Minnesota Council on Foundations
 September 26, 2008
 Mystic Lake Casino Hotel,
 Prior Lake
 
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  Schedule of Events

8:00 a.m. Check-In, Networking and Continental Breakfast  
8:45 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks  
9:00 a.m. Opening Keynote
The Cutting Edge of Philanthropy: Leading the Way
Philanthropy is changing. New technologies and new players are rapidly and radically reshaping our landscape. As the options for donors change, the expectations of donors will change along with it. What does this mean for the way we serve donors, develop grantmaking programs and provide leadership in our communities? How can we stay on the cutting edge of philanthropy?
Carleen Rhodes, President and CEO, Minnesota Community Foundation and The Saint Paul Foundation
 
10:15 a.m. Morning Breakout Sessions  
  New Community Leadership Tools
The Theory of Change is a new framework and tool specifically designed to help community foundations engage in community leadership through an examination of values, relationships, resources and skills. This workshop used a variety of interactive exercises to instruct participants on using this new leadership tool.
Presenter: Nancy Straw, President, West Central Initiative
 
  Evolving Community Philanthropy Issues
Registrants engaged in three 20-minute mini-sessions on different topics, including challenge grants, staffing, professional advisors, engaging donors, board education, program issues and networking. Facilitators for each highly interactive discussion will provide conversation starters and resources, allowing for an exchange of best practices.
  • Maximizing the Use of Challenge Grants Notes
  • Staffing Challenges in Small Foundations
  • Connecting with Professional Advisors
  • Keeping Donors Engaged During Tough Times Notes
  • The Diplomatic Process of Board Education
  • The Art of Networking with Other Foundations
  • Perennial Program Issues Notes
 
11:30 a.m. Luncheon Keynote
Bolder Giving in Extraordinary Times
As founders of the Bolder Giving Initiative, the Ellingers have encountered people with extraordinary levels of giving (more than 100 people who have given 50% or more of their income, business profits or net worth). Attendees learned what the Ellingers have discovered are the key motivations to donors who took quantum leaps in their giving, and strategies for overcoming key obstacles. Their inspiring story will help foundations catapult their clients into giving to their fullest potential.
Christopher and Anne Ellinger, Founders, Bolder Giving
 
1:00 p.m. Afternoon Breakout Sessions  
  Inclusivity: Your Role in the Community
As foundations' leadership roles evolve, the issue of inclusivity gives foundations the opportunity to make a difference, not only through grantmaking and donor awareness but also through community-wide change in attitude and practice.
Panelists: Sandra Vargas, President, The Minneapolis Foundation; Steve Joul, President, Central Minnesota Community Foundation; George Thompson, chair, Blandin Foundation, and retired director, Rochester Diversity Council
Notes
  Building Relationships for Fundraising in Challenging Times
How do you make sure the donor relationships you have are solid so your donors stay with you? Attendees learned why donors stick with you and why they don't, and discovered tips and strategies for deepening your donor connections, including how to communicate more clearly with your donors to keep them engaged.
Presenter: Lori Jacobwith, Consultant
Notes
2:30 p.m. Closing Keynote
Inspiring Leadership in Community Foundations
The role of community philanthropy is constantly changing, and the need has never been greater for truly inspired leadership. Where can we look for models? How can we tell what will work for our own community? Jennifer Leonard provided us with insights as a respected leader in the community philanthropy world.
Jennifer Leonard, President and Executive Director, Rochester Area Community Foundation (NY)
 
 
Sponsored by:




For more information, contact Lisa Johnson | phone: 612.335.3556 | ljohnson@mcf.org


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