Posts filed under ‘Philanthropy Forward ’15’
A focus on leadership. A focus on diversity. A focus on creativity.
These were some of the themes and takeaways from Philanthropy Forward ’15 held September 16 – 18 in Cincinnati. The annual gathering of philanthropy – Philanthropy Ohio’s largest event comprising of 240 individuals from all over the state – was a dynamic and energetic experience that filled the downtown Westin Cincinnati.
While buzzwords like collective impact, civic innovation, social impact investing and design thinking littered conversations, deep questions and topics filled sessions and dinner discussions.
How can we achieve racial equity in our grantmaking, how can we align our grantmaking with our values, how can our organization be a better leader, how do we change systems, and how do we advance diversity, equity and inclusion?
Paul Schmitz, CEO for Leading Inside Out and author of Everyone Leads ignited the conversation, speaking about how everyone can lead, not just certain people or organizations. (Special thanks to The Greater Cincinnati Foundation)
https://twitter.com/kelleyadcock/status/644507200942133248?ref_src=twsrctfw
“Leadership is an action everyone can take… not a position a few can hold,” said Paul. “Change happens through collective action. It is not a solo act.”
Along the lines of leadership, several sessions focused on diversity, equity and inclusion in philanthropy.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion are fundamental to human existence,” said Kelly Brown, director of D5 Coalition. Kelly led the lunch plenary describing how D5 grew a network of champions advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). First, they sought resources, engaged people in the conversation around DEI and invited others to the table. See the full report.
Several conference sessions dove into topics ranging from criminal justice reform to racial justice grantmaking – not only significant but timely subjects.
In addition, we honored three philanthropists with awards, including a new award this year: the Michael G. Shinn Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Philanthropy, named for Shinn, who died earlier this year. He chaired the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, taking on primary responsibility for guiding Philanthropy Ohio’s work in that arena.
Ohio Philanthropy Award winner: Gordon B. Wean; Emerging Philanthropist Award winner: Connor Reed Thomas; Michael G. Shinn Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Philanthropy winner: Kristi Andrasik
In other sessions, organizations like People’s Liberty and Design Impact encouraged attendees to think outside the box when it comes to philanthropy.
People’s Liberty is a philanthropic lab powered by the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation and the Johnson Foundation. It invests directly in individuals by providing funding, mentorship, work space and storytelling support to grantees working on projects that address civic challenges and/or seize unique opportunities. We took a tour of their space in Over-the-Rhine and learned how and why they’re doing philanthropy different.
Design Impact led the Innovation / Flip Lab at the conference, a unique space where attendees considered – and then reconsidered – orthodoxies that community leaders have adopted as core operational assumptions, encouraging participants to look at the other side of the ideas, leaping outside of the box and into a whole new world. The Flip Lab was inspired by the Freakonomics Radio Podcast.
Design Impact is a nonprofit social innovation firm made up of designers, community development practitioners, social entrepreneurs and educators collaborating with passionate people, bringing design and innovation practice to the table and working together to design a better world.
Above all, Philanthropy Forward ’15 was about applying new perspectives, including unheard voices and implementing bold ideas. Communities are shifting. Needs are shifting. We need to shift philanthropy and how we do business because philanthropy is much more than grantmaking. The impact is more than a dollar amount and we have the opportunity to make a real difference in our communities now and for decades to come.
Help us keep the momentum going. If there was a topic you’d like us to expand on or something you’d like to know more about, send us an email and let us know. If you missed the conference, check out our Storify story of Philanthropy Forward ’15 with tweets, photos and more from the conference.
Philanthropy Forward ’15 co-chairs Eric Avner and Shiloh Turner
The conference would not have been possible without our co-chairs Eric Avner, VP for The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./US Bank Foundation, and Shiloh Turner, VP for The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, the planning committee and our generous sponsors.
Special thanks to Heidi Jark, Host Event Chair, and Fifth Third Bank Foundation for an awesome Oktoberfest Welcome Party and closing celebration featuring Cincinnati Ballet.
Heidi Jark addresses the crowd at the Oktoberfest Welcome Party
The Cincinnati Ballet performed to Walk the Moon’s “Shut up and Dance”
If you attended Philanthropy Forward ’15, I hope you enjoyed the conference as much as I did. And if you haven’t given your feedback, please do. We want to make Philanthropy Forward ’17 even better and more disruptive. Until then, we’ll see you in Columbus September 20-21 for the 2016 Learning Institute.
