North Star House is pleased to serve as the venue sponsor for an upcoming fireside chat presented by the Center for Nonprofit Leadership, featuring internationally recognized philanthropy expert Kay Sprinkel Grace.
The conversation, “Headwinds, Not Roadblocks: Rewriting the Story Nonprofits Tell Themselves About Money,” will take place on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at North Star House in Grass Valley. The program begins at 6:00 p.m.
The event is free to attend, but advance registration is required by Tuesday, October 6.
A Conversation About Fundraising, Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership
Designed for nonprofit staff and board members involved in fundraising, development and philanthropy, the evening will offer an opportunity to hear directly from Kay Sprinkel Grace in an intimate conversational setting.
Grace has spent more than three decades working with nonprofit organizations around the world, helping organizations strengthen donor relationships, engage boards and approach fundraising with greater confidence and clarity.
She is a bestselling author and recipient of the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Global Fundraising Professional of the Year Award. She has also received the Henry A. Rosso Medal for lifetime achievement in ethical fundraising and has been recognized among the top speakers in philanthropy.
The fireside chat will be facilitated by Aimee Retzler and will include time for audience questions and discussion.
Headwinds, Not Roadblocks
The evening’s theme focuses on the stories nonprofit organizations tell themselves about money, fundraising and what is possible.
Rather than treating fundraising challenges as immovable barriers, the conversation will explore how nonprofit leaders can rethink those assumptions, strengthen their approach to philanthropy and build more sustainable relationships with donors and supporters.
For organizations navigating changing donor behavior, board engagement, fundraising goals and increasing community needs, the discussion offers a chance to step outside of day-to-day development work and consider the larger strategy behind it.
North Star House as a Community Gathering Place
North Star House is honored to host the Center for Nonprofit Leadership for this special evening.
Designed by Julia Morgan and completed in 1905, North Star House has long been part of the history of Grass Valley and Nevada County. Today, as restoration continues, the property is increasingly being used for community events, educational programs, historic tours, arts and cultural programming, and gatherings that bring people together.
Hosting conversations like this one is part of the North Star Historic Conservancy’s broader effort to keep this historic place active, relevant and connected to the community it serves.
Event Details
Fireside Chat with Kay Sprinkel Grace
Headwinds, Not Roadblocks: Rewriting the Story Nonprofits Tell Themselves About Money
Thursday, October 8, 2026
5:30–7:00 p.m.
Program begins at 6:00 p.m.
North Star House
12075 Auburn Road
Grass Valley, CA 95949
Cost: Free
Registration deadline: Tuesday, October 6
The event is intended for nonprofit staff and board members engaged in fundraising, development and philanthropy work.
Advance registration is required.
Register for the Fireside Chat
For more information about Kay Sprinkel Grace, visit her website.
North Star House
Published October 4, 2026
