Don't miss this chance to build connections with Maine philanthropy colleagues, share successes and challenges, and learn about what's happening in the broader philanthropy world.
The day will offer participants opportunities to learn about the Maine Philanthropy Center's new strategic plan and commitment to building funder effectiveness.
It then will feature Laura Ligouri and Kate Evans of Mindbridge, who will join us for a half-day session and explain:
- the cognitive science behind implicit bias.
- how implicit bias may impact grant-making and philanthropic initiatives.
- tools and techniques that will immediately help mitigate bias.
The afternoon session will feature Tony Cipollone, President and CEO of the John T. Gorman Foundation. Participants will:
- explore how foundations in Maine are thinking about and using advocacy as one of the tools in their toolbox.
- meet and hear about the work of our new Maine Philanthropic Network Advocacy Committee.
- consider the kinds of things our organizations might advocate for – and identify what's getting in the way.
The day will also include time to network, catch up, and compare notes.
Meeting Materials
Thanks to all who joined us at the Funders Forum. Judging by the event feedback, participants appreciated not only learning about implicit bias and activism, but sharing ideas and insights with other funders.
Laura, Kate, and Tony graciously have agreed to share their PowerPoint decks, which refer to the following additional resources.
PowerPoint Presentations:
- "The Neuroscience of Implicit Bias & The Public Sector" (Kate Evans and Laura Ligouri)
- "Our Approach to Activism" (Tony Cipollone)
Meeting Notes and Recaps
- "Brain Science, Implicit Bias, and Philanthropy" (Based upon Kate Evans and Laura Ligouri's talk)
- "The Diversity of Advocacy" (Based upon Tony Cipollone's talk)
Additional Resources:
- "Grant Making with a Racial Equity Lens" (From GrantCraft)
- "Implicit Bias and Its Role in Philanthropy and Grantmaking" (Authored by John A. Powell. Published by the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy)
- "Race to Lead: Confronting the Racial Leadership Gap" (A report from The Building Movement Project)
Registration
You'll need to log in to the website to register.
- Click on the orange "Log in" button in the top right corner of the website.
- MPC members should all already have website logins. Don't know your password or forgot it? Click "forgot password" to reset it.
- Is your organization a member but the system can't find your email address? Let us know-- mpc@mainephilanthropy.org
- Not a member? You can set up a website account for free, follow the prompts on the log-in page.
About the Location
This year's Funders Forum will be held in the ballroom of the Maine Mechanics' Hall in downtown Portland. According to Greater Portland Landmarks, Mechanics' Hall "is considered to be the finest work of Thomas J. Sparrow, Portland’s first native architect." The ballroom was designed by John Calvin Stevens in 1890. In 2015, the refurbished ballroom was opened to the public for the first time in over 50 years. .
Parking
The Maine Charitable Mechanic Association does not have on-site parking.There are two city parking lots not far from the building:
- The Spring Street Parking Garage, next to the Cross Insurance Arena, is 0.2 miles away. There are entrances on Free Street and Spring Street. Parking is $2/hour.
- The Elm Street Parking Garage, across the street from the main branch of the Portland Public Library, is also 0.2 miles away. The entrance is on Elm Street, and it is also $2/hour.
Accessibility
The building has a portable handicap ramp for use on the front steps. There is an elevator. It does not meet accessibility codes, but has been used by those in wheelchairs in the past. If you need any accommodations in order to fully participate, please contact Christina Foster at 780-5039 to discuss your particular needs.
