Conference Reflections: Break Silos, Learn from Missteps, Apply the Knowledge

The following is written by Alexis King, Steering Committee Member of the EPIP-NY Chapter, and staff at Living Cities, Inc. 

Priding itself as a space that supports innovation in philanthropy, this year’s EPIP Annual Conference, LEAD!, did not disappoint in the range and depth of knowledge explored. There are three major points addressed during the conference that serve as great takeaways for attendees and the EPIP members unable to attend.

Breaking silos. Throughout the conference there were many references to silos that block resources, connections, and opportunities to various communities. This year’s EPIP Conference made strides to not only address these silos but to ensure that the conversation help the next generation of leaders in philanthropy break those silos. From the lunch Plenary Session on Thursday, April 4^th that exchanged ideas on how foundations can think outside of the box, to the honest and candid, “The Personal  is Political: Race, Class, and Gender as Ongoing Conversation” and, “‘Doing Good’ in the Twenty-First Century” concurrent sessions, the conversations to create action tools included an emphasis on expanding  allies for your work and thinking with a cross sectored mindset for how to combat these silos were a stride in the right direction as a philanthropic community.

Conference Reflections: The Inspiration & Transformative Power of EPIP

The following is written by Nichole Martini, Co-Chair of the EPIP-NY Chapter. 

EPIP is Transformative. EPIP inspires me. Through all the ways I have participated in EPIP, I have moved to a deeper understanding that there is a movement building; a movement of an entire generation of philanthropy professionals that will change the world.  EPIP serves the young in philanthropy, but also those new to its circles. Over the years, I have never found such an honest, open, and trusted circle of colleagues as I have at EPIP. The National Conference is always like a homecoming, re-connecting with those who keep returning, and embracing those who are new each year.  We are creating a passionate body of people taking on leadership challenges all throughout the country and the world with a similar commitment to work together and guide philanthropy to a new level of impact. It is through this collaboration and spirit of camaraderie that we can hold each other accountable to the values that we share for ourselves and for our sector.

EPIP-NY and JAG Invite You to a Party!

The Joint Affinity Groups (JAG) and EPIP are collaborating to host a party that sends you into the holiday season in style!

Ring in the holidays. Eat great food. Listen to great music. Meet the New York-area's finest affinity group talent. And cheer EPIP's new Executive Director, Rahsaan Harris, in his new position!

What:  2012 Annual JAG/EPIP Holiday Party

When: Wednesday, December 19

Where: The Atlantic Philanthropies (75 Varick Street, 17th Floor, NY, NY)

RSVP: Visit http://2012nycjagharris.eventbrite.com

Nonperishable Donations

In the spirit of the season, let's support people affected by Hurricane Sandy. Volunteers will collect your donation of nonperishable items and provide them to local relief organizations.

Questions

Please contact Nichole Martini at nichole.martini@gmail.com.

We hope to see you there!

Opportunity to Join the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network National Board

This is a great opportunity for EPIP members interested in nonprofit board service!

YNPN is looking for outstanding nonprofit leaders to join the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network national board of directors. If you are committed to nonprofits, ready to commit to a leadership position, and want to help lead the growing YNPN movement, you are encouraged you to apply. YNPN's board is a working board, helping to steer the course of YNPN’s growth, national presence, committees, programs and activities.

For more info, check out their website. The deadline to apply is October 26, 2012.

EPIP members receive 15% off grantmaking courses, NYU Academy for Grantmaker and Funder Education

Benefit: 15% discount off all grantmaking courses. Courses prices vary.

Details: The NYU Academy for Grantmaking and Funder Education is a division of the NYU George Heyman Jr. Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising. The Academy program is targeted to both individual philanthropists and foundation professionals. The curriculum is based on “core competencies of grantmaking”, sequential learning, and was developed in collaboration with the Council on Foundations, the Association of Small Foundations, Regional Associations of Grantmakers, the National Center for Family Philanthropy, and numerous private foundations, and many others in the field. Programs include a Certificate in Grantmaking, Mini intensives for new grantmakers, and Advanced Intensives for more experienced funders.

EPIP staff are safe after nearby Empire State Building shooting

The EPIP office is located just one block from the Empire State Building. Given the close proximity to today's tragic shooting, we wanted to report that the EPIP staff is safe and unharmed. Our office neighbors in The New York Foundation are also safe.

EPIP-NY is Recruiting!

If you've been following the latest EPIP news, you will know that EPIP has just appointed a new Executive Director, Rahsaan Harris. And if you're reading this post on epip.org, you will notice our new, snazzy website design. Clearly, there are a lot of great things going on at EPIP and we want you to be part of it!

EPIP New York is recruiting new members to our local steering committee. Serving on the chapter steering committee is a great opportunity to practice your leadership, grow your professional network, and enhance organized philanthropy and its impact on communities.

Job Opening: Program Assistant, Living Cities

Living Cities has announced an opening for a Program Assistant position at its New York office. For more information, check out the job description.

Welcome!

Welcome to the new EPIP-NY blog!

We hope our readers like this new format and will continue to check us out for the latest news and updates from your EPIP-NY community!

The Next Gen Fellowship in Mission Related Investing

Confluence Philanthropy and Resource Generation have partnered to create the Next Gen Fellowship in Mission Related Investing, a one-year intensive peer-to-peer learning program for trustees and individual donors seeking to align their philanthropic mission with the management of their assets. The 2012 cohort begins in September 2012. The deadline to apply is May 28, 2012! For more information, see below or check out the info page.