2017 was a tremendous year for learning and growth within Philanthropy Northwest and our region, as we continued to further our mission of supporting vibrant futures for the region’s communities. Your collaboration network of 165 fellow funders helped create greater connections in the Northwest and beyond. Over 700 of you joined us for member-focused programming that sparked new ideas, conversations and partnerships. The Giving Practice provided customized support to 60 foundations and launched their third CEO cohort on diversity, equity and inclusion. We grew internally in several areas including The Learning Network and public policy, enabling us to provide more opportunities for engagement, resources and support for you, our member network. Philanthropy is a shared journey. Together, we’re making an impact on the issues that matter most to our communities.
2017 Highlights
- Consulting: The Giving Practice helps you identify your greatest opportunities and tackle your toughest challenges. In 2017, we published the Foundation Start-Up Checklist as part of the Pretty Good
Tools series. - Public Policy: We connect you with local, regional and national lawmakers and policy conversations. We’ve joined organizations in support of a fair and accurate count for Census 2020.
- Convening: Through events large and small, in-person and online, we offer dynamic learning experiences. In 2017 we hosted multiple convenings including rural, our annual conference and Building Community Philanthropy, a peer learning network.
- Communities: We create place- and issue-based cohorts of peers to share, learn and work together. Our three 2017 cohorts covered advocacy; diversity, equity and inclusion for CEOs; rural areas and women’s leadership.
- Resources: Capital comes in many forms: financial, human, cultural, intellectual and natural. We help you harness them all to create impact. Our executive in residence consults with members to develop custom impact investing strategies.
- People Development: Our networking events, Job Bank and skill-building programs like Grantmaking with an Equity Lens help grow and develop your team.
- Incubator: We nurture and support innovative cross-sector collaborations and projects. Our 2017 incubator projects featured the Cascadia Foodshed Financing Project and the Community Democracy Workshop.
- Insight: We bring you the fresh information and unique perspectives you need in a fast-changing sector and world.
It was also a journey of personal learning, since my first board retreat last July in Alaska where “shared values” took center stage. After joining Philanthropy Northwest in June 2017, I immersed myself in the rich and diverse histories and landscapes of our region. With each member visit I felt more connected to the northwest and inspired by your organizations’ commitment to prosperous and inclusive communities. Thank you for welcoming me into your communities. I look forward to building even deeper relationships in 2018. I’m also thankful for the support from our board and staff during my transition and first months as CEO.
I’m honored to lead Philanthropy Northwest and excited to do more…together!
Sincerely,
Kiran Ahuja
CEO, Philanthropy Northwest
Download the Comprehensive 2017 Annual Report.
