In March, I and my team will launch a pilot project for online affinity group engagement among interested affiliates. The purpose of the test groups is to provide peer-to-peer sharing for affiliates involved in adopting DEI-related initiatives for their respective giving circles.
Several Philanos affiliates are participating, including Impact 100 Cincinnati (OH), San Diego Women’s Foundation (CA), Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County (MD), Impact 100 Essex (NJ), Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle (MD), Women’s Giving Alliance of Jacksonville (FL), Many Hands (DC), Women’s Impact Fund of Charlotte (NC), Idaho Women's Charitable Foundation (ID) and The Philanthropy Connection (MA).
These affiliates are assigned to one of the following two tracks and will meet for at least two sessions. Then they will determine how they want to stay connected as they proceed.
Track 1: “Grant Making with an Equity Lens”
For organizations that are exploring, testing and doing early-stage implementation of changes in grant making processes that further equity and trust-based philanthropy.
Facilitated by Laura Midgley, WA Women’s Foundation member; Philanos Board Member; Past Chair of WCGN (now Philanos)
Track 2: “Organizational/Membership DEI Strategies”
For organizations that are implementing DEI learning resources for members, outreach to BIPOC women as members, and enhancing leadership diversity.
Facilitated by Deepika Andavarapu, VP, Impact 100 Cincinnati; Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Other ongoing work by our Philanos AE&E team includes case studies of affiliates who have made multiple and significant changes in their grant making over time. Additionally, they have begun baseline interviews with any affiliate doing DEI work, capturing who they are, a description of where they are in the process, lessons learned, and further contact information. This information will be collated and shared in the Member Portal to assist affiliates as they move from theory to practice. We will let you know when this vital information is online!
