Lean funders who are catalytic have shifted their philanthropy from a transactional, year-to-year practice of reviewing proposals and writing checks, to a more transformational enterprise that engages people and stakeholders over years or decades.

In this three-part Learning Lab, you will develop a foundation for practicing a catalytic style of philanthropy.

This Learning Lab is for lean funders of all kinds looking to lay the groundwork for letting go of the classic grantmaking paradigm of applications, cycles, and approvals, and dig into solving problems by being responsive to those closest to the issues.

Recordings are available per module, or as one complete series.

• Module 1: Position Yourself for Catalytic Philanthropy
• Module 2: Streamline, Let Go, and Engage with Your Community
• Module 3: Understand the System

Program Objectives

• Explore key mindsets, practices, and ways to incorporate catalytic principles into your work.
• Assess where you are in the journey and take time for self-reflection
• Meet lean funders who are catalyzing change by connecting people, nurturing innovation, and influencing policy.

Faculty

Mary Anthony
Executive Director
1772 Foundation, Inc., RI.

Mary has served as the director of the 1772 Foundation since 2003. The foundation is committed to farmland conservation and historic preservation and is particularly interested in historic properties redevelopment programs or “revolving funds” to which it funds approximately $1 million each year through training, recapitalization, convenings, and program related investments.

Doug Bauer
Executive Director
The Clark, Scriven and Fernleigh Foundations, NY

Doug has more than 20 years of experience in the field of philanthropy and currently serves three foundations. The Clark Foundation focuses on helping individuals to lead independent and productive lives and supports nonprofits and programs in New York City and Cooperstown, NY. Doug is also executive director of The Scriven and Fernleigh Foundations.

Yvonne “Bonnie” Gonzalez
Chief Executive Officer
Knapp Community Care Foundation (KCCF), TX

Bonnie was named founding chief executive officer for Knapp Community Care Foundation in late 2013. KCCF invests in prevention/wellness, direct health services, health related education and behavioral health. Bonnie has been involved in public and higher education, health care, and public nonprofit work throughout her career. She is currently on the board for Philanthropy Southwest, advisory board for Western Governor’s University-Texas, and Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

Philip Li
President & CEO
Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, NY

Phil is president of the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, which aims to create a more just and vibrant New York. Previously, he worked on Wall Street and ran a nonprofit. Philip serves on the board of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations and was board chair of Philanthropy New York.

John Richardson
Director
Blackstone Ranch Institute, NM

John is the founding executive director of Blackstone Ranch Institute, which provides early seed grants and strategic advice to emergent initiatives across a broad array of environmental and sustainability fronts. During the 1990s he was a global troubleshooter for UNICEF, where he investigated the effectiveness of their role in the world’s most complex humanitarian relief operations.

Jenna Wachtmann
Vice President
Ball Brothers Foundation, IN

Jenna joined the Ball Brothers Foundation staff in 2014 after working in fundraising and program development for several social service agencies. As vice president of Ball Brothers Foundation, Jenna supports the foundation’s president and COO in strategy development, communications, and day-to-day management of operations. She also works directly with the foundation’s grantees.

Members can access past webinars in our webinar archive.