The EPIP 2011 National Conference generated an incredible amount of buzz in philanthropy's blogosphere. In this post, we provide links to many of the blog posts related to the conference content and experience. The authors include EPIP members and leaders, conference speakers, and senior leaders in the field. Thanks to all for the enthusiasm and analysis!
Unfortunately because we have pulled these link and titles from a variety of source websites, the font formatting has been a challenge. Please pardon the appearance and focus on the important content.
Maisha Simmons: The Experiences of An Emerging Leader at National Philanthropy Conferences here
Alfonso Wenker: Pearls of Wisdom from EPIP's National Conference here
Chanelle Gandy: Reflections from a Millennial here
Chris Cardona: Let the River Run: on confluence (or not) of EPIP 2011 National Conference) & Council on Foundations 2011 Annual Conference here
Christine Reeves, NCRP: Top Ten Lessons from Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy here
Another Multiplier Effect: Invest in Talent Development – Part One here, Part Two here
Holly Wolf: Letter to COF Conference Attendees here
Sterling Spiern: Promoting Intergenerational Leadership & Racial Justice in Philanthropy here
Kris Putnam Walkerly and Rusty Stahl: EPIP Provides Support and Opportunity for Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy here
Kris Putnam Walkerly and Rusty Stahl: Advancing the Next Generation: EPIP’s Impact on Philanthropy here
Added bonus: a post I just found from last year, which addresses the intersection of race, class and power dynamics amongst funders, a critical topic at the 2011 EPIP National Conference:
Annah Sidigu: Can Philanthropy Become the Change that It Wishes to See? Reflections from EPIP and ABFE Conferences (2010) here
1) EPIP’s focus on multigenerationalism has had a positive impact on philanthropy.
Ninety-seven percent (97%) of survey respondents reported that as a result of EPIP, there is increased interaction and dialogue between senior and new foundation staff
95% said they believe philanthropy has benefited from EPIP’s efforts to prepare the next generation of leaders.
They also reported that young or new foundation staff now have more opportunity to get involved in philanthropy (60%) and that these staff are more active in the field than they were before (50%).
"To the extent that you care about the future of philanthropy, you've got to care about the next generation of philanthropic leaders. EPIP represents a group from which the next generation of philanthropic leadership will be drawn." -- Ralph Smith, Executive Vice President, Annie E. Casey Foundation
2) EPIP has expanded professional and leadership development opportunities for emerging practitioners.
60% of survey respondents believed that EPIP increased the opportunities for involvement in philanthropy for young or new foundation staff.
Almost all (98%) believed that EPIP has been “somewhat to very effective” in increasing the presence and participation of new, emerging staff at philanthropy conferences and in increasing the number of sessions and workshops for and about younger/new foundation staff at conferences.
"Being part of the EPIP network helped me hone my leadership skills and take risks in my career. I was able to build relationships outside of my region and state and was able to apply those leadership skills not just in my own foundation but on a national scale, which allowed my national network to flourish. -- Melissa Johnson, Executive Director, Neighborhood Funders Group
Daniel Lee describes how EPIP helps his employee, Elizabeth Ramirez
3) Employers benefit from EPIP’s contributions to professional development.
75% of EPIP members surveyed reported making positive contributions to their organizations as a result of their involvement with EPIP.
This includes becoming more confident in taking on more responsibilities (37%), becoming better able to advocate for issues they feel are important in their foundations (24%), and learning ways to do their jobs more effectively (23%).
"From my perspective as the executive director, our staff who have been engaged with EPIP have brought a capacity for bold vision and for confident and competent leadership." -- Ned Wight, Executive Director, Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock
4) EPIP brings value to national and regional associations of grantmakers.
EPIP has collaborated with a wide range of funder networks, including 11 regional associations of grantmakers (in the locations of all its chapters), national affinity groups, and the Council on Foundations.
According to those interviewed, EPIP provides value because these associations can leverage EPIP’s network of next generation leaders, expertise, and infrastructure.
“For affinity groups that want to engage younger and newer foundation staff, it makes sense to partner with EPIP rather than reinvent all the work yourself.” -- Carly Hare, Executive Director, Native Americans in Philanthropy
5) EPIP fills an important need in educating and orienting those new to philanthropy.
Many senior leaders and EPIP members interviewed described the need to “demystify” philanthropy and grantmaking work, and to orient those new to philanthropy.
This was recognized as an important need that EPIP helps to fill, with several executive directors stating appreciation that their staff has a venue for learning about the field beyond their own institutions.
“Increasing the pipeline of people who are familiar with philanthropy -- familiar with how it works, its challenges, and its opportunities -- is an important service to the field. I think it is a great opportunity for philanthropic institutions to pay attention to EPIP, and to make sure that we’re connected with them, and helping them place the people that they’re training." -- Luz Vega Marquis, CEO, Marguerite Casey Foundation
6) EPIP brings increased attention to social justice philanthropy.
