Annual Report 2024
Letter from the CEO
Elaine Ng President and CEO, TSNE
At TSNE, we believe that bold leadership and steadfast values are more important than ever. We are currently experiencing a challenging and shifting landscape for the nonprofit sector. Amid political rollbacks, rising economic pressures, and increasing demands on mission-driven organizations, TSNE has remained grounded in our vision: to build a more just and equitable society by strengthening the capacity and sustainability of nonprofits.
We know the stakes are high, particularly for organizations on the frontlines of social change, led by and serving people of color. This year, TSNE deepened our commitment to equity and justice, not only in principle but in practice. From investing in our workforce and expanding leadership development programs to launching shared services that reduce administrative burdens for nonprofits, we’ve doubled down on the infrastructure that allows leaders and organizations to focus on what matters most: their communities.
We are proud to have supported over 55 fiscally sponsored organizations, placed 20 executive leaders into mission-critical roles, and welcomed 41 new alumni through our leadership cohorts, including the inaugural class of the Emerging Consultants of Color program. Behind each of these numbers is a story of possibility, resilience, and impact.
We also took meaningful steps inside our own walls. Guided by our Valuing Our Nonprofit Workforce report, we raised staff salaries to the 75th percentile of the combined local nonprofit and corporate market and launched internal initiatives to promote collaboration, care, and growth within our organization. Our people are our greatest asset, and we strive to ensure that they are seen, valued, and supported.
Looking ahead, we are clear-eyed about the uncertainty facing the sector. The rise of anti-equity policies, shrinking public funding, disinvestment in and elimination of critical social and health programs, demonization of nonprofits and civil society, and continued burnout among nonprofit professionals call us to respond, not with fear, but with imagination, courage, and collective resolve.
TSNE is ready to meet this moment and keep striving for a better future. Through advocacy, partnership, and innovation, we will continue to uplift the sector and champion a future in which nonprofits, their leaders, and all our communities not only survive but thrive.
To our partners, donors, and peers, thank you. Your belief in our collective work fuels our mission. As we move into the next chapter, we invite you to stand with us, invest in nonprofit resilience, and dream together of what is possible.
With gratitude and determination,
Strengthening the Nonprofit Workforce
The trainers were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I’ve been raving about this training to my colleagues and friends because I learned something so new and useful to me, which I know I’ll use for the rest of my professional career. This training is great for folks stepping into supervisory roles for the first time!”
Better Nonprofit Management Participant
At TSNE, we believe that a thriving nonprofit sector starts with strong, well-supported leadership. Our cohort learning and executive search services are designed to equip nonprofit professionals with the skills, networks, and strategic guidance they need to drive meaningful change.
500 employees across 42 states, provided with access to comprehensive benefits and equitable HR policies.
98
applicants applied to the to the Emerging Consultants of Color Training program TSNE’s newest initiative focused on developing consulting skills and practices.
509
Individuals benefited from the Better Nonprofit Management workshops, trainings, offered to nonprofit staff and board members on topics from Supervision 101 to Fund Development.
20 executive leaders are placed in mission-driven nonprofits across New England, ensuring the development of the next generation of leadership in our local sector.
Advancing Equity and Justice in Nonprofit Operations
We’re committed to creating more equitable nonprofit operations by removing administrative barriers and advocating for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-led organizations. Our fiscal sponsorship model ensures nonprofits can focus on their mission while we handle financial and operational complexities.
Fiscal Sponsorship Growth & Impact:
55
fiscally sponsored organizations supported with expert HR, legal, accounting, and finance services.
Technology & Infrastructure Enhancements:
• Launched a new volunteer management system (VolunteerHub) to better track and engage volunteers and advisory board members.
• Implemented a comprehensive case management system to streamline service requests from fiscally sponsored organizations, improving response times and accountability.
• Collective total budgets of fiscally sponsored organizations doubled from fiscal year 2019 to fiscal year 2024.
• Welcomed three new fiscally sponsored organizations:
MATR: Mass Teacher Resources
RIRJ: Radical Imagination for Racial Justice
BCLC: Boston Cultural Leaders Coalition
Expressing Our Gratitude
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible fiscally sponsored organizations! Your dedication and hard work make a real difference every single day as you advance your mission and strive for a just and equitable society. It’s an honor to support your efforts, and we truly value our partnership. We’re excited to explore new ways to collaborate and contribute to your success in the year ahead!
