Events of Interest to Grantmakers

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  2008

NOVEMBER

Donor Travel/Learning Opportunity: IDEX Insight Tour to India
Sponsored by IDEX
November 13-21, 2008
Rajasthan, India
IDEX is organizing an Insight Tour to visit community-based development initiatives in Rajasthan, India. The tour will focus on projects in villages near the cities of Jodhpur and Udaipur that blend traditional wisdom with modern technology to promote culturally appropriate community development. These locally-run projects prioritize women's empowerment, water and food security, and sustainable agriculture. Tour participants will experience the vibrancy of Rajasthani culture and receive an unparalleled opportunity to witness how grassroots development projects are changing the lives of countless communities. For more information, see the trip itinerary at http://www.idex.org/article.php?id=160, or e-mail anne@idex.org.

Funders Meeting: Peace and Security Funders Group Global Gathering (Madrid, Spain)
Sponsored by PSFG
November 19-22, 2008
PSFG is teaming up with the Fundación para las Relaciones Internacionales y el Diálogo Exterior (FRIDE), a "European think tank for Global Action," to bring together U.S. and European funders in the field of peace and security. All PSFG Members and other interested funders are welcome. Make plans now to join US and European colleagues for stimulating sessions, speakers and fascinating field trips. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a broader understanding of European perspectives on the full range of peace and security issues and how to increase the combined impact of grantmakers. For more information, contact PSFG Director Katherine Magraw at kmagraw@peaceandsecurity.org

OCTOBER

There are no events posted for this month.

SEPTEMBER

Grantmakers Tour: From North Carolina to Guanajuato: A Tale of Two States
Sponsored by: The Council on Foundations and Hispanics in Philanthropy
September 7-13, 2008
The Council's International Programs is teaming up with Hispanics in Philanthropy to offer grantmakers a transformative experience of communities across borders. A Tale of Two States is the first in a series of unique tours for grantmakers focusing on transnational communities in the US and Latin America. From September 7–13, a core group of philanthropic leaders will visit Latino communities in North Carolina and Guanajuato, Mexico. They will meet with local leaders and visit community-led projects to witness firsthand the challenges facing both immigrant and emigrant communities and community responses to those challenges. The study tours are designed for executive-level funders and philanthropic leaders. Register by July 15. For more information, contact Nadia Martinez at the Council at Nadia.Martinez@cof.org.

Funder Gathering: Environmental Grantmakers Association Fall Retreat (New Paltz, New York)
Sponsored by Environmental Grantmakers Association (EGA)
September 21—24, 2008
Mohonk Mountain House
EGA's annual fall retreat is now open for registration. Visit www.ega.org/events/retreat/2008 to view the event website, including a draft agenda and plenary, concurrent session, keynote, event, field trip and institute descriptions. The website also includes logistical information for travel, childcare and more. Dr. Vandana Shiva will be the keynote speaker at this year's retreat. Other speaker biographies and event resources will become available throughout the summer.

AUGUST

Webinar: With Knowledge Comes Change: Essentials for Diversity in Giving
Sponsored by Changemakers
August 4, 2008, 11:00 am - 12 noon PST
Essentials for Diversity in Giving (EDG) builds upon Changemakers' tradition of advocating for strategic, effective, and sustainable giving while honoring the people and communities most impacted by injustice. The ten-module curriculum works to support donors of color and all donors invested in effecting the root causes of social issues to examine their current giving practices and become more strategic in their giving. EDG provides tools, exercises and worksheets for community foundations, public foundations and philanthropic advisors working with donors at all levels of philanthropic experience and capacity to give. The webinar will provide an introduction to this new initiative by Changemakers. To participate, please RSVP to Todd Holland, todd@changemakers.org, by July 31, 2008.

JULY

Funders Teleconference: Climate & International Coal Webinar
Sponsored by Environmental Grantmakers Association, European Foundation Centre, Climate and Energy Funders Group, and Environmental Funders Network
Friday, July 18, 2008, 11:30am EST
While coal is extremely abundant as a potential energy resource, it is also extremely destructive to the environment and public health. This webinar will explore the impact of coal, from extraction to combustion; international growth of new coal plants; and funder collaborations, both existing and new opportunities. Speakers include David Wooley, Energy Foundation; Beatrice Schell, Oak Foundation; Paige Brown, Climate and Energy Funders Group; and Dana Lanza, Environmental Grantmakers Association. Please reply to Jason K. Babbie (jkb@ega.org) to register and receive call details.

