Philanthropy 101

Philanthropy 101 is a series of hands-on workshops for current donors of The Women’s Foundation – at any level — to explore their own giving and role in growing a powerful wave of philanthropy.These lunch-time brown-bag workshops feature hands on learning that can be applied to individual and collective philanthropic decision-making, including research, site visits, grantmaking, consensus building, philanthropic leadership and planned giving. Planned and designed by staff of The Women’s Foundation, each workshop is open to all current donors and can be attended individually or as a series. The workshops are held year-round, with three in the Spring — March, April, late May/early June — and two in the fall in September and November.

Philanthropy 101 – This workshop provides an overview of philanthropy and a hands-on approach to defining mission, issue-focus and the purpose of strategic giving. An initial introduction will include an emphasis on the role (and untapped potential) of women’s giving – both individual and collective (with family and others) — and the work of The Women’s Foundation as both a context and resource for collective giving.

Research 101 – A workshop where donors are provided the tools they need to identify – then research – the non-profit organizations in their respective target areas. This session will utilize The Women’s Foundation’s knowledge and frameworks for approaching research on issues and organizations. Research tools such as leveraging networks, using online searches and databases will also be covered.

Grantmaking 101 – This session provides an overview of how the grantmaking process works and will include The Women’s Foundation’s methodology for selecting grant recipients and provide tools that they can use to effectively assess grant applications. This session will also cover tools for conducting effective site visits, as well as how to incorporate the site visit findings into the selection process.

Philanthropic Leadership 101 – This session will cover the range of additional ways to maintain and/or increase personal involvement in the non-profit community. Topics will include board membership, advisory committee roles, value-added volunteering (marketing, CPA, legal skills, etc.), staff coaching, development leadership and more.

Planned Giving 101 - This session will feature a planned giving expert who will guide participants through the key questions, language and opportunities related to planned giving.

For more information on any of these workshops, please contact Lisa Kays.