Dear Colleagues in the Work of Caring,
'For Whom the Bell Tolls (No Man is an Island)'
No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
-John Donne
Nearly four centuries ago, John Donne reminded us that humanity is bound together—that we are diminished when one of us is lost and strengthened when we stand together. His words still echo true today: we need one another, and together, we thrive.
October has arrived, a season of harvest. But harvest is more than gathering crops—it is also about reaping the fruits of seeds once planted: seeds of hope, creativity, determination, and courage. For many of us in the nonprofit world, our missions were born from pain, passion, or purpose. You remember the spark that galvanized others to believe in your vision. And through the trials of recent years, we have all learned that survival and success come when we lean on each other.
That’s why this month’s theme is simple yet powerful:
Together We Win
As the year draws to a close, there is much to reflect on and prepare for. At the Nonprofit Institute (NPI), we are dedicating the foreseeable future to helping you anticipate and shape the future of your work.
Two opportunities stand out:
Come, Let’s Talk – Oct.7
Register Here
An open, inspiring presentation on the topic of “Building Resilience and Sustaining Impact!”
You’ll gain:
- Strategies: How to build scenario plans that keep your mission strong no matter what.
- Solutions: Revenue diversification approaches that create lasting stability.
- Best Practices: The smartest questions to ask when planning for the future.
Designing the Strategy – Oct. 21
Register Here
A hands-on work session that connects to the presentation from Come, Let’s Talk, where you’ll leave not just with ideas, but with a practical workbook and a meaningful path forward.
Donne’s words remind us that connection is our greatest strength. As we walk through uncertainty, let us choose community over isolation, communication over silence, and strategy over chance. In this season of harvest, may we gather not only what we have planted, but also the power that comes from being united.
We invite you—our colleagues, partners, and fellow visionaries—to join us in these conversations. Your presence matters. Your voice matters. And together, we can ensure that our missions not only survive but flourish.
It’s harvest time. Let’s gather together. Let’s win—together.
With warmth and appreciation,
Stephanie
Stephanie D. Rolle
Director, Nonprofit Institute at CSM
my.CSMD
October 2025 Newsletter
