Philanthropy Fundamentals 2025

Philanthropy Fundamentals is an engaging four-part cohort learning series designed to deepen your understanding of philanthropy's origins and historical context. This program will equip you with essential concepts and terminology, empowering you to become a more effective partner for change within your organization. 

The four-part series will take place virtually on Friday mornings from January to February 2025 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. To enhance group learning and foster a sense of connection, attendees are encouraged to participate with their cameras on. 

2024 Modules 

Module 1: The Field of Philanthropy 
Friday, January 31, 2025: 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 7, 2025: 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, as well as the key financial documents relevant to your organization’s work.  

Module 3: Money and Power in Philanthropy 
Friday, February 21, 2025: 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 28, 2025: 9 a.m. – noon (virtual) 
Discuss philanthropy’s role in public policy and advocacy. Hone in on 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 interests throughout the series. 

What you'll take away 

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

Who should attend 

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