Happy innovating,
Jessica Howard
October 5, 2015 at 8:50 am Philanthropy Ohio Leave a comment
2015 Award Honorees Announced
Last week at Philanthropy Forward ’15 in Cincinnati, we celebrated philanthropy and presented three awards to individuals who are advancing the field and doing some really great things. The annual Philanthropy Awards this year honored a lifetime achievement honoree, an emerging philanthropist and an honoree who celebrates and is dedicated to improving diversity, equity and inclusion.
Philanthropy Ohio congratulates these individuals and we’re delighted to celebrate their accomplishments!
Gordon B. Wean, Raymond John Wean Foundation chair and Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley board member
Ohio Philanthropy Award
Gordon B. Wean, chair of the Raymond John Wean Foundation and board member of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, has won the 2015 Ohio Philanthropy Award. “Gordon realized early on that grantmaking in the Mahoning Valley had to change in order to be effective and meaningful. His vision transformed the Wean Foundation from one that supported the family’s personal interests to one that now provides benefits to a diverse array of nonprofit organizations and has become a leading force in the Mahoning Valley for building community and facilitating change,” said his nominator.
In his role as board member of the local community foundation, Gordon was instrumental in transitioning the foundation from one focused on attracting funds to one focused on strategic philanthropy and community impact, says Shari Harrell, president of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley (CFMV). “He led CFMV’s strategic planning process in 2011 and continually brings new ideas and energies to committees and the board,” she noted.
Gordon also served on the Philanthropy Ohio board for nine years, which he chaired in 2012 and 2013. While chair, he led the organization through a strategic planning process that resulted in new membership categories and a name change.
Kristi Andrasik, program officer at The Cleveland Foundation
Michael G. Shinn Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Philanthropy
Kristi Andrasik, program officer at The Cleveland Foundation, is the first recipient of the newly-established Michael G. Shinn Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Philanthropy. The Philanthropy Ohio Board of Trustees created the award to honor Shinn, who died earlier this year. He chaired the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, taking on primary responsibility for guiding the organization’s work in this arena.
Cleveland-area colleagues who nominated Kristi wrote of her professional and personal commitment to making philanthropy more inclusive and equitable. Since joining the foundation three years ago, Kristi has focused on helping the Cleveland LGBT community mobilize resources and strengthen community infrastructures to prepare for the 2014 Gay Games and improve the well-being of Greater Cleveland’s LGBT residents.
One of her nominators described her impact, saying that she “helped frame Gay Games 2014 as more than just a game but as a movement – one that ushered in a greater level of awareness and acceptance of LGBT issues. In every exchange, Kristi is always mindful of the implications of the work in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion outcomes.” Another peer remarked that “Kristi has made it her mission to strive for equity, which I believe to be a daunting task. I have witnessed Kristi build bridges between philanthropy and non-profit organizations to be inclusive and dedicated to diversity.”
Connor Reed Thomas, sophomore at Goshen High School
Emerging Philanthropist Award
High school sophomore Connor Reed Thomas is this year’s Emerging Philanthropist Award honoree. Connor attends Goshen High School in Loveland, Ohio, where he serves as class president, holds a 4.3 grade point average and is a star athlete in football and track and field. Outside of school, his philanthropic passion is in raising funds to support veterans and the military, most recently organizing a 5K run that raised $10,000 for homeless veterans suffering from addiction. He is also active in programs that send care packages to troops and runs a website devoted to military heroes.
The Philanthropy Ohio award is just the latest in a long list of awards and citations Connor has garnered so far for his volunteer efforts. The Army Chief of Staff, Governor Kasich and Cincinnati’s Mayor Granley are but a few of those who have recognized him for dedication and accomplishments.
Congratulations to all three recipients for their outstanding contributions to their communities!
Claudia Y.W. Herrold
The countdown to Philanthropy Forward ’15
Ohio’s largest gathering of people engaged in philanthropy is just a few weeks away and it is bigger and better than ever.
Building on the success of past conferences – including incorporating adult learning techniques, more time for networking and lots of interaction in workshops – the planning committee and staff have developed a three-day event that offers something for everyone who invests time, expertise and resources to help communities become strong, thriving places in which to live and work.
Here are the top 5 reasons you should attend:
Develop your leadership capacity and strengths with Paul Schmitz, CEO of Leading Inside Out.
Socialize with peers during the Oktoberfest Welcome Party at the iconic 21 C Museum Hotel.
Build your connections to philanthropy peers from across the state.
