EPIP PHILANTHROPOLOGY PROGRAM SPRINGS INTO ACTION IN SPRING 2004

In National EPIP News...

April 27, 2004 - An over-flowing inter-generational crowd of more than 150 grantmakers participated in an EPIP Philanthropology workshop at the Council on Foundations 55th Annual Conference, in Toronto. The workshop, titled "The Power To Be Authentic: Leadership Development At Work In Foundations," was developed in partnership with the GrantCraft Project. Featuring 3 seasoned and 3 emerging philanthropic leaders as speakers and facilitators, the workshop engaged participants in small group discussions about taking on the difficult role of grantmaker, and leading from the middle of their organizations. At the same conference, EPIP held a Young Grantmakers Reception at Toronto City Hall. The reception, attended by over thirty conference-goers, was co-sponsored by Changemakers, GrantCraft, Resource Generation, the Young Donor Organizing Alliance. It was hosted by the Toronto Youth Cabinet, which represents the needs of young people in City government.


News From EPIP Chapters...

May 4, 2004 - New York City EPIP held its second annual EPIP Philanthropology 101 Workshop, and its first Philanthropology 201 Workshop. The 101 session, geared toward grantmakers with less than 1 year in the field, provided factual and personal perspectives on how different models of foundations and giving vehicles operate and support social change. Speakers represented a variety of types of public and private foundations. The 201 Workshop focused on challenges and opportunities that both grantmakers often face as they take on their roles and lead from the middle. Questions discussed include: How can I leverage my experience within my organization? How can I maintain strong relationships with the non-profit community I support? How can I play a role in managing and implementing social change from within my organization? Special emphasis was placed on helping participants to "find their voice" as a young person in philanthropy.

Here's what participants thought of the NYC EPIP Workshops:

"The workshop offered a chance to reflect on the human relations side of working in foundations, rather than the techno-legal traps we often get sucked into. We all have the "skills" we need for this work -- or can learn them -- it's only in a forum like this that we can unpack the experience of living and working in this industry."

"The workshops were a great opportunity to connect with other young professionals working in the field of philanthropy. It was helpful to learn more about different perspectives in grantmaking."

"I wanted a chance to exchange stories, to be together with talented and generous people -- that wish was fulfilled."

"Overall - GREAT workshop and I also appreciate how friendly the EPIP Steering Committee and volunteers are."


April 15, 2004 - Bay Area EPIP held its first EPIP Philanthropology 201 Workshop, entitled "Power, Money, & Public Service: The Philanthropic Balancing Act." Hosted by the San Francisco Foundation Center, an EPIP partner organization. The session featured as speaker Carol Cantwell (Agape Foundation), Charles Fields (San Francisco Foundation), EPIP Board of Advisors member Laura Loescher (Changemakers), Kavita Ramdas (Global Fund For Women) and Jason Sanders (Tides Foundation). The panel was moderated by the Foundation Center's Janet Camerena.

Here's what participants are saying about the Bay Area EPIP Workshop:

"It was extremely valuable to have a space to discuss power dynamics in foundations, a significant issue that is often not discussed."

"Really solid panelists. Great big picture conversation."

"It reminded me that there are a lot of other people MY AGE out there in the philanthropic world who want to make changes and are as excited about philanthropy as I."

"It made me realize that we should be working toward some kind of ethics code for funders (and maybe even for grantees in discussions with grantees)."

"[Other philanthropy workshops] are more nuts-and-bolts, and geared much more to tools for private foundations and trustees. The thoughtful inquiry that EPIP aims to cultivate is unique."


Coming To An EPIP Chapter Near You...

May 19, 2004 - EPIP New England will hold a Philanthropology 201 Workshop titled "An Introduction to Social Justice Philanthropy," which will be hosted by Merrill Lynch. The workshop will feature Susan Ostrander, a professor of sociology at Tufts University. Prof. Ostrander teaches courses on social inequalities, community organizing, gender, and nonprofit organizations and democracy. For details , go to epip.org/newengland.htm, or email Tamara Bates at tb@schottfoundation.org.


May 27, 2004 - EPIP DC will hold its Official Launch Event, and the first in its "Feed-Your-Brain" Series. The event will be hosted by the Stuart R. Mott Charitable Trust, and will feature Deepak Bhargava, Executive Director of the Center for Community Change, who will speak about what foundations can do to actively promote social change.
For more information, go to epip.org/washdc.htm or RSVP at dc@epip.org.