New Grantmakers Institute

About

Navigating philanthropy requires more than a deep understanding on how to use equitable grantmaking practices, it requires a holistic approach. New Grantmakers Institute (NGI) supports new grantmakers to sharpen their analysis on the role of philanthropy in social change movements, root into their purpose and work towards impact, and cultivate a sense of belonging, in their institutions and the field at large.

In NGI, participants will get a 101-level introduction to the art and craft of grantmaking. You will have the opportunity to hear directly from seasoned philanthropic leaders and discuss how to face head-on the most challenging issues currently within philanthropy. We begin the institute looking at the origins and evolutions of philanthropy, and hear from three philanthropic leaders on the state of the sector today. Further topics include working with grantees, financial review, funding policy advocacy, and considerations for building a career in philanthropy. In addition to the experienced, impact-oriented faculty, participants will begin to develop a network of peers as we grapple with what it means to practice effective and equitable grantmaking in ongoing times of unrest and rebellion. NGI will resource you to move resources where they are needed the most.

NGI is NCG’s longest-running Institute; it continues to offer a holistic and critical part of any new philanthropic practitioner's orientation to the field.

• “I learned more at NGI about the field of philanthropy than I had in the first 6 months at my foundation.”
• “This was a excellent opportunity for me to learn and reflect on my role in philanthropy and has helped guide my perspective on how I want to show up in the work that I do.
• “I have a much better understanding of the greater field of philanthropy and how my organization and role fits within that bigger picture. I feel more connected to colleagues in different sectors of philanthropy. I have increased understanding of specific topics such as lobbying and full cost, and, overall, a better understanding of the challenges related to racial equity within the field of philanthropy.”
• “Because of NGI, I'll be a proponent of trust-based philanthropy values and practices; strive to center community voices and community-driven leadership; and to create and engage in learning opportunities for myself, colleagues and partners that guide action towards racial equity and social justice.”

Asynchronous Learning Circle

As a participant in the New Grantmakers Institute, you have the option of taking part in an asynchronous learning circle. These smaller groups of 4-5 people will meet at least once in between each session to explore the content shared in the NGI sessions more deeply through the lens of your experience and your organization, and to build relationships with others who are beginning their time in philanthropy.

Location

NGI is a hybrid event with two in-person  and two virtual sessions.

• In-Person Session: Monday, October 21, 2024 | The California Endowment, 2000 Franklin St, Oakland, CA 94612
• In-Person Session: Tuesday, October 22, 2024 | The California Endowment, 2000 Franklin St, Oakland, CA 94612
• Virtual Session: Thursday, October 31, 2024 | Zoom
• Virtual Session: Thursday, November 14, 2024 | Zoom

There are addition, optional Asynchronous Learning Circles between sessions (see below for more details).

Schedule & Curriculum

Date: October 21, 2024 | Location: In-person, The California Endowment

Session 1: Introduction to the Field and the State of the Sector

In this first session of NGI, participants will receive an orientation to the field of philanthropy, exploring the origins, history, and timeline of the field; the relationship of philanthropic change with social movements; and different types of foundations and grantmaking approaches and trends. Participants will better understand how their organizations are situated within the philanthropic ecosystem.

Participants will also hear a conversation on “The State of the Sector,” with seasoned and equity-oriented philanthropy professionals sharing their experiences of the field today. Members of this panel will reflect on the state of the sector and its evolution, in relationship with our current context, including their perspectives on equity, humility, accountability, and power. They will share insights on how to navigate the inherent contradictions and antagonisms within philanthropy with integrity and grace.  

Faculty for this session change annually.  

Session 2:  The Art of Advocacy: Philanthropy's Role in Public Policy

Philanthropy operates within a complex, interconnected civic landscape—working alongside business, government, nonprofit institutions, and academia. These other sectors can seem foreign to many of us, none more so than government entities, most of whom spend more money on any given issue than all of philanthropy combined. Public policy, politics, and advocacy have simultaneously earned a bleak image of ineffectiveness and corruption. Through this interactive session, participants will learn the rules of engagement for effectively moving your foundations’ equity agenda forward. We will explore the fundamentals of advocacy and its critical function in advancing the goals of philanthropy in public policy through a discussion of the importance of public policy, communicating your policy preferences, and aligning with policy advocates along with government institutions.

