Philanthropy 101

Philanthropy 101 is a two-day, online learning experience designed to ground new professionals in the basics of foundations, nonprofits, grantmaking, the field of philanthropy, and how philanthropy interacts with other sectors — namely, business and government. This course introduces concepts essential to philanthropic work, including the grantmaking cycle, with a focus on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the sector.

This course is equal parts theory and practice. As a participant, you will develop a deeper understanding of what philanthropy is, what makes it distinct, and why it’s important. You will examine how your role fits within the context of your foundation and the broader sector. You will also have the opportunity to put theory into practice through a variety of activities, including small group discussions, role-playing, and a virtual grantmaking exercise.

Join us to strengthen your sector knowledge and your ability to create meaningful impact.

Instructors: Sarah Lovan and Zelene Wilkins
Deadline to Register: Thursday, February 4

Price

Individual Registration:  $595
Group Registration:  $565 per participant
TGS Alumni:  $565 (use promo code TGSALUM30)

Meeting Dates & Times

This course takes place over two days. Participants will meet virtually on Thursday, Feb. 25 from 12:30–4:30 p.m. and again on Friday, Feb. 26 from 12:30–4:30 p.m. (ET). This course is a live, interactive experience. It will not be recorded or made available to registrants after the end of the live session.

Day One:

• Introduction to philanthropy
• Understanding the philanthropic sector; foundation and nonprofit types
• How to make an impact
• Practices to promote equity
• Relationships to government and business

Day Two:

• Know your foundation; mission, vision, & strategy
• Developing external relationships; ethics, bias, and power dynamics
• Overview of key elements of the grantmaking cycle, including grantmaking tools and approaches; proposal solicitation, application, and review; due diligence; monitoring and reporting; and evaluation and learning

Who should attend this course?

This course is intended for foundation staff, donors, and others engaged in grantmaking. If you do not fit this profile but are interested in attending, please email tgs@gvsu.edu before registering.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

This course may be subject to cancellation if it does not reach the minimum number of registrants. In the event of a cancellation, you will be notified at least two weeks before the course start date and will be offered a full refund or the option to transfer your registration to another Johnson Center offering. Refund requests for any other reason must be made at least two weeks prior to the start of the course.

Sarah Lovan, BA., is a program officer for the McKnight Foundation within their Arts program. The program focuses on supporting artists to create and contribute to vibrant communities in Minnesota. Lovan is program officer for three of the six Minnesota Initiative Foundations. She is also involved in field-building cohorts, including: Next Generation, Rural Economic Development Group, Racial Equity Funders Collaborative, and Grantmakers in the Arts. Learn more about Sarah.

Zelene Wilkins, Ph.D. candidate, is executive director of the Keller Foundation in Grand Rapids, Mich. She provides leadership and management of the foundation’s grantmaking programs and operations and facilitates board engagement, organizational learning, and impact assessment and provides technical assistance to grantees. As an independent consultant to foundations, Zelene supports foundations working at the community, national and international levels with grantmaking strategies and decisions, learning, impact assessment, human capacity building, grantee relationships and board engagement.