Gain perspective as you take a few days away from the office to refresh, reset and re-energize.
Learn alongside other smart Ohio philanthropy colleagues in 27 breakout sessions and deep dives on everything from investments to cross-sector partnerships.
So if you are interested in building the network, tools and knowledge that will help you become a more effective, powerful change agent in your community, register today while there are still hotel rooms and conference seats available.
See you in Cincinnati,
Claudia Y.W. Herrold
August 24, 2015 at 11:32 am Philanthropy Ohio Leave a comment
Constant learning creates lasting progress
“To make lasting progress on the issues we care about, we have to be learning with others all the time . . . we have to know what others are learning.”
This statement has stuck with me since reading it in a recent GEO publication, probably because of two things: first, I was reading it on the way to the annual conference for staff of regional associations like Philanthropy Ohio, where I hoped to learn from and with my colleagues. Second, I had just sent the final copy of our own conference brochure to print, both of which led me to think about the importance of professional development, whether that happens in formal ways – like conferences and webinars – or informally as I network with colleagues and members working in the philanthropic sector.
My hopes were realized at the conference I attended with 150 of my peers (about 40 percent of those eligible to attend – did I mention that we’re a small niche of the nonprofit sector? There are only 33 regional associations of grantmakers spread across the U.S., but we’re the largest philanthropic network with over 5,000 grantmaking organization members.)
So what did I learn?
- I learned about a different way to think about and organize setting goals and assessing outcomes from David Grant as he shared the framework and tools from his book, The Social Profit Handbook. A lively and engaging presenter, David was the president and CEO of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation for 12 years, a teacher at heart, world traveler and committed social change agent.
- As usual, my peers from across the country helped me think about how to do my day-to-day work better, whether it was during the 50 Shades of Engagement or job-alike breakout sessions.
- I built my network of professional colleagues, meeting many new people and reconnecting with some seasoned veterans (there were six of us there who have worked at regional associations since the 1990s – we’re taking suggestions for our quintessential theme song).
- And, there was plenty of time to socialize and relax as we explored Baltimore restaurants near the harbor, with an emphasis on seafood and wine.
As I head into the final days leading up to our conference in mid-September, it of course occurs to me that these are the same kinds of experiences and learnings that I hope our conference registrants are looking forward to – and will realize. Our thought leaders, Innovation / Flip Lab, deep dive sessions, networking breaks and Oktoberfest welcome party will all come together to provide Ohio’s philanthropic sector with a great learning experience that will help create lasting progress on the issues we all care about. See you there!
Claudia Y.W. Herrold
August 10, 2015 at 9:00 am Philanthropy Ohio Leave a comment
Good grantmaking and good intentions
Philanthropy Ohio is pleased to welcome Heather Peeler, vice president of member and partner engagement at Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, as our guest blogger this week. You’ll have a chance to meet and learn from Heather at the Philanthropy Forward ’15 conference, where she’s leading two sessions to help increase your effectiveness as a grantmaker.
Now that summer is in full swing, I convinced my husband that we should have an informal backyard barbecue with some good friends. Given busy schedules, I wanted to host a casual gathering where everyone could relax and enjoy one another’s company.
However, if you had seen me the days before and after the event, you would have thought I was planning something for the Queen of England, not a casual party with friends. There was extensive menu planning (simple burgers and dogs wouldn’t do), a signature cocktail and an excursion to the home goods store for fancy patio lights and new planters. I was so stressed by my “casual” barbecue, that I’m not even sure if anyone actually had a fun and relaxing time. I certainly didn’t.
This is a perfect example of how our intentions and our behaviors are often out of alignment. It happens in our personal lives as well as our professional lives. And sadly it happens in grantmaking, too. As grantmakers, we have the best of intentions to collaborate with others, help our grantees become stronger and to learn from our failures and mistakes. Yet our behaviors and practices often get in the way of making those intentions a reality.
Grantmakers for Effective Organizations has long studied the types of grantmaker practices that support grantee success. We know that nonprofit resilience is based on the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and that restricted funding hamstrings this flexibility. We know that evaluation provides a powerful way to garner insights into what’s working and why, but few grantmakers share evaluation results with grantees and others who can benefit. We know that collaborative efforts to pool resources and align strategies can yield faster progress, yet we struggle to give up control and let go of our unique ways of doing business. Finally, we know that we make better decisions when we engage with the community and deepen our understanding, but we struggle to prioritize the time that’s needed to build relationships.
