Early Afternoon Sessions, October 7

1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Board Self-Assessment: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

If your foundation looked into a mirror, what would it see? A board self-assessment can help identify what’s working, what’s not, and ways to move forward deliberately and efficiently.

Presenters: Marty Fluharty, The Americana Foundation , Novi, MI; Jeff Glebocki, Raymond John Wean Foundation, Warren, OH; Ruth Masterson, Association of Small Foundations, Washington, DC

Capacity Building—> Stronger Nonprofits—> Improved Outcomes

To thrive in the face of mounting competition, demands for accountability, and needs for service, nonprofits must continually adapt and strengthen their capacity. Learn to assess nonprofit capacity-building needs and readiness, tailor assistance, and help nonprofits devise and implement capacity-building plans. This session is generously supported by the Leighty Foundation.

Presenters: Paul Connolly, TCC Group, San Francisco, CA; Jane Justis, The Leighty Foundation, Cascade, CO; Sammy Politziner, Arbor Brothers, New York, NY; Amanda Kraus, Row New York, Long Island City, NY

Freedom to Push the Envelope

Philanthropy is uniquely positioned to support research and development, new social ventures, and untested approaches to pressing problems. Consider the power and potential rewards of taking greater risks in your philanthropy.

Presenters: Jennifer Astone, Swift Foundation, Strategic Philanthropy, Aptos, CA; Doug Bauer, The Clark Foundation, New York, NY; Colin Greer, New World Foundation, New York, NY

Road Map to Financial Health: Investment Policy Statement

Where is your foundation going, and how will it get there? An investment policy statement (IPS) can help. Develop an IPS that states in writing your foundation’s mission and goals, and how your investment policy and practices will help achieve those goals.

Presenters: Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Veris Wealth Partners, San Francisco, CA; Norman Nabhan, Graystone Consulting, a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Houston, TX

Social Media Is Beyond Buzz

Social media is an integral part of how our society connects and communicates. Experts and philanthropic leaders will discuss strategic and creative uses of social media to accomplish philanthropic goals.       

Presenters: Berit Ashla, Foundation Source Charitable Foundation, San Francisco, CA; Gali Cooks, Rita J. & Stanley H. Kaplan Family Foundation, New York, NY; Sara Elkin, Frieda C. Fox Family Foundation, Studio City, CA

Streamlining Your Application and Reporting

Foundations have the power to reduce time and financial burdens on grantseekers and grantees by streamlining their application and reporting processes. Find out how to streamline while getting the information you need.     

Presenter: Jessica Bearman, Bearman Consulting, Moscow, ID

Technology Tool Shop: ASF

Learn how ASF is using its blog PhilanthroFiles to enhance the power of philanthropy and build an online community. We’ll share a behind-the-scenes look at how and why we blog, what we’ve learned so far, and how you can get involved. We’ll also speak candidly about some of the challenges we’ve faced, discuss the importance of member participation in this endeavor, and share tips for anyone interested in making a difference online. Limited seating, pre-registration required. Contact us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to reserve your spot.

Presenter: Ted Adams, Association of Small Foundations, Washington, DC

Understanding and Engaging the Next Generation of Philanthropic Leaders

21/64 and the Johnson Center will present their first-of-its-kind national study of next generation (ages 21–40) members of philanthropic families. Discuss how these leaders of the next half-century think about, learn about, and engage in philanthropy.

Presenters: Michael Moody, Johnson Center for Philanthropy, Grand Rapids, MI; Merritt Richmond, Cemala Foundation, San Francisco, CA

Up Close and Personal: The Art of Site Visits

Site visits can be a valuable tool to inform your grantmaking and strengthen relationships with your grantees. Explore when to conduct them, how to determine who to send, and what to keep in mind during your visit.

Presenters: Scott Brazda, Stuller Family Foundation, Broussard, LA, and Kathleen Odne, Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation, Walnut Creek, CA

What You Should Know About Government Cuts to Nonprofits

Since 2008, government cutbacks have wreaked havoc on nonprofits, causing declines in income and delays in grants and payment for contracted services. Some proactive funders are documenting the squeeze and recommending ways to help nonprofits continue to serve their constituents.

Presenters: Betsy Brill, Strategic Philanthropy, Ltd., Chicago, IL; Barbara Garcia, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA; Christopher Hoene, California Budget Project, Sacramento, CA; and Colin Lacon, Northern California Grantmakers, San Francisco, CA