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:

• “This training was just excellent. As a new staff member to a foundation, I learned from every topic. I so enjoyed meeting others in the field. And I am truly grateful for the binder....I know I will refer to it often. 
• “Thank you - in honesty I learned much more than I expected to. I'd highly recommend this to anyone new to the field or needing a refresher.”
• “I would love to have all our trustee attend this training.”
• “I am so thankful that I was able to attend this conference. It was absolutely tops. As I was learning new things, what I already knew was being strengthen - no disconnects; gaps.”

Registration

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. 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 Gloris Estrella with any questions related to this workshop.