If any of this sounds familiar, you are not alone. GEO’s recent field study of more than 600 foundations found that 93 percent of respondents think it is important or very important to provide support that will strengthen grantee organizations, yet 45 percent rarely or never support capacity-building activities. Eighty-one percent provide some level of general operating support, but most dedicate only 25 percent or less of their grantmaking budgets to it.
Over the years of working with grantmakers to help boost their and their grantees effectiveness, we’ve come to realize that knowledge of effective practice is not enough. Many smarter grantmaking practices are easier said than done. One doesn’t become a master collaborator or learning organization overnight. As part of the process, we should give careful consideration to our practices as well as our values. In particular, reflecting on current culture and values and how they align with practice can yield insights about why our organizations may not be making the progress we desire.
We have discovered many great ways that GEO members are shaping productive cultures through their actions, big and small. Here are a few that stuck with me:
- The Cleveland Foundation nurtures a culture of learning by hosting “Fred Talks” (named after its founder) to better connect and learn with members of the community. The grantmaker convenes residents and community leaders for in-depth conversations in order to tap ideas about how the grantmaker can best pursue its mission. You can read more in Learning Together.
In GEO’s Smarter Grantmaking Playbook, we highlighted the work of Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and its commitment to strengthening the arts sector in Cleveland. It has made general operating support a key part of its strategy. By devoting a large proportion of its grantmaking to flexible support, the grantmaker has seen its grantees grow sustainably and have a larger impact in the communities they serve.
- Jim Canales, one of GEO’s founders and the CEO of the Barr Foundation, talks about how important it is to mind the small things – like making sure program officers keep their phones tucked away when they are meeting with grantees or others in the community as a sign of respect.
Our desire for strong and effective grantees is within our reach. To achieve it, we must build our knowledge about and practice smarter grantmaking. And, we must give careful consideration to where our values, intentions and practice diverge.
I’m looking forward to my time in Ohio next month, hope to see you there!
Heather Peeler
August 3, 2015 at 11:43 am Philanthropy Ohio Leave a comment
Registration opens for the best learning and networking event
Philanthropy is shifting, applying new perspectives and bold ideas, partnering in Collective Impact, focusing on the next generation and shaping public policy for systems change.
PHILANTHROPY FORWARD ’15 showcases all this and more in the year’s most important learning and networking event for Ohio funders. Here are just a few examples of what the conference offers to Ohio funders heading to Cincinnati on September 16 for three days of intense learning and connecting.
National thought leaders will challenge you to think and act differently.
Experts in the field will build your skills and knowledge.
GEO’s Heather Peeler leads a Smarter Grantmaking course
Michelle L. Janssen, CFRE, presents a Donor Development Deep Dive
Erin Skene-Pratt teaches a session on Public Policy Nuts & Bolts
Mark J. Rogers and Gary W. Jbara give a Financial Market Outlook
Over 25 break-out sessions address your daily challenges, covering topics that include board governance, investing, managing collaborations, racial equity, gender issues, college completion, criminal justice reform: the list goes on and on, with something for everyone at every level of experience.
Networking galore will connect you with colleagues.
Meet up during designated networking breaks, dine-arounds and the Welcome Party, a lively celebration featuring the rich German heritage of southwest Ohio, complete with music, food and beverages.
Learning tours will highlight Cincinnati projects.
Visit a school-based health and dental center to see how funders collaborated to make a difference in the lives of Cincinnati’s children and teens or explore People’s Liberty, an 8,000 square foot philanthropic lab that brings together civic-minded talent to address challenges and uncover opportunities to accelerate positive community transformation.
Whether you’re new to philanthropy or have years of experience, we guarantee you’ll build your knowledge and network at this year’s conference. Check out the agenda, book your hotel room and register today!
Claudia Y.W. Herrold
Who will you nominate?
We’re accepting nominations for our annual awards recognizing phenomenal Ohio philanthropists, including a new one created this year to recognize a board member who passed away in March.
Mr. Michael G. Shinn
We are very excited about this new award, The Michael G. Shinn Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Philanthropy, which honors Mr. Shinn’s dedication to this important work in modern-day America. The award will recognize an individual who has demonstrated a significant commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in his/her philanthropic practice in Ohio.
Mr. Shinn was the founder of the Shinn Family Foundation and served as secretary of Philanthropy Ohio’s Board of Trustees until his death in March 2015. He chaired our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, taking on primary responsibility for guiding Philanthropy Ohio’s efforts in that arena. The Philanthropy Ohio Board of Trustees created the award to honor his memory and will present it for the first time this year.
