Philanthropy, Diversity and Hope
Many of you are increasingly engaged in very difficult but important conversations around diversity, inclusion, equity AND race. The question being posed is this: with such a robust philanthropic and nonprofit sector in our country, and in a country with such strong democratic values, why d o inequities, especially racial inequities, continue to persist?
In order to break barriers, to embrace diversity, we must keep the conversations, and actions that flow, at the center of our work in philanthropy. We must understand, embrace and appreciate our differences, and different lived experiences. There is so much possibility and hope if we are willing to commit to this effort with our hearts and minds equally.
As the most recent synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh reminds us, along with countless other heinous acts of cowardice and hatred that have occurred in communities across our country, the alternative is really not an option. This week we're hosting Conversations in Philanthropy: Supporting Muslim, Arab and South Asian (MASA) Communities. This discussion is relevant for all funders interested in combating the general rise of hate and xenophobia against many different groups and responding to changing community demographics. Register online to join the conversation on Thursday, November 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. PDT either in-person at our Seattle office or remotely via webinar.
I appreciate all your work to make the lives of our most vulnerable in our region better. I encourage you to join me, join this movement, for greater diversity, equity and inclusion in our sector, and frankly in our neighborhoods, cities, country and world.
Kiran Ahuja
CEO, Philanthropy Northwest
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Support for Tree of Life Synagogue Victims
Like you, we are thinking about the family and friends of the people killed recently at the Tree of Life Synagogue. We know Pittsburgh is reeling from this tragic hate crime in their community. But love is stronger than hate. People are responding accordingly.
Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania is maintaining a resource page with statements from local community leaders, information on fundraising campaigns and its members' responses.
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News & Insights
Making Values Work for Teams
By Brenda Solorzano, Headwaters Foundation
Jan Jaffe's first interview about reflective practices in group work is with Brenda Solorzano, who is the CEO of the new Headwaters Foundation in Western Montana. Many people have asked how do you reflect when your staff is small and multi-tasking all the time or when the board is just past start-up stage and anxious to move from planning to action or a new CEO has just arrived and feels the need to hit the ground running? Brenda and Headwaters offer us a chance to answer all these questions at once.
Interested in Hosting a 2019 Momentum Fellow?
Philanthropy Northwest is already looking ahead to our 2019 Momentum Fellowship program. We are starting to solicit interest from foundations who want to learn more about hosting a Momentum Fellow.
Why would your foundation want to host a Momentum Fellow?
- Your foundation is committed to diversity and inclusion
- Your foundation sees lived experience from diverse nonprofit professionals adding value to your organization
- Your foundation is invested in developing the next generation of philanthropic professionals
Have questions? Would you like to learn more about Momentum Fellows? Reach out and contact our director of organizational development, Erin Thomas.
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Regional Giving and News
Care Like an Oregonian Video Released
The Nonprofit Association of Oregon debuted their Care Like An Oregonian video at Oregon Business’ 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon Awards Dinner. They created this video for all Oregon nonprofits to use in their fundraising efforts, particularly as we enter one of the most important charitable giving times of the year.
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Care Like an Oregonian
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New Corporate and Community Foundation Partnership in Idaho
In partnership with the Idaho Community Foundation, the Chobani Foundation will award grants ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 through its Community Impact Fund in support of programs or projects that drive economic activity in the Magic Valley region. Businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits are eligible to apply, and the first round of awards will be announced in December.
Seahawks Players Equality & Justice for All Action Fund
The Seattle Foundation has announced that its Seahawks Players' Equality & Justice For All Action Fund has awarded grants totaling $225,000 to eight organizations working in the areas of homelessness, criminal justice reform and education. Recipients include Cocoon House, Farestart, Mary's Place and MoHundred.
How The Russell Family Foundation Moved Almost Entirely Into Impact
By Anne Field, Forbes
The Russell Family Foundation just published a report outlining its four-year effort to move from 7% to almost 75% mission-aligned investments, with financial returns that beat market benchmarks by nearly 3%, according to CEO Richard Woo.
Donation Keeps Free School Breakfast Going
By Kevin Gullufsen, Juneau Empire
The Juneau Community Foundation and United Way of Southeast Alaska have awarded $24,000 to the Juneau School District in support of a districtwide breakfast program.