We will also connect the work of philanthropy within the larger civic landscape, and the transformation that can occur when we connect our work as grantmakers, relationship
builders, and responsible brokers of social influence to the power, urgency, challenge, and opportunity that comes from working industries.

Rebecca Hamburg has organized donor tables focused on civic engagement in communities of color so that they can elect representatives that serve their values and needs, and so that they can hold those decision-makers accountable. Cecilia Chen, at the Akonadi Foundation, and Jack Mahoney, from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, have held public policy and advocacy as a central part of their grantmaking strategies as a vehicle to advance equitable policy and systems change.

Date: October 22, 2024 | Location: In-person, The California Endowment

Session 3: Your Roles in Developing Equitable Relationships with Grantee Partners

In this session, we’ll explore how to develop authentic and generative relationships with grantee partners, working to disrupt embedded power dynamics and practices, in the context of grant sourcing, proposals, and reporting. We’ll also explore what a matchmaker and talent scout have in common, or a strategist and an administrator. In other words, we’ll think about the different roles we all can play in the philanthropic process, including how those roles translate into effective and equitable relationships with grantee partners.

Our faculty, Angie Chen of the Skyline Foundation, and Meaghan Calcari Campbell of the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation, have developed and shifted this session over the past several years. Both come from long and deep experience moving dollars to disinvested communities and work to support their grantee partners beyond just writing a check.

Session 4: Full Cost, Equity, and Impact  

Across the nation, there has been an increased focus on moving towards equitable and regenerative economies. For grantmakers that means moving beyond outdated funding practices that focus solely on programs, neglect investments in infrastructure, and undermine scale. With these approaches, when funding doesn't cover the full cost of doing business, nonprofits close the gap through sweat equity – they overwork and exploit their people. Staff are asked to deliver on a wide range of funder, government, and board expectations while using outdated computer systems, with poor internet service and leaking offices. Aiming for "opportunity for all" through exploiting the employees of nonprofits is no path to success. Supporting equity and economic opportunity is not just about what you fund but how you fund. By better understanding what it really costs your grantees to deliver on mission, grantmakers can better leverage their resources to support a more just, equitable, and sustainable society.

David Greco has led and delivered this session for the past several years. In addition to his work as a grantmaker and consultant supporting philanthropy and nonprofits, he is a university professor rooted in these topics.

Date: October 31, 2024 | Location: Virtual

Session 5: Meet the Community Leaders

In this penultimate session, we'll bring all of our learning together, hearing from nonprofit leaders about their most successful relationships with funder partners. Moderated by Pedro Arista, who leads the Hellman Collaborative Change Initiative of the Hellman Foundation and works with a trust-based philanthropic approach in his grantmaking, three nonprofit leaders will share their best (and worst) stories as they've worked to create financial sustainability within their organizations, while advancing towards their missions as well. We'll hear what it means to go beyond the grant, and what behaviors funders can practice that most support their grantee partners to achieve their goals. 

Nonprofit leaders in this conversation are Jamillah Finley of Breakbox Thought Collaborative in Fresno, Jacob Martinez of Digital Nest across the wider Bay Area, and JM Jaffe of Lyon Martin Health Services in San Francisco. 

Date: November 14, 2024 | Location: Virtual

Session 6: Navigating Your Journey in Philanthropy

In this session, you will hear from two individuals who have both been in the field for 15+ years, and who met at the beginning of their journeys in philanthropy. They both began in junior positions and have advanced to some of the most senior roles in their foundations. They will share stories and lessons that have shaped their careers, and reflect on what they feel has made it possible for them to be successful in philanthropy.

Jaime Allison, of the Walter & Elise Haas Fund, and Charles Fields, of the James Irvine Foundation, have both worked at several foundations and now hold leadership positions at their foundations. They share honestly and willingly about the opportunities associated with a career in philanthropy, and the challenges. They have been colleagues and friends for over 20 years, and they would be the first to tell you that relationships have been integral towards getting them to where they are today.

Register

You can register for the entire series by clicking Register Now below. 

Register Now

Target Audience

NCG's New Grantmakers Institute is created for those who are new to philanthropy and who want to build their understanding of best equitable practices, find their people, and connect to their purpose. NGI is open to NCG members and non-members.

Cost 

NCG Member: $795
Nonmember: $995

Faculty

NGI faculty is made up of seasoned philanthropic leaders. Take a look at out 2024 faculty here. 

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