See the main events and programs we offer annually.

Philanthropy Northwest curates programs and experiences that meet the learning, networking and capacity-building needs of our diverse network of grantmakers. Our events align with our three focus areas that guide our work in supporting the philanthropic sector to increase equity and ensure our communities have vibrant, healthy futures.

Strengthening Philanthropy	Diversity, Equity & Inclusion	Policy & Advocacy
pnw_icon_strengthening-philanthropy.png	pnw_icon_dei.png	pnw_icon_policy-advocacy.png

While we share many activities each month on our events calendar, here are some of our signature programs you can plan for:

Strengthening Philanthropy

• Philanthropy Northwest Conference. Typically held in the fall, our conference offers the region’s largest event for funders and community leaders to collaborate, learn and network across the Northwest.
• Philanthropy 101. This interactive, four-part virtual series helps all staff new to philanthropy better understand the sector. We cover philanthropy's history, foundation leadership and governance, a grantmaking overview, current issues and ways to stay connected within philanthropy.
• Philanthropy Northwest Network Calls. These monthly panel discussions feature experts on key issues and emerging topics critically important to our sector and our communities. Contact our staff to be added to the network calls listserv.
• Grantmakers in Action. This three-session series is an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the "art of grantmaking," discover the latest in trust-based practices and engage in peer learning. You’ll leave with tangible practices to level up your grantmaking, tools to apply an equity lens in your work and peer connections with grantmakers from philanthropies across the Northwest.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion    

While most of our programs and learning opportunities use an anti-racist approach, the following are especially focused on expanding DEI in philanthropy, with an emphasis on learning in service of action and transformation.

• Grantmaking with an Equity Lens (GEL). This is a 3-hour training for mid- to senior-level foundation staff or trustees who are early in their thinking about how to apply equity in the practice of grantmaking and program development. In addition to the annual sessions that are open to everyone, your organization can contract with us to provide the GEL workshop directly to your board, trustees or staff. Visit our Grantmaking with an Equity Lens webpage to learn more about bringing the training to your foundation.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Cohorts. Along with The Giving Practice, our national consulting firm, we facilitate unique, structured learning opportunities where philanthropic leaders can delve deeper into DEI work alongside your peers.

Policy & Advocacy 

• Foundations on the Hill (FOTH). Every year, Philanthropy Northwest members gather with philanthropic leaders from across the country to meet with congressional leaders in Washington, D.C. (virtual during the pandemic), and discuss issues that matter to our communities.
• Democracy Northwest Funders. Washington, Oregon and Montana funders come together quarterly to discuss philanthropy’s role in building a more reflective democracy by encouraging civic engagement in public discourse, supporting political power-building in local communities and increasing political representation by leaders who reflect their communities.

Networks, Affinity Groups, Collaboratives

Our peer networks, funder affinity groups and collaboratives are a great way to connect with other funders around shared interests, learning and action. Some examples include:

Alaska Funders	Corporate Funders
BIPOC Folks in Philanthropy	Rural Funders
Black Folks in Philanthropy

Many of these peer groups meet regularly (monthly, quarterly). If you are interested in joining one of these funders groups or our cohorts, have questions about them or would like to start your own group, please reach out to our membership team, and check out our events calendar to see what meetings are scheduled next.

Don't miss out!

Sign up to receive monthly updates about upcoming programs on these and other topics in philanthropy.

SUBSCRIBE