There is no doubt that 2017 was a big year for our country and the philanthropic sector. It was also a big year for EPIP DC as we continued to strengthen our programming and engage members in meeting the challenges of this important moment in history. Deeply seeded questions arose in our work and across the sector about how philanthropy can respond in this moment and stand with marginalized communities. Even with the dark moments of 2017 in mind, there is also much to celebrate! In looking back over the last year and into 2018, we are excited to share a few highlights and appreciation as we prepare for the big year ahead.

EPIP DC experienced an increase in altitude and visibility in 2017. One of the most important decisions we made in 2017 was to prioritize quality over quantity in our programming. Programming has been the backbone of our work at EPIP DC and we were ready to elevate its topic, speakers, and engagement strategies to meet the ever-growing demand from our members. The reduction in the number of programs allowed us to create more meaningful events such as a discussion on new models of philanthropy covered by the Chronicle of Philanthropy and a highly attended event on managing race and power from your seat. Issues of equity and justice served as the central theme for our work this year. This theme arose in everything from a pop-up event in March on how to organize in this political moment all the way to a member roundtable that provided peer-to-peer coaching on the equity issues they face in their organization. The pivoting of time and resources also gave us space to design a mentorship program, which has been a long-time interest for our chapter. More details to come on our mentorship program in 2018.

Another big win for 2017 was our ability to launch and fully capitalize the Changemakers for Good Fund. This fund totaling $15,000 will provide flexible resources as we expand and launch our programming, specifically for the mentorship program. It will also provide some much needed administrative and communications support. We are fortunate to have the trust and generosity of the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation, Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, and Richard E. and Nancy P. Marriott Foundation.

We have five Steering Committee members departing at the end of 2017. Tom DiGenno, Alison McNeil, Megan Milliken, Sean Tennerson, and Kelly Trop (outgoing Co-Chair) have each contributed to the success of EPIP DC and played invaluable roles in our growth. Their imprint on the work will be felt for a long time!

Looking forward to 2018, we are excited to be expanding our programming and officially launching the mentorship initiative. After an outstanding response to our call for application, we also have seven new members joining us. The 2018 Steering Committee members include:

• Tyler Nickerson, Solutions Project (Co-Chair)
• Rumsha Ahmed, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (Co-Chair)
• Afia Amobeaa-Sakyi, National Center for Family Philanthropy
• Andrea Wieters, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations
• Caitlin Duffy, National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy
• Cat Gironda, Funders Concerned About AIDS
• Erika Hawthorne, Bainum Family Foundation
• Gerren Price, The Annie E. Casey Foundation
• Lea Trusty, Democracy Fund
• Madelyn Schorr, Exponent Philanthropy
• Mary Ann Weiss, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation
• Rachel Ogorek, National Center for Family Philanthropy

Lastly, EPIP DC would like to appreciate the EPIP National staff for all of their contributions and dedication. Without the platform and resources you all have provided, we wouldn’t be here doing this work. Stay tuned for news from EPIP DC in 2018!