By: Regina Mariano, 2026 Research Fellow

Coming into Next Stage, I was not sure of my place in the nonprofit sector. I had been previously involved with the sector during my time in volunteer work, but never realized all the different types of work that is needed. My time at the firm, in conjunction with my time in enrichment sessions with the Davidson Nonprofit Leadership Fellows Program, has now made me see that I belong in the social good space of the world. 

I got to engage in different meetings with various nonprofit organizations, such as the Lowe’s Foundation and Charlotte Lit. I noted action items and organized agendas, led my own research project, and got to know the real impact that Next Stage makes in the nonprofit sector. There’s all kinds of work to be done, from marketing, to fundraising, to facilitating nonprofit board retreats. However, my final key takeaways from the summer come from the research project I completed to aid Next Stage’s work with the Lowe’s Foundation.

Researching Collaboration in the Skilled Trades

Next Stage facilitates peer learning for the Lowe’s Foundation’s Gable Grants Network, a network that is funded by the Foundation to strengthen the skilled trades sector. Within this peer learning network, Next Stage has developed a series called Playbooks, where Gable Grant Recipients that the Foundation supports can learn from one another. My project aimed to aid one of these playbooks, focused on the collaboration that occurs with partners in order to boost the trades. The following are my key findings:

1. Safety nets and home support are important when it comes to social mobility. If people do not have access to needs such as reliable transportation, housing, and childcare, they are not able to fully participate in the industry nor be part of any workforce.
   
2. The structure of different kinds of organizations can be a barrier to collaboration. Governments, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses do not all function in the same way: different timelines, different ways of governance, and different missions when it comes to operating their organization. 
   
3. Representation is important. Not just in the different types of people that are in the skilled trades program, but also in their mentorship. Apprentices are more likely to stay if they have someone from their background they can look to for advice and guidance.

The United States has generated a high demand for tech hubs, data centers, and housing, but not enough trades workers to meet that demand. In order to meet that goal, we must address these barriers. 

What's Next?

It’s safe to say that after my summer, I will bring back my research and analytical skills to future jobs and academic coursework. The knowledge I gained about the sector through my work makes me more motivated to keep going and make a real difference in my future career. I empower those who don’t think they can make a difference to go out and volunteer, whether that be your skills or just your time supporting your local nonprofit. The sector needs it.