In today’s shifting philanthropic landscape, early and mid-career professionals are navigating complex questions: 

• How do I advocate for myself while protecting my job security? 
• How can I maintain my values in politically cautious environments?
• When is it strategic to push and when is it strategic to pace? 

This 90-minute interactive virtual workshop explores practical tools for workplace self-advocacy in philanthropy, grounded in relational power and institutional strategy. 

This event is free, but RSVP is required.

The Chicago Chapter of Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy (EPIP) and Forefront are excited to co-host a happy hour celebrating the newest cohort of Grantmakers Institute participants. This event offers a chance to learn more about EPIP programs and, most importantly, to network and connect with fellow grantmaking professionals. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.

This event is intended for EPIP folks in Chicago, current cohort members, alumni of the Grantmakers Institute, and grantmakers with less than 10 years of experience in the philanthropy field.

Written by EPIP Chicago Steering Committee Members, 

Claire Kaufman

Cristina Guerrero

By Marca Bristo

"Twenty five years after passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, there is much work yet to be done to impact true integration of the disabled."

It is a vivid memory, the day I woke up, opened my eyes, and began to see the chasm that clenches racial inequity in this country and the world—it is pervasive and structural, unyielding and entrenched. The day was a cold afternoon in December 2014...

How can emerging practitioners disrupt this exhaustion, breathe new life in the effort to advance DEI in philanthropy and throughout the sector, and begin to make DEI not only visible but consequential to communities affected by historic and systemic inequities?

EPIP Chicago members and leaders are launching a blog series on DEI - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - in philanthropy. This is the first of five posts in the series. 

"At D5 Coalition, we define equity as, “Improving equity is to promote justice, impartiality and fairness within the procedures, processes, and distribution of resources by institutions or systems. Tackling equity issues requires an understanding of the underlying or root causes of outcome disparities within our society.”

In the PolicyLink’s Equity manifesto, it says “it [equity] demands honesty and forthrightness calling out racism and oppression, both overt and systemic”

But let’s be real, talking about equity is hard. ..."

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. 

Collaboration across organizations is not easy feat, but when it works value is always elevated. EPIP Chicago, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) Chicago and All A-Board Alliance have been working together in Chicago to make the most of community collaboration. As a board member and community leader, Lauren King has a unique perspective to highlight opportunities for this kind of collaboration. A former EPIP Chicago steering committee member and current board member at YNPN Chicago and All A-Board Alliance, Lauren reflects on her experience participating across networks here.