About one-third said they feel that there is increased dialogue and awareness in the field about social justice philanthropy as a result of EPIP (36%)
30% reported that as a result of EPIP there is increased attention on racial, gender, and class diversity at foundations.
“The EPIP conference is probably one of the most diverse cross-sections of people that I’ve ever seen in a philanthropic meeting, and social justice philanthropy is integrated into all the sessions. This requires courage and commitment. To see that social justice is front and center at EPIP gives me hope in the next generation of philanthropists.” -- Daniel Jae-Won Lee, Executive Director, Levi Strauss Foundation
EPIP's 2011 Impact Assessment was conducted by Putnam Community Investment Consulting, Inc. It included a national survey of EPIP members, alumni, prospective members, and partners; in-depth interviews with 12 active members and 10 senior philanthropy leaders who have partnered with EPIP; and a review of existing EPIP data and documents. To learn more about EPIP's impact you can read the full report.
EPIP released the findings of it's 2011 Impact Assessment, in conjunction with its 10th anniversary and national conference held in Philadelphia. Below we share 7 key findings about how EPIP has provided support, opportunity, and leadership development for emerging leaders in philanthropy.
1) Emerging leaders have benefited from EPIP's efforts to connect new and experienced leaders in philanthropy. Almost all survey respondents (92%) reported that they have personally experienced EPIP’s efforts to facilitate generational change, primarily by participating in forums and events that bring together established and emerging leaders in philanthropy.
Nick Scheibel explains the benefits of peer networking in EPIP
2) EPIP members value peer learning and networks gained through EPIP. Two-thirds (64%) of members surveyed reported that as a result of relationships they developed through EPIP, they are participating in new professional development activities. Half (50%–54%) have met people they can turn to for help in performing their jobs well and regarding being underrepresented in the field.
"I’ve gotten to know so many different people in the field through EPIP. EPIP provides an amazing platform and network to new people in the field, irrespective of age." -- Rohit Burman, Director of the Culture and Public Broadcasting Program at the Metlife Foundation
3) EPIP supports leadership development early in careers. Many members interviewed described how EPIP provided unique venues to learn, practice, and advance their leadership early in their careers. This included opportunities to propose and lead sessions at conferences, plan events, serve on steering committees, and lead chapters. Senior philanthropy leaders also noted that EPIP provides an important “alternative route to high engagement” for emerging leaders.
“EPIP has done a lot to strengthen a pipeline of leaders into and moving up through philanthropy by giving people mentoring opportunities, confidence boosters, and the chance to develop skills like serving on boards, public speaking, or social justice thinking.” -- Caroline Altman Smith, Program Officer, The Kresge Foundation
4) Participants use the knowledge, skills, and networks developed through EPIP to improve their job performance. 70% of all survey respondents who had been involved in EPIP longer than one year said that as a result of their involvement in EPIP they had established new professional relationships that have been beneficial to their work. Half (56%) described positive changes at their jobs as a result of their involvement in EPIP, including now seeing themselves as leaders in their field (26%) and improving their job performance (22%).
"We moved to a simpler grant process after I attended an EPIP conference, and that has improved our relationship with grantseekers. -- Survey respondent
5) EPIP helps members stay engaged in and advance their careers in philanthropy. Members interviewed described how involvement in EPIP helped reduce their feelings of isolation and helped them make critical choices related to staying in the field and charting their career paths.
"It was definitely motivating, inspiring, and compelling to be able to talk to others in the EPIP network when I was considering taking my first job in philanthropy." -- Christi Tran, Program Officer, Blue Shield of California Foundation
6) Participants value that EPIP is run by and for emerging leaders. Almost all (92%) of survey respondents reported that EPIP is different from other foundation associations they have been involved in, and this is primarily because it is run by and for young people (75%).
Jasmine Hall Ratliff describes how EPIP helps younger staff learn from experienced leaders in philanthropy.
7) EPIP helps grantmakers connect their daily work to broader social change. Among all survey respondents, 30% reported that they believe that since becoming involved with EPIP they can connect the ideal of social justice philanthropy to their daily job responsibilities. Sixty-four percent (64%) of members surveyed indicated that as a result of people they met through EPIP, they have established professional relationships with people with similar commitments to social justice philanthropy.
“I think a lot of people are equipped with tools to have better conversations about social justice philanthropy and being effective grantmakers, as a result of EPIP.” -- Sylvia Spivey, Development & Scholarship Associate, The Philadelphia Foundation
EPIP's 2011 Impact Assessment was conducted by Putnam Community Investment Consulting, Inc. It included a national survey of EPIP members, alumni, prospective members, and partners; in-depth interviews with 12 active members and 10 senior philanthropy leaders who have partnered with EPIP; and a review of existing EPIP data and documents. To learn more about EPIP's impact you canread the full report.
