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Grantmaking Fundamentals Workshop 2018

Tuesday, June 05, 2018, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

A full-day professional development workshop for Mid-Atlantic grantmakers taught by our region's experienced practitioners! Presented by Maryland Philanthropy Network every year.

Learning Agenda

Your grantmaking within the local and national philanthropic landscape
Developing grant guidelines and communicating with the public
Reviewing proposals and conducting due diligence
Legal and ethical guidelines for grantmaking excellence
Maximizing grant impact
Strategies for continued learning and improvement

Who Should Attend

Trustees, staff, and executive directors of foundations, giving circles and corporate giving programs who want to expand their grantmaking skills, deepen their understanding of philanthropy and learn from their colleagues
Individuals who are exploring how to organize significant charitable giving
Beginning grantmakers will appreciate the workshop's efficient overview of all aspects of grantmaking
Intermediate grantmakers will appreciate the time to reflect on and refine their grantmaking fundamentals

Registration Fees

$100 Maryland Philanthropy Network members - $85 Early-Bird Discount before May 11, 2018
$100 members of Philanthropy Serving Organizations* that are part of the United Philanthropy Forum - $85 Early-Bird Discount before May 11, 2018
$145 non-member grantmakers - $130 Early-Bird Discount before May 11, 2018
Total attendance will be limited to 25 registrants; Maryland Philanthropy Network reserves the right to cancel the event if fewer than five grantmakers register (fees would be reimbursed)
*Please contact your membership organization for the discount code.

This workshop is adopted from Essential Skills and Strategies for New Grantmakers, co-developed by the Council on Foundations and the United Philanthropy Forum. All participants will receive a set of helpful reference materials. Please direct any questions or inquiries to Elisabeth Hyleck at ehyleck@marylandphilanthropy.org or 410-727-1205 x 1211.

DRAFT AGENDA - Subject to change

8:00AM – 8:30 AM Coffee and Registration

8:30 AM - 8:50 AM Welcome and Introductions

8:50 AM – 9:30 AM

The Philanthropic Landscape
Participants get to know one another and put their own foundation or giving program within the broader context of philanthropy.

Learning Results

key facts and historic events in the development of philanthropy
the infrastructure that supports philanthropy
current trends and debates about philanthropy

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Developing Guidelines and Communicating Funding Priorities
Participants reflect on their organizations’ areas of interests and goals, as well as communicating with potential grantees and partners.

Learning Results

establishing strong mission statements and grant guidelines
understanding types of grants and ways to give
communicating effectively with grantees

15 minute break

10:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Funding Recommendations and Due Diligence
Participants learn the art of grantmaking, balancing organizational values and goals, trustees’ interests, and best practices in due diligence to better review and recommend grant proposals.

Learning Results

typical steps and best practices in the proposal review process
how to determine a proposal’s relevance and fit to your foundation culture
an introduction to nonprofit financial statements
best practices in presenting recommendations to the board and communicating with grantseekers and grantees
how to conduct a valuable site visit

Lunch will be provided

12:45 PM – 1:30 PM
Maryland Philanthropy Network Guiding Principles and Ethics
Participants are introduced to key legal and ethical issues in grantmaking through scenarios and Maryland Philanthropy Network’s Guiding Principles.

Learning Results

the basic rules of expenditure responsibility
definition and how to avoid self-dealing
the role of conflicts of interest policies
strategies for managing common ethical challenges

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Maximizing Grant Impact
Participants connect capacity building, advocacy, grantee engagement, and diversity/inclusion to effectiveness and identify leadership roles in philanthropy beyond delivering dollars.

Learning Results

key strategies to leveraging grant dollars
considerations for working with government
the importance of diversity and inclusion to effective grantmaking

15 minute break

2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Managing Your Grant Portfolio
Participants discuss grant monitoring, evaluation, and closure – including what to do when grantees flounder.

Learning Results

an overview of the types and purpose of evaluation
the design of grant reports
effective practices in working with nonprofits to support their success

3:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Continuing to Learn
Participants discover additional resources for professional development and develop a personal learning agenda.

Learning Results