Site Visit Essentials for Grantmakers

Authentic engagement balances power

In recent years, there’s been a push in philanthropy to redistribute power, center relationships, and partner in the spirit of service. Join us to learn how innovative site visit methods that adhere to these principles allow grantees to showcase their strengths within their authentic context.

This session will:

• Encourage you to reflect on how current practice supports traditional power structures within philanthropy.
• Enable you to advocate for, design, and carry out site visits in an equitable manner that respects the expertise and capacity of your grantee partner.

 
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 emily.brenner@gvsu.edu before registering.

Please Note: This workshop will NOT be recorded or made available to registrants after the live session.

Questions about this event or about your registration?
Please call Emily Brenner at 616-331-7585 or email emily.brenner@gvsu.edu.

Matthew Henkes, M.A., M.P.A., is vice president of grants and initiatives at the Iowa West Foundation. Matthew is responsible for leading how the foundation evaluates its work, considers equity through its grantmaking and helps grantees build their capacity. He previously managed Iowa West’s placemaking portfolio, including grants and initiatives in the areas of community development, beautification, recreation, arts/culture, and housing. Learn more about Matthew.

Surabhi S. Pandit, M.S.W., is the director of diversity, equity, and inclusion & community engagement at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. In her work at the Foundation, she manages special initiatives and grantmaking programs that focus on human services, the LGBTQ+ community, immigrant/refugee support, and safety & justice. From 2012 to mid-2014, Surabhi served as the William C. Richardson Fellow in Government Affairs & Philanthropy at the Council of Michigan Foundations. Her work at CMF was focused on developing programs that respond to public policy issues in the areas of aging, health, education, arts & culture, women & girls, and the environment for member foundations and state government officials. Learn more about Surabhi.