Our founding
The Coalition for Nonprofit Equity represents the DC local nonprofit sector coming together around collective action to address unfair DC government practices that negatively impact the sustainability of the nonprofit service providers that residents rely on day-to-day.
The catalyst for organized nonprofit advocacy in DC was the 2018 engagement of a variety of nonprofits educating City Councilmembers about the implications of chronic underfunding of indirect costs by city agencies when negotiating contracts and grants. This effort resulted in seven Council members co-sponsoring the Nonprofit Fair Compensation Act in the fall of 2019. The Coalition continues to advocate for the full funding and implementation of this law as well as other practices that support nonprofit equity on behalf of all DC nonprofits.
Steering Committee
The Coalition is led by an all-volunteer Steering Committee made of up leaders from ten nonprofits. Steering Committee members engage in the advocacy and mobilization work of the Coalition and are supported by the Coalition’s part-time consultant. The Coalition is fiscally sponsored by the nonprofit Fair Chance.
Center for Nonprofit Advancement: Glen Ogilvy
The Coalition (formerly the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development): Steve Glaude | Maya Brennan
Community of Hope: Kelly Sweeney McShane | Cydnea Shearlds
Compass Pro Bono, DC: Amy Cress
DC Action: Kim Perry | Joanna Blotner
Fair Chance: Gretchen Van der Veer
Latin American Youth Center: Lupi Quinteros-Grady
Mother’s Outreach Network: Melody Webb
Sasha Bruce Youthworks: Deborah Shore
So Others Might Eat (SOME): Ralph Boyd | Betty Gentle
Pathways to Housing DC: Christy Respress | Adam Maier
Spur Local: Matt Gayer
Community Leader: Lori Kaplan
Steering Committee Members at the Wilson Building
Team
CNE Director
Iris Jacob joined CNE as the inaugural Director in October 2025. In this new role, Iris provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to advance CNE’s mission of building a more equitable local nonprofit ecosystem. She works closely with the Steering Committee, member organizations, and community partners to strengthen advocacy efforts, amplify challenges nonprofits face, elevate stories of nonprofit value to the economy and public life, deepen collaborations, and ensure CNE’s long-term sustainability and impact.
Iris Jacob (she/her) is a nationally recognized social justice consultant, organizer and facilitator who supports organizations across the US by creating transformative experiences and strategic alignment. As a DC area resident, Iris is deeply committed to hyper local organizing and working to create a region that is characterized by justice and liberation.
Iris also leads the Anti-Racist DC Campaign, which aims to bring all different sectors in DC together through shared strategies for racial justice. She is the founder of Social Justice Synergy, an organizational equity consulting firm that provides specialized support to ensure clients reach their goals of inclusion and justice. She has worked with dozens of organizations, including Black Feminist Future, The National Lawyers Guild, The Women’s March, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Amnesty International, The National Center for Transgender Equality, The American Civil Liberties Union, Teaching for Change, Oxfam, and many more. Iris is also the co-lead for the DC Trainers Network, where she creates trainings, knowledge building and skill sharing opportunities for facilitators in the DC area. In her free time, she can be found doing education organizing, interior design, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends.
CNE Policy Director
Jeremiah Lowery joined CNE as Policy Director in October 2025. In this new role, Jeremiah leads the coalition’s advocacy, research, and engagement efforts to advance justice and equity within DC’s nonprofit sector.
Jeremiah is a Washington, DC based policy strategist and community organizer dedicated to advancing equity, social justice, and sustainable policies. With a career grounded in civic participation and collaboration, Jeremiah has worked alongside elected officials, nonprofits, and community stakeholders to translate community needs into actionable policy outcomes. His approach reflects a steadfast belief that equitable policy begins with empowering local voices and advancing collective well-being across the District. Jeremiah has led legislative and budget advocacy to strengthen housing stability, expand access to justice, and promote economic security for residents throughout the District.
In addition to his policy leadership, Jeremiah is a certified yoga instructor committed to making wellness practices accessible to all. He teaches restorative and gentle yoga at community centers, nonprofits, and libraries across D.C., designing free classes that promote mindfulness, connection, and healing.
Our funders
Thank you to the Lois & Richard England Family Foundation, Prince Charitable Trust, Oakpoint Charitable Foundation, and the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation who have provided funding to support the work of the Coalition.
Our all volunteer Steering Committee is supported by a part-time consultant. We currently operate on a very small budget and are grateful to the philanthropic leaders who see the need for this work for the nonprofit sector and nonprofit workers in DC. As we grow our capacity and funding available to support building out the infrastructure for the Coalition, we will be able to increase the level of impact that we can have for nonprofits and workers across DC. If you are interested in learning more about joining as a supporter and champion for this work, please contact Eloise Russo at erusso@fairchance.org.
Health Equity Fund
