Philanthropy 101

A two-day course for professionals new to the field of philanthropy

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.

Philanthropy 101 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.

Meeting Dates & Times

This course takes place over two days. Participants will meet virtually on Wednesday, May 10 from 12:30–4:30 p.m. and again on Thursday, May 11 from 12:30–4:30 p.m. (ET). This course will NOT be recorded or made available to registrants after the end of the live sessions.

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 session is ideal for foundation program officers and other grantmaking staff who are new to grantmaking or to the philanthropic sector. If you do not fit this profile but are interested in attending, please email emily.brenner@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 course. Refund requests for any other reason must be made at least two weeks prior to the start of the course.

Questions about this event or about your registration?

Call 616-331-7585 or email emily.brenner@gvsu.edu.

Aimée Laramore, M.B.A., is the director of learning services at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy. With more than two decades of experience in the nonprofit world, Aimée has worked with organizations in rural and urban settings, across denominations and socio-economic structures, and throughout a broad array of mission-driven entities. Her experience offers a series of lessons to be learned for governance, fundraising, and the undeniable impact of vision alignment for operational excellence. Learn more about Aimée.

Surabhi S. Pandit, M.S.W., is the director of diversity, equity and inclusion & community engagement for 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.