Traveling Giving Circle: Nicaragua
Sponsored by: The Central American Women's Fund and The Clarence Foundation
July 19 – 26
This summer's Traveling Giving Circle to Nicaragua is taking place from July 19 – 26. In follow-up to last year's successful program to Kenya, the Traveling Giving Circle to Nicaragua will bring together donors from around the country, and the world, to engage in a special on-the-ground group giving experience. The focus of this year's trip will be on grassroots organizations working to advance rights and opportunities for women. The program will include in-depth site visits and dialogue with grantees, combined with excursions to enjoy the wonderful scenery, food and culture of Nicaragua. Participants will have the opportunity to take one of two journeys, either towards the volcanic island of Omotepe in Lake Nicaragua or an adventure to the Caribbean coast. Along the way, you will meet extraordinary people doing extraordinary work while forming special bonds with other donors who are working for a better world. More at http://www.theclarencefoundation.org/philanthropy.html

Funder Gathering: International Human Rights Funders Group (IHRFG)
Semi-Annual Meeting: Human Rights and Climate Change
Sponsored by IHRFG
July 21-22, 2008
New York University School of Law
Global climate change holds dramatic implications for human rights – from the prospect of millions of "climate refugees" fleeing low-lying or changed areas, to rapid disease spread, to ecological disruption – all likely to have a vastly disproportionate impact on the world's poorest and most marginalized populations. Concurrent sessions, plenaries and networking opportunities are part of the program offerings. Registration deadline is Thursday, July 10, 2008. More at http://www.hrfunders.org/events/index.php

JUNE

Dinner: Grassroots Environmental Leaders from China (San Francisco)
Sponsored by Grantmakers Without Borders and Pacific Environment
June 3, 6:00 pm
Shanghai 1930, 133 Steuart Street
Grassroots environmental leaders from China are coming to the Bay Area as part of Pacific Environment's inaugural China Program Exchange. You are cordially invited to join Pacific Environment and Grantmakers Without Borders for an intimate discussion to learn about the amazing work communities are doing in China to combat water pollution. Special guests include Ge Yun, Executive Director of the Xinjiang Conservation Fund, dedicated to the conservation of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region; Zhao Zhong, Chief Coordinator, Green Camel Bell, the only environmental NGO in Gansu Province working to promote environmental conservation in the region; Fang Minghe, Executive Director, Green Eyes, which provides opportunities for students to observe the real state of the local environment; Fei Xiaojing, Executive Director, Green Student Forum and program leader at China Youth Climate Action Network; and He Fang, Manager, Dalian Environment and Resources Center, dedicated to protecting the Long River in Dalian. RSVPs and questions should be directed to Robert Hurst at rhurst@pacificenvironment.org or (415) 399-8850 ext. 313. Space is limited. Vegetarian options available upon request.

Funders Gathering: 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Global Fund for Women (New York)
Sponsored by The Global Fund for Women
June 5, 2008
9:30-10:00 a.m., Coffee & Light Breakfast, 10:00-12:00, Program
Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue
As part of their 20th Anniversary Celebration, the Global Fund for Women invites grantmakers to this morning symposium. Seven extraordinary activists and leaders who are part of the Fund's international network will speak about major challenges facing their own communities and the world. They will share the innovative and courageous strategies used by women's rights organizations to affect social change and transformation. RSVP required. Contact jess@globalfundforwomen.org

Funders Workshop: Engage for Results (Washington, DC)
Sponsored by Grantmakers For Effective Organizations
June 12-13
Many grantmakers are committed to stronger engagement with their grantees, at least in theory. But what does it look like on a day-to-day basis? How do you go about it? Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, in partnership with the Interaction Institute for Social Change, is offering a two-day, skill-building intensive designed specifically for grantmakers to learn how to increase stakeholder involvement in their grantmaking strategies. Participants will explore the benefits and impact of inclusive grantmaking; the criteria for effective stakeholder engagement within philanthropy; and the appropriate balance between results, process and relationship. Participation is limited to 25 participants. For more information contact Jillaine Smith at jillaine@geofunders.org or (202) 898-1843.

