Foundations use evaluation — intentionally gathering and analyzing information about programs and impact in order to inform decisions and strategy — to make sure their efforts are forwarding their mission.
While many organizations are applying an equity lens to their work or have...
An NCFP Monthly Webinar for NCFP’s Entire Network of Friends & Subscribers
Whether your foundation is considering wrapping up a long-term initiative or completely spending down and sunsetting your foundation, this webinar will provide valuable ideas and approaches. Hear from field experience how to navigate this complex and challenging process to maximize the potential for impact while leaving grantees and fields strong.
Only 3 spots left! This comprehensive, two-day educational program was developed by experts in the philanthropic sector, and facilitated by seasoned practitioners. Philanthropy Institute: Practical Skills & Strategies for Emerging Practitioners (formerly known as Best Practices): 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.
Developed in partnership with United Philanthropy Forum and Northern California Grantmakers, this guide shares seven practices and 12 tools for Philanthropy-Serving Organizations who seek effective ways to mobilize resources to sustain their organization’s work. Part of our DIY Series, the guide features perspectives from dozens of leaders of national and regional PSOs and examples from our work with these organizations.
When people gather to accomplish a common task, they also feel seen, heard and witnessed as individuals—even while tending the shared task of the whole. Appreciation Rounds are a collective call out that help make tacit group culture norms explicit, while also supporting the leadership development and personal mastery of participants. Starting meetings with an appreciative exercise often leads to an increased willingness to learn in public. We are often more able to admit mistaken assumptions and shadow behaviors when we trust that others see and hold us fully.
Implementing a trust-based approach to philanthropy starts with leadership and governance. What is the role of CEOs, trustees and senior leadership in instituting a culture of trust -- with each other, with foundation staff and in all of your foundation’s grantmaking practices? And how can a trust-based culture lead to more authentic dialogue, genuine learning and a more effective approach that helps address the inherent power dynamic between foundations and grantees?
“Have a great day and let your sun shine!” These are my departing words for my 8-year-old daughter every morning at drop off. It’s my rally cry hoping she unleashes her true self on the world (well, ok, her second-grade classroom) in everything she does.
The 2019 COF Career Pathways cohort has been a tremendous learning opportunity for me. For the last 13 years, I’ve been at Philanthropy Northwest steadily progressing in my responsibility in a variety of programmatic roles. Last year, I was promoted to the first-ever director of regional strategies and networks. What would it mean to move into a leadership position and remain my authentic self? A lot was at stake.