Hello! My name is Hope Schaefer (she/her) and I’m thrilled to be a part of the Nonprofit Leadership Initiative (NPLI) team as Program and Communications Manager! My official start date was May 1, but I’ve been part of the NPLI community for several years.

The NPLI Team! David Weiss, Hope Schaefer, Amanda Barth

I’m a graduate of the 2019-2020 Leadership Institute, I’ve attended many Leadership Forums, have had board members participate in Board Academy, and I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of the Northeast Wisconsin nonprofit community for more than 10 years.

Ryan and Hope Schaefer

Previously, I was the Executive Director for Girls on the Run of Northeast Wisconsin. I was grateful to have the support of NPLI throughout that role as it built my confidence and fostered incredible relationships with other leaders.

Nonprofit work can feel isolating and lonely at times and NPLI offers support and camaraderie to any nonprofit leader, no matter what your role. I’m excited to be able to listen, learn, create connections or anything else that our nonprofit leaders may need.

Originally from Neenah, I moved back in 2013 after graduating from UW-La Crosse.

Outside of work, I love spending time with family, my husband Ryan, and our twin girls (age 2.5), Addison and Sutton. We love exploring outdoors, taking bike rides, traveling and enjoying all that Northeast Wisconsin has to offer. I love listening to music, visiting antique shops and reading (ideally with a cup of coffee).

I look forward to meeting you in the community and at our NPLI events and programs. Please know that I’m always available to chat. I know the passion, commitment and many feelings that come with being a nonprofit leader and hope I can help you find connection and support through all that NPLI offers.

In case you haven’t checked it out recently, we have several NPLI programs and events happening soon including the Financial Leadership Program (applications open now!), upcoming Board Roundtables, a new Leadership Institute Cohort just started, and more to come! Visit our website to apply and learn more.

The Nonprofit Leadership Initiative within the Community Foundation is a partnership of Fox Valley-area nonprofits, funders, educational institutions and businesses dedicated to providing resources needed by effective nonprofit boards and executive leaders. NPLI offers a wide range of leadership, management and technical skill-building programs, as well as peer learning circles, to the entire nonprofit sector in the Fox Valley.

We support NPLI with a grant from the Community Vision Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, one among many community partners supporting NPLI. Click here to learn more.