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Representatives from the United Way Southeast Alaska, the Juneau School District and the Juneau Community Foundation present a donation to the district on Friday, October 5, 2018. (Kevin Gullufsen | Juneau Empire)
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New Rasmuson Foundation Chief of Staff
The Rasmuson Foundation in Anchorage, Alaska, announced the promotion of program officer Jeff Baird to the position of chief of staff, a newly created position.
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New CEO for the Potlatch Fund
The Potlatch Fund Board of Directors and Hiring Committee recently announced they have hired Tara Dowd as the organization’s new Executive Director. Tara is an enrolled Inupiaq who carries the Traditional name Qallaq. Tara is a systems change enthusiast, non-profit administrator, writer and thought leader focused on building equity.
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Charitable Giving Around the 2016 Election: Does Gender Matter?
Women's Philanthropy Institute
A new report from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute explores the relationship between politics and charitable giving. It’s a timely and important read for anyone in the philanthropy sector.
Introducing a New Blog Series on Trust-Based Philanthropy
Robert Sterling Clark Foundation
Trust-based philanthropy is not a new concept, but naming it has recently helped us and like-minded funders to recognize our shared approach to grantmaking, and to identify some principles around that approach. Robert Sterling Clark Foundation started in partnership with The Whitman Institute, which coined the phrase, and with the Headwaters Health Foundation of Western Montana, which adopted the practices as a new foundation.
Recent Reports on Opioids and Recommendations for Action
Indiana Philanthropy Alliance recently announced the publication of new reports by Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation (RMFF) showing the human and economic toll of the opioid and tobacco epidemics. RMFF's research also provides recommendations for educators, employers, health providers and effective policy. While these reports provide analyses of opioid and tobacco addiction in Indiana, many states are also searching for answers. Visit rmff.org to download the reports and view a full list of recommendations for action.
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Events and Opportunities to Engage
November 7-9
Walla Walla Valley Funders' Tour
Walla Walla, WA
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.
November 8
Conversations in Philanthropy: Supporting Muslim, Arab and South Asian (MASA) Communities
Seattle, WA
Muslim, Arab and South Asian (MASA) communities are on the rise in the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area, one of 12 metro areas seeing significant percentage growth across the country. Join the Proteus Fund for lunch as we learn more about how philanthropy can better support MASA communities, and connect with other funders interested in learning more.
November 14
Tribal Opportunity Zones Reception
Seattle, WA
If your foundation's mission is to support Indian Country, Opportunity Zones (OZ) are a powerful way tool to do this.
November 15
Washington State Opportunity Zones Conference
Seattle, WA
Join business and community leaders to learn more about the Opportunity Zone initiative and gain practical advice and the latest information on how to use this new tax incentive to invest in rural, urban, and Tribal communities.
November 16
Being the Change - 12 Ways Foundations Are Transforming Themselves to Transform Their Impact
Boise, ID
Please join the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health and FSG for a presentation and dialogue on FSG's Report, Being the Change; 12 Ways Foundations Are Transforming Themselves to Transform Their Impact.
November 19
Pierce County Funders Meeting
Tacoma, WA
Please join the Pierce County Funders Group's final meeting of 2018.
November 19
2020 Census Countdown: The Importance of Complete Count Committees in Your Communities
Online
The 2020 Census is on track to be one of the most challenging censuses the United States has undertaken. This webinar will explore the critical role that Complete Count Committees can play in working with local, trusted voices to provide information, guidance and support to ensure a complete and accurate count of your community, despite the threats that besiege the 2020 Census. Register online for this webinar and learn more about how your organization can engage with Complete Count Committees.
December 3
Grantmaking with an Equity Lens Training
Gig Harbor, WA
Considering diverse perspectives and experiences is critical to effective grantmaking and foundation programming. Practicing equity requires a slowing down to reflect on the ways we can facilitate a more equitable and inclusive grantmaking process. Join us for this hands-on training. This training is designed for mid- to senior-level foundation program staff who are at the beginning of their thinking about how to apply equity in the practice of grantmaking and program development. The context is designed to focus on the individual role and the practice of equity in grantmaking.
December 13
Q4 Alaska Funders Group Meeting
Anchorage, AK
Please join the Alaska Funders Group final meeting of 2018. Agenda is pending so please check back in the coming weeks.
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Visit Our Job Bank
Interested in exploring new opportunities or posting a job? Know any strong candidates seeking a career change? Curious about who's hiring? Take a look at the many positions listed in our Job Bank.
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