We are pleased to co-sponsor an event featuring Steve Phillips, author of Brown is the New White: How the Democratic Revolution Has Created a New American Majority and founder of Democracy in Color. Phillips will bring to light the new political force made up of the growing population of people of color in combination with progressive whites. The evening promises to spark inspiration, conversation and actions that leverage the political power of these populations to collectively change our democratic futures for the good.

September 27

Our annual conference is the largest convening of grantmakers in the Northwest! We believe philanthropy is at its best when it is collaborative, transparent and equitable. Our conference provides space to convene together to learn from peers how philanthropy can build capacity in the social sector, commit to racial equity and DEI, and advocate for issues and organizations. 

A special workshop series on policy advocacy designed for foundation staff and trustees who want to build their knowledge and capacity to fund and implement policy advocacy strategy. This is a six-session series happening bi-monthly beginning in February 2018 and running through December 2018. Registration is available for individual sessions.

Please join us for the 2018 Rural Funders Gathering on October 20-21, 2018 at the Mountain Sky Guest Ranch in stunning and rural Emigrant, Montana. Located in the heart of Paradise Valley, just 30 miles from Yellowstone National Park. We are very proud that this gathering has been designed by rural practitioners for rural practioners. Its purpose is to create space for people with deep experience and wisdom practicing rural philanthropy and community development to learn from one another. It is limited to 40 participants and is national in scope.

October 23

What can we learn about poverty reduction strategies when we listen to those most impacted by impoverishment? Join us for this virtual member briefing to learn about Governor Inslee's Poverty Reduction Workgroup, and how it is elevating the expertise of those most affected by poverty. While the findings of the Workgroup are based in Washington, we invite members from across the region to share ideas and experiences from your own states and places. 

November 6-7

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. Please register early: the last four workshops have sold out. 

Sherwood Trust and Blue Mountain Community Foundation are hosting their second annual tour for private foundations and corporate funders to learn about and explore the Walla Walla Valley, from Dayton, Washington to Walla Walla to Milton-Freewater, Oregon on November 7-9, 2017. This program will introduce some of the exciting and innovative collaborations in our rural communities and highlight opportunities for future philanthropic investment.
 

Please save-the-date for the Pierce County Funders Meeting. Location: TBD. Content: TBD.