A Primer for New Foundation Staff

Date: 05/22/2012 Time: 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM Location: Minneapolis Central Library, Doty Board Room, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55401 MCF Member: $125
Nonmember Grantmaker: $150

Online registration has closed. To register, please contact Chantel Karney at ckarney@mcf.org or 612.465.0715.

Sponsored by Mayo Clinic, Medica Foundation and WCA Foundation

Part of MCF’s Effective Grantmaking Series.

Description: Whether you are new to philanthropy or taking on a new role in your grantmaking organization, there is a lot to learn. You bring your own values, knowledge and skills to the job, but how can you build on your strengths to become an effective grantmaker?

As a core workshop in MCF’s Effective Grantmaking Series, the Primer for New Foundation Staff is a first step in creating your personal and professional development plan – while also building your network of philanthropy peers. In this workshop you will not only learn about the philanthropic landscape and required skills, you will also recognize how to develop and apply your strengths to your work. We know that people new to the field need the basics. But we also know that the practice of philanthropy requires ongoing learning and unique opportunities for networking and career development. 

The Primer is not your typical introduction to philanthropy. It’s structured to optimize adult learning, and we vetted the learning plan and objectives with other experts, including foundation executive directors, senior program officers and human resources professionals.

The Primer will enable participants to:

• Understand the philanthropic landscape and required skills
• Recognize their own strengths and identify development opportunities
• Create a professional development plan
• Build a network of peers for future learning and sharing

Primer Agenda

8:30 to 9 a.m. – Check in and Continental Breakfast

9 to 9:30 a.m. – Welcome and Introductions

9:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Understanding the Field

10:30 to 10:45 a.m. – Break

10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Understanding the Craft, Part 1

What does the RFP tell you about the culture of the foundation?  Its values?  Its resources?  Its perspective on the needs within the community?

• Working within a foundation
• Personal strategies
• Working with communities
• Cultural and class competency

12 to 12:45 p.m. – Open Lunch and Break

12:45 to 2:30 p.m. – Understanding the Craft, Part 2

How do you use the narrative and budget to determine your expectations in the following areas:

• Content knowledge/subject area expertise
• Legal/ethical understanding
• Grants management
• Proposal assessment

2:30 to 2:45 p.m. – Break

2:45 to 3:30 p.m. – Understanding Your Skills

• Self-assessment
• Reflection
• Where to learn more

3:30 to 5 p.m. – Reception

• A Conversation with MCF President Bill King: Strategies for professional growth and personal satisfaction
• Open networking and refreshments

Presenters:

• Kerrie Blevins, foundation director, Patrick and Aimee Butler Family Foundation, and vice president, Private Philanthropy Services
• Mary Pickard, principal advisor, Opus Philanthropy Group

MCF Cancellation Policy: if you must cancel your attendance for this event, please contact Chantel Karney via email or at 612.465.0715 before May 18 to ensure a refund.