VFN is excited to welcome Partner Member, Armstrong McGuire & Associates, a full-service Nonprofit Consulting Firm. Founded in 2004, their diverse team of advisors works exclusively with nonprofit and foundation leaders to align strategy, optimize operations, build capacity, and lead nationwide searches that bring supremely talented individuals to high-impact organizations.
“We believe in unlocking the potential of nonprofit leaders and the communities they serve.”
Here’s a little more from Bert Amstrong, Co-Founder and Principal on the organization and his leadership:
How did you learn about VFN and what are you looking forward to the most?
We have been privileged to partner with funders and grant makers across the Southeast for over two decades. Our team of advisors have served on foundation boards and as fundholders; understanding their critical importance to the philanthropic sector.
In the fall of 2024, a member of VFN connected the two organizations. We look forward to working in partnership with Virginia funders [and] building relationships with the funding community across Virginia.
What are you currently reading?
Share a project that you are currently working on or have been working on with a Funder Member within VFN.
Armstrong McGuire’s Director of Partnership Engagement, Julie Campbell and Senior Advisor, Staci Barfield will be joining Members funding the Shenandoah Valley (Region 8) during the upcoming Regional Funders Gathering. They plan to present a session titled, “Planning When the Future is Foggy: Scenario Thinking for Strategic Clarity.” This session is aimed at introducing participants to the power of scenario thinking – a mindset and method that helps leaders explore uncertainty with purpose and flexibility.
Participants will work in small groups to explore thought-provoking scenarios—from responding to shifting policy landscapes, to navigating investment decisions in volatile conditions, to sustaining equity efforts in complex environments, to preparing for climate- and disaster-related disruptions. Together, we’ll explore how these scenarios can help surface risks, uncover opportunities, and guide more resilient planning.
Participants will walk away with:
A new lens for using uncertainty as a strategic tool.
An introduction to scenario planning frameworks that can be adapted to your context.
Ideas for fostering shared understanding and direction within your team.
Practical tools and prompts to begin applying scenario thinking in your organization or to your grantees.
What types of resources do you offer to the philanthropic community?
Leadership Development:
- Interim Management
- Retreats
- Training & Coaching
- Executive Search
- Talent Acquisition & Transitions
- Succession Planning
Organizational Development:
- Operational Planning & Alignment
- Organizational Assessment
- Strategic Planning
- Mergers & Acquisitions
Philanthropy and Fundraising:
- Philanthropy Strategy
- Capital Campaign Readiness & Feasibility
- Resource Development Planning & Support
To learn more and register for the Shenandoah Valley Regional Funders Gathering on August 14, click here.