Clarity & Courage: Wayfinding for this Moment
Early last month, we launched registration for our 2026 National Conference: Clarity & Courage. While these words underpin the focal point for the conference, they are increasingly potent as we navigate the current socio-political moment where truths are coming into stark focus, and our sector is being called on for deep courage.
For months, we’ve watched how everyday individuals in Minnesota have been standing with enduring courage as they fight the encroachment of authoritarianism and the kidnapping of their neighbors. Members on the ground are involved with rapid response funds, mutual aid, giving circles, toolkits, and community safety efforts. These efforts are being led largely by residents, asking us to consider how our institutions can quickly resource movements without slowing things down.
This moment is also asking us for increased clarity about the conditions that led to history repeating itself; about the specificity of these conditions that require decisive action; and about the type of future we want to build, and the type of people we want to become.
As a learning organization, we take political education seriously all year round. But three pieces feel particularly helpful as we look back on Black History Month:
Scot Nakagawa writes about the legacy of the government’s attack on Black power movements for the last 60 years, and the relationship to the pathway for increased authoritarianism today.
adrienne maree brown and Autumn Brown’s interview with Norma Wong invites us to be fully awake, aware, and present to the change around us, so we can be cognizant of who we want to become through the change.
All of this, of course, is occurring against the backdrop of a nonprofit and philanthropic sector that is hemorrhaging talent — with a particular impact on Black women, 300,000 of whom were pushed out of the labor market in 2025.
For our members, many of whom might be newer to their organizations or newer to their roles, we know that navigating increased fear, anxiety, and surveillance can feel insurmountable. adrienne and Autumn invite their listeners to consider, in this moment: what can you do and what will you do? At EPIP, we believe every decision can be a choice point for greater equity and justice. They just might require some extra clarity, courage, and community.
We hope you’ll join us in Chicago in June to continue learning and building together.
Onward,
The EPIP team
EPIP News
Register for EPIP 2026: Clarity & Courage!
Registration is open for EPIP 2026:Clarity & Courage, and we hope you’ll join us in Chicago, a city deeply rooted in organizing, community, and collective action.
This year’s conference builds on 2024’s New Orleans gathering — our largest yet — to learn across generations and build the skills we need right now, while creating space for real connection and joy.
Early bird pricing: $750 for EPIP members, available for the first 100 tickets, until gone! Questions about other pricing tiers can be found on our website under ‘registration.’
We are also running a membership drive, so you can renew your membership at a discounted rate of $125 and bundle/save when you register.
There's still time to help shape the conversation! Submit your session proposals by March 5. See our submission guide!
Skills for Inclusive Leadership: Managing Up
Navigating complex work with your manager, team, and leadership is key to advancing equity in the fast-paced philanthropy sector. Join EPIP staff and special guests for an interactive workshop on different approaches to “managing up,” exploring power dynamics in virtual and hybrid workplaces, and sharing your own experiences. As always, EPIP spaces are designed for high-engagement, rooted in peer learning, and reflect our Inclusive Leadership Framework.
Questions about our workshop? Reach out to [email protected].
This event is open to all, and FREE to EPIP members. If you are an EPIP member, click here to log in and register at the member rate! Interested in becoming an EPIP member? Visit our membership page or contact [email protected].
Communities of Practice
Our Communities of Practice Have a New Look!
Looking for our communities of practice? This year we’re trying something new and evolving our spaces to be more accessible to all of our members. Join us May 12 from 1 - 2:30 p.m. EST for this exclusive members-only space, where we’ll meet as a large group and also incorporate small groups for our community of practice members to reconvene in those communities!
These quarterly member spaces are exclusively for EPIP members. Not a member yet? Visit our membership page to learn more and join this community of equity-minded changemakers.
Questions about our communities of practice or whether this is a good fit for you? Reach out to [email protected].
Chapter News
EPIP DC | Co-Working Morning
Join EPIP DC on March 13 for a co-working morning! You’ll have the chance to get some work done in good company and build connections without the pressure of a formal networking event. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided. We hope to see you there!
More exciting chapter programs are on the horizon. Keep an eye on our events page and LinkedIn to stay in the loop.
Sector News
Level Up Campaign
We are proud to endorse the Level Up pledge — a two-year minimum commitment to increase giving, move money quickly and equitably, and share the data that proves it. Frontline communities deserve more than episodic funding. They deserve sustained investment that builds the power of those most impacted by injustice and works toward a more inclusive democracy and equitable economy.
If you’re ready to commit to action, to commit to equity, and are willing to verify your commitments, sign the Level Up Pledge today!
Grantmakers Meeting the AI Moment: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building an AI Strategy for Foundations
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly reshaping our systems and institutions. The National Center for AI, Philanthropy & Society invites grantmakers to attend a webinar to explore frameworks and partnerships crucial to creating an AI action plan.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 1 - 2 p.m. EST
G4GC’s National Convening
EPIP is proud to be a community partner for the 2026 G4GC Convening — Investing in Ecosystems that Support Our Youth — G4GC’s first national in-person gathering for funders and philanthropic leaders. This is an intentional space for funders to strategize, build community, and take concrete action to strengthen the ecosystems that care for and advance the work of girls and gender-expansive youth of Color. Together, we will explore how aligned resources, bold investment, and collaborative approaches can drive lasting impact, celebrate youth vision, and support the leaders and advocates who champion their work.
Tuesday, May 12 – Friday, May 15, 2026 | Charlotte, NC
Job Board
Looking for a new opportunity?
View highlighted job opportunities from our Institutional Member and partner organizations below, and check our Job Board for more opportunities from around the country.
- Analyst - Assessment and Advisory Services, Center for Effective Philanthropy, San Francisco, CA
- Program Officer, Research to Impact Lab, Center for Cultural Innovation, United States (Remote)
- Program Associate, Grants - Center for Cultural Innovation, Bay Area California (Remote)
- Grants Manager - Center for Cultural Innovation, California (Remote)
- Associate, Legal Resources - Council on Foundations (Remote)
- Finance Manager - The Klarman Family Foundation, Boston, MA (Hybrid)
- Program Officer - Council of Michigan Foundation, Lansing, MI
Would you like to post a job opening at your organization to the EPIP Job Board? Submit a job post here.
Join Our Community!
Ready to start getting member benefits and access to member-only resources?
Join EPIP as an individual or institutional member!
Missed last month's newsletter? You can now access our newsletters on our website!
Showing 1 reaction
Sign in with