Sustained Dialogue Institute

Washington, DC · Founded 2002

Transforms differences into equitable relationships through dialogue-based leadership development for democratic governance and peace

Primary audience
Civic Leaders
Work area
Leadership Training
Topic
Dialogue and Conflict Resolution

About Organization

Sustained Dialogue Institute develops leaders capable of transforming societal differences into strong, equitable relationships essential for democratic decision-making and peace. Based in Washington, DC, the organization operates with 2 employees and generated $472,649 in revenue in 2024. Founded in 2002, it has trained leaders across campuses and communities in sustained dialogue methodologies.

What They Focus On

Leadership Development

Cultivating leaders with dialogue skills to navigate differences and foster equitable relationships in communities and institutions

Conflict Transformation

Converting societal tensions and divisions into opportunities for relationship-building, mutual understanding, and collaborative decision-making

Democratic Governance

Strengthening democratic processes and institutions through dialogue-based approaches that center equity, inclusion, and sustained relationships

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$473K

+7.3% vs 2023

Expenses (2024)

$336K

+18.1% vs 2023

Assets (2024)

$635K

+4.7% vs 2023

Employees (2024)

2

-50% vs 2023

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2024 $472,649 $335,962 $634,865 2
2023 $440,323 $284,531 $606,125 4
2022 $436,009 $613,453 $409,722 4
2021 $576,662 $593,248 $757,593
2020 $580,966 $617,206 $742,683
2019 $664,929 $762,892 $726,871 5
2018 $865,781 $1,068,148 $818,224

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

  • 01

    Relationship Building

    Establish trust and connection among participants from diverse backgrounds through structured dialogue sessions

  • 02

    Difference Exploration

    Facilitate deep conversations that surface underlying tensions, values, and perspectives driving conflicts or divisions

  • 03

    Collaborative Problem-Solving

    Guide participants to co-create solutions that honor differences while advancing shared goals and equity

  • 04

    Action and Sustainability

    Support implementation of agreements and maintain dialogue practices for long-term transformation and governance

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Sustained Dialogue Institute

Leadership Development

Training program that equips emerging and established leaders with dialogue skills to navigate complex differences and build equitable relationships

Campus Dialogue Programs

Facilitates sustained dialogue processes on college campuses to address identity-based tensions and promote inclusive community building

Conflict Transformation Training

Provides tools and frameworks for transforming entrenched conflicts into opportunities for relationship-building and collaborative problem-solving

Democratic Governance Support

Works with civic leaders and organizations to strengthen democratic decision-making processes through dialogue and relationship-centered approaches

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Sustained Dialogue Institute.

RF

Rhonda Fitzgerald

Executive Di
Full-time
Compensation: $125,689
TG

Thomas Gouttierre

Chairman
Full-time
AB

Ava Baker

Director
BW

Becky Wood

Director
CS

Carol Saunders

Director
DS

David S Tukey

Director
JO

Jason Owens

Director
JP

John Paul Lederach

Director
LA

Luis Alberto Ferre Rangel

Director
SH

Sean Hicks

Director

Milestones

2002

Organization Founded

2002

Sustained Dialogue Institute established to develop leaders through transformative dialogue methodologies

2017

Tax-Exempt Status Recognized

2017

Received IRS determination as 501(c)(3) public charity, formalizing nonprofit operations

2018

Peak Revenue Year

2018

Reached highest annual revenue of $865,781, expanding leadership development programming significantly

2024

Organizational Streamlining

2024

Adjusted staffing to 2 employees while maintaining revenue of $472,649 and programmatic impact

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AB
Ava Baker Director 1.00 hrs/week
BW
Becky Wood Director 1.00 hrs/week
BC
Brian Cobb Treasurer 10.00 hrs/week
CS
Carol Saunders Director 1.00 hrs/week
CW
Christopher Wagner Secretary 4.00 hrs/week
DS
David S Tukey Director 1.00 hrs/week
JO
Jason Owens Director 1.00 hrs/week
JP
John Paul Lederach Director 1.00 hrs/week
JB
Joyce Bylander Vice Chair 4.00 hrs/week
LA
Luis Alberto Ferre Rangel Director 1.00 hrs/week
SH
Sean Hicks Director 1.00 hrs/week
TG
Thomas Gouttierre Chairman

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2024)

$126K

Highest Paid

$126K

Rhonda Fitzgerald

Compensated Officers

1

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Rhonda Fitzgerald Executive Di $125,689 $125,689 40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

COVID-19 PPP Loans

Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Fully Forgiven

Total Approved

$64K

Total Forgiven

$65K

101% forgiven

Jobs Retained

4

Loan Details 1 loan

$64,350
Forgiven
Forgiven: $65,107 100%
Approved Apr 14, 2020
Lender JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association
Jobs Reported 4
Forgiven On Jun 22, 2021

Source: Small Business Administration • Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Contact

Get in touch with Sustained Dialogue Institute

Po Box 64006 Washington, DC 20029