not-for-Profit Council, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 23 and Feb. 24 and feature two keynotes, a total of four breakout sessions, and opportunities for attendees to benefit from one-on-one coaching sessions that can grow their businesses.

The nearly two dozen expert speakers and panelists taking part in the summit will share insights on:

• Creative Collaboration for Not-for-Profits and For-Profits
• Volunteerism Opportunities in Challenging Times
• Keeping Teams Motivated, Energized, and Connected

• Engaging Multiple Generations in Philanthropy

Six business leaders also will be honored with the “NJBIA Collaborative Approach Award” during the summit: Carol Stillwell, president & CEO, Stillwell-Hansen, Edison; Kim Guadagno, president & CEO, Fulfill, Neptune; Steve Klein, president & CEO, Northfield Bank, Woodbridge; Richard Thigpen, senior vice president, PSEG, Newark; Alfa Demmellash, CEO, Rising Tide Capital, Jersey City; and Dennis Pullin, president & CEO, Virtua Health, Marlton.

The agenda and registration information for this online event can be found here.

Sponsors of “The Collaborative Approach: Bridging the Gap” include: NJM, CBIZ Borden Perlman, DCM, Grunin Foundation, Insperity, Investors Bank, Johnson & Johnson, Junior Achievement of New Jersey, Mercadien, Mercer Street Friends, New Jersey Resources, Northfield Bank, and Stillwell-Hansen.