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.

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.

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

This workshop will take place over two days and participants will be expected to attend the entirety of both days. Participants will meet virtually on Wednesday, January 29 from 12:30–4:30 p.m. and again on Thursday, January 30 from 12:30–4:30 p.m. (ET).

Participants will be expected to participate in polls, breakout sessions, and discussions either verbally or via chat.

Day One Agenda

• 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 Agenda

• Know your foundation, mission, vision, and strategy
• Develop 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; evaluation and learning

• Individual: $885
• Group registration: $835 per person (3 or more people)

Deadline to Register: Friday, January 24

Michael D. Layton, Ph.D., is the W.K. Kellogg Community Philanthropy Chair at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy. Michael brings a wealth of experience to this role, including his work as a researcher, teacher, director, advocate, and consultant. He has worked closely with a mix of community philanthropy organizations throughout the Americas, and brings to his position a nuanced understanding of the unique challenges and capacities of community philanthropy to act as a catalyst in promoting community-led development and in strengthening the local context for philanthropy. Learn more about Michael.

Naomi Polin is Principal and Founder of Orchid Root Strategies, a boutique consultancy specializing in strategic planning, program development, and philanthropic advising for foundations, nonprofit organizations, and coalitions. For more than 18 years, Naomi has collaborated with local, national, and global foundations, nonprofit organizations, and multi-stakeholder initiatives advancing equity, inclusion, and belonging. Learn more about Naomi.

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 [email protected] before registering.

Please Note: This course is limited to 30 participants. It will NOT be recorded.

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.

Please call 616-331-7585 or email [email protected]

Event Venue

Online