Webinars: Investment Policy Statements and Fiduciary Excellence
Sponsored by The Council on Foundations
COF invites you to participate in two webinar discussions on investment management strategies to help you thrive as a grantmaker.

• The Fiduciary's Business Plan: The Investment Policy Statement, June 12, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm, ET
  During this webinar, you will learn how an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) keeps the fiduciary function on track and out of trouble; why preparing and maintaining an IPS is a critical fiduciary function; and where to find specific information to guide your fiduciary activities. Prior to the webinar, participants will receive a free trial of a fi360 IPS generator. This online tool creates on-demand, customizable investment policy statements using an easy-to-follow template.
   
• Practical Applications of Achieving Fiduciary Excellence, June 19, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm, ET.
  In this webinar, you will learn how to assure full disclosure and clarity on all aspects of the portfolio from investment advisors; create cost-effective investment solutions without sacrificing potential returns; and understand and manage the downside risk profile of your portfolio. All participants who register before June 17 are eligible to receive a customized assessment of their portfolio's internal cost structures. This offer requires participants to provide the latest copy of their detailed investment statements. Strict confidentiality is assured. (Please allow 4–6 weeks for this analysis.)

To join a webinar requires a telephone and an Internet connection. The cost to participate in a COF webinar is $99.00 for members and $199.00 for nonmembers. More at http://www.cof.org/Network/content.cfm?ItemNumber=2436&navItemNumber=1971#online

Annual Meeting: Real Interdependence, Partnerships & Equity/Setting the Table for Farms, Food and People (Portland, Oregon)
Sponsored by Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Funders (SAFSF)
June 23 – 26
At the DoubleTree Hotel Portland-Lloyd Center, 1000 NE Multnomah
SAFSF is a national group that works to foster communication, shared learning and information exchange about issues connected to sustainable agriculture and food systems. SAFSF seeks to carry out its mission by providing opportunities for collaboration, increasing awareness of the issues as well as funding needs, and expanding beyond the current membership to increase support and funding for organizations that promote sustainable food production; link to concerns about sustainability of our food system; and/or connect food production with issues of environmental stewardship, diet and health, and viability of rural communities. More at http://www.regonline.com/custImages/241358/SAFSF08%20FINAL%20PROGRAM.pdf

Seminar: Inspiring Donor and Legacy Leadership Training Camp (Houston, Texas)
Sponsored by Inspired Legacies
June 27-28, 2008
St. Thomas University, 3800 Montrose
Join veteran donor educators for an intergenerational training on philanthropic innovations and learn how to build programs and a learning community, with multiple partners, to unleash more dollars and leadership for social justice locally and globally. Goals include forging new alliances and strategizing and collaborating on how to grow and engage more social justice donors. This is a pilot program, seeking leaders, donors and advisors who want to grow the donor organizing and donor partnership movement. Come and meet some of the new and elder field leaders. Contact Tracy Gary or Luis Rivas (for reservations) at tracy@inspiredlegacies.org, luis@inspiredlegacies.org. More at http://www.inspiredlegacies.org

Funders Teleconference: Support to Movement Building and the "Fort Mason" Process
Sponsored by: Funders Network on Trade and Globalization (FNTG)
June 30, 10:00 a.m. Pacific / 1:00 p.m. Eastern
The global justice movement, which has been defined as networked local struggles joined to transnational alliances and campaigns, has become an increasingly powerful force over the last decade. Advanced communication technologies, online activism, the innovation of social forums and other creative forms of organizing provide new cultural space and opportunities to develop analysis, build capacities and link efforts across boundaries in innovative and potentially transformative ways. Please join us for an hour-long call to discuss:

• Key shifts in movement-building over the past decade, especially relating to local U.S. organizing within the context of movements for global social justice
• The impacts of the US Social Forum, and emerging issues, strategies and local as well as national coalitions among grassroots organizations involved in movement-building in the U.S.
• How grantmakers can become involved in an ongoing initiative organizing funder/movement conversations to deepen learning and increase support to movement-building at home and abroad.

To register for this call and/or to receive more background information about the Fort Mason Funder/Movement initiative, please RSVP to mark@fntg.org.

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