Denise San Antonio Zeman won the Ohio Philanthropy Award in 2014. She is the retired president/CEO of Saint Luke’s Foundation.
We are also accepting nominations for three other awards. First is the Ohio Philanthropy Award, which honors an organization or individual who has made outstanding contributions to philanthropy by demonstrating long-standing leadership in advancing philanthropy, creativity in responding to societal problems or a significant positive impact on philanthropy.
Shiloh Turner won the Innovation Award in 2014. She is The Greater Cincinnati Foundation vice president of community investment.
The Philanthropy Innovation Award recognizes someone who has moved Ohio philanthropy forward through an innovation or implemented an idea that led to positive change in how the philanthropic sector operates, thinks or impacts communities. The Emerging Philanthropist Award celebrates someone who – regardless of age – has engaged in philanthropy for the first time during the last few years, either in a career path or as a private individual, and shows amazing potential.
Andrea Timan won the Emerging Philanthropist
Award in 2014. She serves on United Way of Greater Cleveland’s Young Leaders Cabinet.
Nominations close August 3 so that the Board of Trustees can make selections in time for the award ceremonies scheduled for September 16 – 18 in Cincinnati during our Philanthropy Forward ’15 conference.
Check out the criteria and submission rules and decide who you’ll nominate.
Call us at 614.224.1344 if you have questions and stay tuned for announcements about the winners!
Claudia Y.W. Herrold
Making the case for investing in women
March is National Women’s History month and the perfect time for philanthropy to take a look at equality and what we all can do (men included!) to advance society by applying a gender lens to charitable giving.
Last week, Otterbein University, in partnership with Bowling Green State University and the University of Findlay, hosted a Women in Philanthropy Summit to start the conversation around improving gender equality by investing in women. A cohort of Philanthropy Ohio staff, students and our philanthropic peers from all over Ohio came together to hear about the staggering issues plaguing policies, workplaces and societies for women and girls across the U.S. and globe.
One of the highlights was Tuesday night’s keynote speaker, Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro, president and CEO of the Global Fund for Women. She shared the mission and goals of the International Women’s Fund as well as her own experience working to change treatment, opportunities, policy and future outcomes for women and girls worldwide.
Dr. Kanyoro said that for movements to succeed, they need capacity building and leadership. Many women have ignited change, and many girls have gained their voice – the kind of philanthropy that she’s proud of.
As for where to start, Dr. Kanyoro said to connect with a group doing good, and then take it to scale. You’ll recognize that social change has been attained when the issue is reframed, resources are invested, policies and regulations are improved and justice is achieved.
Another highlight of the event was on Wednesday morning, when we heard Katie Koch – the head of Global Portfolio Solutions International for Goldman Sachs United Kingdom – present research on what it’s like to be a female in a developing versus a developed nation. She shared the work Goldman Sachs is doing to improve the availability of small business financing and public policy when it comes to investing in women entrepreneurs worldwide.
“How can any country move ahead when leaving half of its population behind? 90% of countries had one or more gap in legal protections for women. Some countries had 10 or more,” Koch said. “Women make 45 cents on the dollar to men in the developing world. We have to prove to families that education is a good return on investment… more often boys are seen as an asset on the balance sheet, while girls are seen as a liability.”
Goldman Sachs launched 10,000 Women in March 2008, a global initiative to drive economic growth by providing 10,000 women a business and management education as well as links to networks, capital and mentors. By the end of 2013, 10,000 women from across 43 countries had been reached through a network of 90 academic and nonprofit partners.
“Investing in women and girls has the largest ROI for the developing world,” Koch said.
Wrapping up the summit, a panel of smart women leaders – including Shelly Bird, executive vice president, office of the CEO at Cardinal Health – answered questions posed by The Columbus Foundation’s Lisa Courtice, Ph.D.
“Investing in women and girls is the best philanthropic strategy. It strengthens families and communities,” Bird said. And her advice to girls: “Pull up a chair because no one is going to give up their seat.”
The summit left me with a full notebook as well as a mind full of thoughts and ideas to ponder. Gender equality and investing in women are topics that not only are increasingly popular among philanthropists and nonprofits, they are key to improving our community for women and men alike. We hope to continue the flow of conversation and great ideas at our conference in the fall, Philanthropy Forward ’15. So stay tuned!
If you missed the Women in Philanthropy Summit, you can see the tweets at #investinwomen and view the full recorded summit here.
Best regards,
Let's Talk Philanthropy 