CEP Announces Launch of New Learning Institute
Drawing on rigorous research and decades of experience advising foundations, CEP’s new Learning Institute supports individuals and groups looking to improve their philanthropic practice and maximize their impact. Through learning cohorts, trainings, and custom workshops, foundation staff and leaders can hear from compelling speakers, connect with peers in the field, engage in deep learning, set goals, and advance real changes. Learn more about opportunities for custom workshops at your foundation and register for upcoming peer learning cohorts starting in January 2024:
- Program Officer 9 Month Learning Cohort: To be an effective program officer requires a unique skillset and deep knowledge of an array of approaches. Connect with a supportive group of peers while you grow your knowledge of data-backed practices for effective philanthropy, troubleshoot barriers to implementation, and hone skills tailored to your organizational context. This cohort will include seven virtual sessions between January and September 2024. Register by October 16, 2023 for an early bird discount.
- Flexible Funding Leaders 10 Month Learning Cohort: We’ll connect foundation senior leaders with a supportive group of peers to learn about and discuss the utility and applicability of different types, lengths, and structures of grants. During the cohort, participants will also grapple with common barriers, gain practical tips for implementation, and set aside dedicated time to set and pursue goals related to maximizing the flexibility of funding at your organization. This cohort will include eight virtual sessions between January and October 2024. Register by October 20, 2023 for an early bird discount.
Questions? Reach out to Amber Bradley, Director, Learning Institute, today or learn more in her recent post on the CEP blog.
CEP’s Conference is Sold Out — But You Can Still Follow Along
CEP’s conference, taking place this fall in Boston, is now sold out. Whether you attend or not, however, there are numerous ways that you can follow along with the conference and the vital conversations that will happen there:
- The CEP blog: Ahead of the conference, we’ll share some previews (like this one) of a few sessions to give you a flavor of what’s coming. During the conference, we’ll be sharing daily recaps. Subscribe to receive blog updates.
- CEP’s social media channels: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter for real-time, bite-sized updates. Look for #CEP2023 for the latest on the conference.
- The Effective Philanthropy YouTube channel: We’re excited to share video of a select few plenary sessions on CEP’s YouTube channel after the conference. Subscribe to the CEP channel on YouTube to make sure you don’t miss it!
CEP on the NonProfit Times Power and Influence List
Editor of the NonProfit Times Paul Clolery calls the members of this year’s NPT Power and Influence list “initiators, innovators and leaders who can redirect and rebuild vital nonprofits and their operations.” We’re delighted to share that this year, CEP President Phil Buchanan was honored alongside CEP Board members Jesús Gerena, CEO of UpTogether, and Stephanie Hull, CEO of Girls, Inc. Also honored were former CEP Board members Crystal Hayling, Executive Director of the Libra Foundation, and Fay Twersky, President and Director of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Find the full list here.
[Photo left to right: Jesús Gerena, Phil Buchanan, and Stephanie Hull]
Latest on the CEP Blog
Philanthropy Needs Rights-Based Strategies and Tactics for Climate Action“Philanthropy has played a critical role in the struggles of peoples for freedom and justice through the centuries … So, too, must it take a human rights lens on climate action, a planetary struggle affecting us all.” – Carla Fredericks, CEO, Christensen Fund
To Boldly Give: Learning from the Impact of MacKenzie Scott’s Gifts to LGBTQ Organizations
“This is a pivotal moment to invest effectively in the organizations working to douse the flames of the attacks on LGBTQ people overall, and transgender people specifically. […] MacKenzie Scott’s large gifts to LGBTQ organizations demonstrates how bold giving can increase the movement’s impact.” – Tessa Juste, LGBTQ Movement Building and Policy Researcher, Movement Advancement Project (MAP)
Field Catalysts: The Versatile, Essential Tool Missing from Philanthropy’s Systems Change Toolbox
“[A]chieving population-level impact requires changing the underlying systems and structures that have been holding inequities in place. The work is hard, slow, and complicated and it requires working collectively across seemingly insurmountable silos. Fortunately, there is a tool in the toolbox that is built for just such a challenge.” – Lija Farnham, Partner, The Bridgespan Group and Lisa Quay, Former Executive Director, Student Experience Network (SERN)
Spending Out: One Funder’s 30-Year Journey
“[A]s we move through our final months of operation, we urge other sunsetting funders to spend out by leaning into the unique strengths of your own approach. Maintaining the integrity of our approach has made this process one of deep joy and fulfillment for Kendeda. Hopefully others will be as lucky.” – Dena Kimball, Executive Director, Kendeda Fund and David Brotherton, President, Brotherton Strategies
CEP is on Instagram!
Find us at @CEPData and follow along for resources and more of the latest from CEP.
Funders: Last Chance for a Discount on Your 2024 CEP Engagement
CEP’s annual early sign-up discount is available for just a few days longer! Receive a discount of up to $1,000 on an assessment tool (e.g., the Grantee Perception Report, the Staff Perception Report, or Donor Perception Report) or a custom advisory project (like a demographic data collection project). Secure your spot for a CEP engagement in 2024 by reaching out to Joe Lee, Manager, Assessment and Advisory Services, before Sept. 30.
