Philanthropy Fundamentals

Philanthropy Fundamentals is a four-part cohort learning series that will advance your understanding of philanthropy's origins and historical context and introduce key concepts and language needed to be an effective partner for change in your organization. 

The four-part virtual series will take place on Friday mornings in February 2024 and offer a comprehensive overview of the sector and key concepts relevant to staff and board members in any position at a grantmaking institution. Participants must be able to attend all four sessions to receive a certificate of completion issued by Philanthropy Ohio for the Philanthropy Fundamentals program. The curriculum is designed to engage attendees throughout the program with the content and one another, so registrants are encouraged to join on camera to maximize group learning and cohesion.

What you'll take away:

1. Critical foundational knowledge of the philanthropic sector at large and within Ohio;
2. An understanding of key elements of good governance and financial management; 
3. Appreciation for the complex dynamics of the sector, including the relationship between money, power and community accountability; and
4. Connections to peers within the Philanthropy Ohio network. 

Who should attend: 

1. Staff who have joined the philanthropic sector in the last three years or are interested in reviewing core competencies in the sector
2. Board members new to the foundation sector and who wish to build core knowledge 

2024 Modules

Module 1: The Field of Philanthropy
Friday, February 2, 2024: 9 a.m. – noon (virtual)
Gain a broad overview of the field of philanthropy both nationally and within Ohio. Obtain insight into the origins of the entire ecosystem of nonprofit and philanthropic organizations and the role of foundations in supporting and building equitable communities.
 
Module 2: Foundation Governance and Legal Issues
Friday, February 9, 2024: 9 a.m. – noon (virtual)
Dive into defining 501(c)3 organizations and an overview of critical foundation board and governance best practices. Discuss regulations guiding foundation engagement in policy and advocacy relevant to your organization’s work.
 
Module 3: Money & Power in Philanthropy
Friday, February 16, 2024: 9 a.m. – noon (virtual)
Learn about the primary roles within a foundation as well as the foundation's role in the community. Build awareness of common grantmaking philosophies and practices and how these roles connect to other parts of the organization. When serving as a steward of philanthropic resources, gain an understanding of power dynamics in the philanthropic field and ways to address and anticipate the complex interplay of individual self and institutional wealth. 
  
Module 4: Critical Conversations
Friday, February 23, 2024: 9 a.m. – noon (virtual)
Discuss the current trends, buzzwords and challenges in the sector and the implications for the profession's future. Hear from seasoned practitioners in the field about various approaches and how they prepare their people and communities for the changes they anticipate in the social sector. This session will build on participant questions and may cover topics that include trust-based philanthropy, impact investing, artificial intelligence, workforce development or other areas raised by attendees during the series.
 
Philanthropy Ohio has designed and curated the curriculum for Philanthropy 101 with contributions and feedback from presenters, cohort participants and partners. Materials for sessions originated from a program developed by the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy’s Grantmaking School Team and revised by Philanthropy New York, Philanthropy Massachusetts and other key partners, as well as the Grantmaking for the 21st Century curriculum adapted from the Minnesota Council on Foundations.