"I often think about the power of breath. As a singer, breathing is as close to life and death as one can get to actual life and death. Breathing life into a phrase is no metaphor. The perfect exhalation animates a lifeless passage and sends it scampering into the hearts of those who listen.  It is the difference between applause and silence, between being carried aloft or crashing, gasping to earth. And so my mind is sometimes caught in the rhythm of my lungs. The rise, the fall, the inhale, the exhale, the awareness of air as it is taken in and expelled.

...what happens when we reclaim the power of breath denied?"

Click here to read more from Donita Volkwijn.

Members are the beating heart and lifeblood of EPIP and as we prepare for Thanksgiving holidays, we are incredibly grateful for each and every one, whether you are part of an Institutional Membership or have joined on your own. In celebration of all our members, today we launch the publication of a series of blog posts written by EPIP's People of Color Network (PCN).

PCN 2015 convened as a delegation at the Policy Link Equity Summit was a rich and powerful experience for participants. 

The Academy for Grantmaking and Funder Education Presents...

Mini Intensive for New Philanthropists and Grantmakers

Webinar Recap - Philanthropy’s Role in Disaster Relief for the Most Vulnerable

November 18, 2015

Webinar Recap - Building a Movement to Divest from Fossil Fuels and Invest in New Energy Solutions

Wednesday, November 04, 2015

For grantmakers, understanding and navigating through the board leadership practices and dynamics of a nonprofit organization can be challenging, and often raises a lot of important questions. BoardSource has identified, through conversations with foundation staff, that it would be helpful to have a forum for grantmakers to tackle these questions and build a foundation of governance knowledge to help them become more informed and strategic in their grantmaking.  Based on this identified need, BoardSource has developed a new governance education program specifically designed to help grantmakers:

• Gain insights, tools, and materials to develop an understanding of effective nonprofit board governance practices
• Examine approaches, assumptions, questions, and practices regarding effective governance
• Build confidence in engaging grantees in dialogue regarding their governance practices 

Guest Post by Expert, Vernetta L. Walker, JD of BoardSource

EPIP Welcomes Tamir Novotny as Incoming Executive Director

October 27, 2015 -- EPIP is delighted to announce that Tamir Novotny has been selected as its new Executive Director, beginning Monday, November 16th.

In preparing for his new role, Tamir stated: "I could not be more thrilled to be the next steward of EPIP. As a member of the EPIP family, I've seen firsthand how powerful EPIP can be for its members and for the field. I look forward to taking our work to new levels of power and influence in the years to come."

We're excited for next week's Equity Summit! Today, we hosted a prep webinar in anticipation of the gathering. Following is the recording and slides from today's call.

We're seeking leaders to serve on EPIP DC's steering committee beginning January 2016. The EPIP national network and its Washington D.C. chapter (EPIP DC) are at an exciting moment in their evolution. We're looking for motivated persons who are committed to the mission of EPIP and who are passionate about developing and supporting the emerging leaders of DC. If you are interested in joining us, please follow the instructions on the EPIP DC Steering Committee Application. Applications are due by 5 pm on Friday, November 6. If you have any questions please email [email protected].

What you’ve heard about Chicago summers is true— they are the best part about living in the city! EPIP Chicago had a great summer and as we brace for fall’s unpredictable weather and gusty winds, let’s relive what we were up to in the summer.

Read updates from our Chicago Chapter including lessons learned from summer events like "Facilitation for Grantmakers" and "Chicago Women in Philanthropy Women Leadership Mentoring Program" and find out about upcoming events & opportunities.