Operating from Spaciousness and Rest

Several years ago, during the early stages of the pandemic and only a few months into my role, I knew that our orientation to work and rest needed to change. We needed to slow down so that we could ultimately launch new initiatives, expand the team, shift from fiscal sponsorship and commence operations as an independent entity at a more sustainable pace. 

Over the past several years, EPIP’s staff and board have engaged in conversations about the place for rest, or spaciousness, within EPIP. As a result of those conversations, we have adopted several internal practices that have challenged us to reimagine a different, more sustainable pacing of work. We instituted Summer Fridays and additional office closures during the winter, in sync with many others in the sector. Then, we introduced monthly Learning & Reflection time, where we commit to one week of intentional deep focus, learning, and internal conversations. 

And now, I’m happy to share with you that EPIP is taking our spaciousness practice one step further, sunsetting our Summer Fridays practice, and in September will transition to a four-day work week (Monday - Thursday). This decision is the result of several years of intentional planning and preparation, and while Summer Fridays have come to an end, our commitment to rest as an integral part of the work has not. 

I believe we are stronger, sharper, and most powerful in our service to our members and the sector when we are operating from a place of spaciousness and rest. And I look forward to what this shift will bring to the work ahead of us.

In Solidarity, 

Storme 

EPIP News & Events

EPIP Partners with Agency MABU

EPIP is excited to announce a communications partnership with Agency MABU to enhance our team’s capacity to amplify the important work of our members and our collective impact in the sector.

Agency MABU is a Native American owned and operated full-service management, marketing, and multimedia production company that uses authentic storytelling, creative and strategic intuition, and innovative marketing solutions to support clients. Our partnership started with a revised brand guide for EPIP, which has resulted in a new look and feel for our organization. You’ve probably seen the new look across our social media pages, website, and in this newsletter! On August 29, Agency MABU facilitated a Communications workshop for our Chapter Leaders to further integrate the new branding across our Chapters. We are excited to welcome Agency MABU to our team and to continue collaborating with them on our communications efforts to amplify our members’ voices.

Help us Plan Our 2024 National Conference

We are thrilled to announce that applications are open for EPIP’s 2024 conference planning committee. We’re looking for 20 members who will help us build towards our first in-person conference since before the pandemic. Read more about the conference committee on our blog. We hope you’ll consider joining us to grow your own skills and relationships in the philanthropic sector. 

For more information and to submit your interest, please visit our interest form. 

Applications are due by September 14. Questions? Email [email protected].

Join an EPIP Community of Practice! 

Check out our Communities of Practice for opportunities to strengthen connections with peers through identity-based relationship-building, professional development, and peer coaching. Below are 2023 gathering dates for our active cohorts: 

• Emerging Women of Color Community of Practice: a 90 minute session is scheduled for October 31 at 3 p.m. EST. Please save the date and make sure you’re signed up for updates to know when the RSVP goes live.
• People of Color Community of Practice: 90 minute sessions are scheduled for September 26 at 3 p.m. EST and December 5 at 3 p.m. EST. Our September 26 session is about Negotiation Strategies. RSVP here. 
• White Affinity Community of Practice: The newest cohort meets on the second Tuesday of each month until November 14. Click here to learn more and express interest in joining a future cohort. 

Contact [email protected] with any questions or to express interest in getting involved as a facilitator for future sessions.

Join us in Washington, D.C. this September

Save the date! Join EPIP and our Washington, D.C. chapter for our first in-person event since 2020 - a networking mixer on September 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Lucha Rosa, 1011 K St. NW (13th floor).

There will be a cash bar and light appetizers will be provided.

This event is a chance for EPIP members to learn about opportunities with EPIP National and the Washington, D.C. chapter, grow their networks, and connect with new and old colleagues outside of the office or Zoom room. 

RSVP soon, space is limited. We hope to see you there!

EPIP Chapter Updates 

EPIP Michigan Happy Hour

Dive deep into the world of EPIP Michigan and connect with fellow emerging practitioners in an exhilarating virtual speed networking session! Collaboratively explore professional development (PD) avenues and feel free to bring along your favorite PD experiences, opportunities and the savvy strategies you utilized to discover them. 

When: September 19, 2023, 4:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST

Where: Zoom Meeting

Contact: EPIP Michigan ([email protected])

RSVP today!

Thank You PEEP Attendees!

EPIP’s Colorado Chapter hosted PEEP (Part to Enhance Equity in Philanthropy) on August 16. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this evening of community and conversation!

Sector News & Events 

Reflections from Black Philanthropy Month

August marked the annual celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. 2023’s theme, Love in Action, was inspired by the times and the late scholar-activist bell hooks’ writings on love as a necessary foundation for true social change. The 2023 theme “focuses attention on the root meaning of philanthropy as love for all humanity, including Black people.” 

Below are reflections on Black Philanthropy Month from across the philanthropic sector.

• Celebrating Black Philanthropy Month 2023
• Essence Is Celebrating Black Philanthropy Month This August By Delving Into What It Means To Be Philanthropic And Black
• Philanthropy is at a Crossroads for Accountability
• Celebrating the untold history of Black philanthropy
• “The Gifts Of Black Folk” And The Legacy Of Madam C.J. Walker
• The underrecognized history of Black philanthropy

From the Ground Up: Why Community Power Matters in Funding Climate Justice - September 14

Join the Neighborhood Funders Group on September 14 at 11:30 a.m. CST for an interactive and dynamic webinar for funders to learn about:

• Why community power, place-based approaches, and intersectional analyses are central to advancing climate justice.
• How organizers are building long-term community power through food systems, regenerative agriculture, and environmental justice work.
• How funders can be in solidarity with community-driven efforts to advance intersectional climate justice.

Learn more and register here.

Feminist Funding '23: RISING - September 10-14

Join the Women’s Funding Network in Washington, D.C. September 10-14 for the  largest convening of gender-focused philanthropy, dedicated to creating a more just, equitable, and safer world for all. This year’s gathering will include one day of pre-conference learning and one day of U.S. legislative and global policy activities. We invite you to attend all four days and welcome activities on September 10 for the most comprehensive and rewarding experience. Click here to learn more and get your tickets!

Registration for Funding Forward 2023 is Open!

This three-day convening, from November 29 to December 1, will be held at Loews Chicago Hotel and will be the first in-person conference from Funders for LGBTQ Issues since 2019. Not able to attend in person? There will also be virtual content for hybrid participation. Click here to learn more and reserve your spot today.

What We’re Reading, Watching & Listening to: 

• Racial Stress is Killing Women of Color (Visible Magazine)
• How Fidelity, Schwab, and Vanguard Fund Hate Groups (The New Republic)

Have something new on your reading list or a resource you'd like to share with the EPIP community? Let us know at [email protected].

Job Board 

Looking for a new opportunity?

The positions below are just the beginning! Check our Job Board for more opportunities from around the country: 

• Communications Manager, Foundation for Louisiana - Louisiana
• Fiscal Sponsorship Program Manager, Foundation for Louisiana - Louisiana
• Program Officer, U.S. Jewish Grantmaking, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies - Washington, DC, Atlanta, GA, or New York, NY
• Texas Policy Manager, Teach Plus - Texas (Austin preferred)
• Donor Relations Manager, California Community Foundation - Los Angeles, CA
• Strategy Officer for Innovation and Discovery, Lumina Foundation - Washington, DC
• Application Integration Specialist, McKnight Foundation - Minneapolis, MN
• Program Associate, Ms. Foundation for Women - New York City / Remote

Log in to your member account or join EPIP today to explore more opportunities on our Job Board using filters and special features!

Join Our Community!