Philanthropy Institute: Leading Strategies for Emerging Practitioners (formerly known as Best Practices: Essential Skills and Strategies for New Grantmakers) is a comprehensive, two-day educational program developed by experts in the philanthropic sector, and facilitated by seasoned practitioners. This training is the field’s standardized orientation for individual members who have recently joined the philanthropic sector.

The curriculum is designed to provide a historical overview of the sector, a sense of the philanthropic landscape in the Pacific Northwest and nationally, and an overview of foundation governance and grantmaking. The workshop is interactive and discussion-oriented to provide attendees with the expertise needed to thrive in philanthropy. Practitioner-trainers vary by workshop and have included trustees or executives foundations and nonprofit leaders.

During this two-day workshop, you will explore key topics such as:

• The History and Scope of Philanthropy
• Key Legal and Ethical Issues
• How to Make Sound Funding Decisions
• Communicating Funding Recommendations Internally and Externally
• Managing the Grants Portfolio and Grantee Relationships
• Strategies Beyond Grantmaking
• Power Dynamics and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

Recent participants had this to say about the institute:

• "Rarely have I been to a conference where I was so engaged and felt each of the areas covered was important.  The book materials are very high quality."  
• “ I want to get my WHOLE Board at this beginners conference.  The speakers were VERY knowledgable, and really understood their areas, and could answer questions. ”
• “I highly recommend this course...hearing from individuals in the field was beneficial—each presenter provided useful information and I especially appreciate the wide range of time each presenter has been in the field.”

Registration

The November program is full but please join our waitlist! Email Elyse Gordon or Mares Asfaha (egordon@philanthropynw.org; masfaha@philanthropynw.org) to reserve your spot. We hope to be able to open up more spaces in the coming weeks. 

Eligibility: This course is for staff or trustees of private and public foundations, community foundations, corporate giving programs and government or nonprofit grantmaking organizations. Audiences that benefit the most from the curriculum touch grantmaking and programs in their role. 

Participants will receive a comprehensive set of materials and additional learning resources. Breakfast and lunch are included. This course is limited to 20 individuals. Please limit registration from your organization to six individuals. We suggest registering early - our last four workshops were sold out.

Planning Your Travel

Please book your hotel early to save. Convenient hotels include Hotel Five, Hotel Andra and the Warwick Hotel. Philanthropy Northwest is close to many major bus lines and is a few blocks from the Westlake Link Light Rail stop.

Please contact Elyse Gordon with any questions related to this workshop.