04/02/2026
💡 Earlier this year, 93 people from 74 nonprofits, 12 funder organizations, and 4 nonprofit partners gathered for an afternoon that was equal parts validation, vocabulary, and vision.
We screened Uncharitable- the documentary inspired by Dan Pallotta's landmark TED talk challenging how we fund nonprofits and followed it with a panel discussion that brought the film's themes home to our community.
The Panel moderated by Assemblywoman Erica Mosca, featured:
💠 Alberto Jasso, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
💠 Erin McGarry, Engelstad Foundation
💠 Marcia Blake, Helping Hands of Vegas Valley
What the Room Told Us
Here's the thing about a challenge that isn't new: the people living it show up ready to talk. And that's exactly what happened.
For many nonprofit Executive Directors in the room, the film didn't introduce new ideas - it gave them language and authority for ideas they already held. That distinction matters. This wasn't an event that changed minds. It was one that equipped advocates.
"It was great to hear in the movie them talking about the things we talk about as a nonprofit on a daily basis." — Nonprofit ED
Multiple Executive Directors left, identifying their own boards as the next audience for this message — turning a community conversation into an internal call to action.
Perhaps the most resonant moment came from funders who paused to reflect. As one funder noted, "Just to take a step back and think about how we fund… What is the next conversation and when?"
The question - sincere, open, and forward-looking is exactly what this kind of event is designed to surface. It signals something important: funders aren't just listening, they are willing to interrogate their own assumptions alongside the sector.
Thank you again to those that showed up, leaned in, and contributed to a meaningful dialogue. We look forward to seeing you at a future Nevada GrantLab event.