Investing in your organization’s capacity and infrastructure is one of the best things you can do for your long-term impact. And TSNE understands that. They’ll meet you where you are and walk with you toward your goals.”
Dr. Ciyadh Wells
Executive Director and Guitarist at Castle of
Our Skins
Innovating to Support and Build Sustainable Nonprofits
Shared Services Pilot Launch:
By centralizing administrative functions, TSNE’s Shared Services model helps nonprofits operate more efficiently, scale their impact, and navigate complex financial landscapes.
$1M
In support from from the Barr Foundation to pilot Shared Services for nonprofits.
While handling the back-end operations is crucial, so is providing the physical space nonprofits need to do their work. We’re strengthening our commitment to providing affordable and sustainable spaces for mission-driven organizations.
Enhancing Property Services:
• Proudly celebrated 20 years of providing vital space to nonprofits at the NonProfit Center.
• Nine properties under our management and stewardship across Boston and Cambridge.
• Expanded The Link by nearly 5,000 sq. ft., empowering even more nonprofits with affordable office space in Kendall Square.
Shaping the Future of the Nonprofit Sector
In a rapidly evolving funding and policy landscape, TSNE is leading efforts to build a more equitable and sustainable nonprofit sector.
Launched New Research:
TSNE launched the Valuing Our Nonprofit Workforce report providing a detailed look at the current state of compensation within the nonprofit sector. It covers a wide range of data collected from over 200 nonprofit organizations, focusing on various job roles and pay scales.
Findings Highlights:
• Full-time worker voluntary turnover is 17%, with half of those leaving for higher pay elsewhere.
• 86% of nonprofits are planning salary increases.
• Median planned increase is 3% (cost-of-living adjustment the most common basis for increases).
• Incentive/bonus pay is slowly expanding to more types of positions.
• Transparency is increasing with pay ranges shared more frequently in job postings.
• 86% see a “living wage” as a strategic priority, but just 3% of organizations in our region pay a living wage.
Join Us in Strengthening the Nonprofit Sector
As we move forward, TSNE remains committed to building a just and sustainable nonprofit ecosystem. We invite our partners, funders, and nonprofit leaders to collaborate with us in shaping the future—one where equity is not just a value but a lived reality.
• Partner with Us to strengthen nonprofit infrastructure.
• Explore our services to enhance your organization’s efficiency.
• Invest in leadership development to empower the next generation of nonprofit leaders. Together, we can ensure that mission-driven organizations continue to thrive and drive meaningful, lasting change.
TSNE Leadership
Executive Team
Elaine Ng President and Chief Executive Officer
Geoff Lamont General Counsel
Gloria Ramón Chief Strategy Officer
Luzdy Rivera Chief People and Culture Officer
Michael Ibrahim Chief Program and Impact Officer
Noah Stockman Chief Financial Officer
Operations Team
Ayanna Parris Director of Consulting
Bobby Brickey Director, People and Culture
Brianna Carr Senior Director, Fiscal Sponsorship
Ellen Wang Senior Director, Shared Services
Faisal Abid Senior Director, Property Services
Luke Alonso Director, Data and Business Intelligence
Phil Audier Controller
Sam Chery, Esq. Assistant General Counsel
Board of Directors
Jaye Y. Smith, Chair Founder & CEO
FSG Consultants
Angela Brown Chief of Economic Development
Metropolitan Area Planning Council
Ayisha Lee Director of Annuity Product Management
TIAA
Beth Chandler, Vice Chair Executive Director Point32Health Foundation
Clement V. James, Treasurer
Senior Director of Financial Reporting and Controller
Year Up
Jay Kim Executive Director Foundation for MetroWest
Marcos L. Popovich, Clerk Director of Grantmaking
Nellie Mae Education Foundation
Megha Vadula
Founding Principal
Mallard Investment Partners
Nancy B. Gardiner Of Counsel
Hemenway and Barnes, LLP
Note:
Fiscally Sponsored Organizations Revenues
