MPC has a history of helping connect philanthropy professionals with shared interests. Structured around peer learning, our conversation groups focus upon members' concerns and needs; rather than playing a directive role, the MPC has served as a convener and facilitator.
If you would like to learn more about any of the following groups, please send Alyssa Lodewick (alyssa@mainephilanthropy.org) an email to indicate your interest.
Content-Based Conversation Groups
Indigenous and Tribal Funding
This group is for people and organizations interested in exploring the topic of funding Indigenous and Tribal initiatives. The group held an initial conversation in June, and participants decided to meet at least twice a year. We soon will schedule a second conversation, to take place in December or January. Let Alyssa know if you would like to be included in the scheduling process.
Equity in Grantmaking
Ever since our November 2017 Funders Forum, which focused upon implicit bias, we've considered convening a conversation group for people who would like to explore equity and structural bias in grantmaking. Over the course of the past few years, we've periodically polled MPC members about the prospect of starting such a group. At this point in time, we've received enough general indications of interest to schedule an initial conversation that will explore what such a group might look like and do. If you'd like to participate in the first planning session and haven't already let Alyssa know of your interest in this sort of group, please drop her a line.
Groups Based Upon Roles and Responsibilities
Program Managers
For program officers at philanthropic foundations. Job descriptions vary between organizations, but this group historically has included folks who manage grantmaking programs, evaluate grant proposals, serve as primary contacts for grantee partners, and/or conduct research.
Grant Administrators
For the folks who help process and manage the grants given out by philanthropic foundations. They may deal with regulatory compliance, work on building and improving internal processes, track grants made, and compile grant reports. They tend to be efficient with technology and big fans of databases.