Exploring Racial Equity in Lean Foundations

In this webinar, we will explore Exponent Philanthropy’s newest publication, “Racial Equity in Lean Foundations: The Lean Funder’s Equity Journey.” We will start by exploring data and trends around lean foundation demographics, how funders see equity align with their missions, and the uptake of grantmaking and governance practices that support racial equity. We will then discuss the lean funder’s equity journey, including who starts equity conversations at foundations, how to engage boards in equity work, and mapping the four phases of the equity journey we observed.  

Outcomes:

• Upon completion of this training, you should be able to define a lean foundation,
• Understand the data and trends around how lean funders engage in racial equity work,
• Understand the journey lean funders take in their equity work and how you can get started, and
• Hear directly from funders how they have progressed on their racial equity journeys

Speakers

Brendan McCormick (he/him)
Associate Director, Research and Publications, Exponent Philanthropy

Brendan works with Exponent Philanthropy’s staff, members, and partners to develop resources grounded in research. He leads the organization’s efforts to learn more about our community of lean funders. Brendan focuses his research on how foundations approach impact and evaluation, investments, operations, demographics, and equity practices.

Erin Morris (she/her)
Program Associate, Hill-Snowdon Foundation

As Program Associate, Erin Morris is responsible for administrative and programmatic support to all HSF staff, website development, and providing support to the numerous funders forums and working groups in which HSF takes a leadership role. Acting as lead for the foundation’s Fund for DC program area, Erin is committed to the growth and strengthening of the DC community organizing ecosystem.

Erin received her BFA in Graphic Design from Salisbury University. Before her time at Hill-Snowdon, Erin previously worked as a freelancer and in business operations. Her time in DC led her to the work of the foundation and she has been there learning ever since. Erin is a South Korean Adoptee and believes in citizenship for all.

Jorge Blandon (he/him)
Senior Director, Arrow Impact

Jorge is the Senior Director at Arrow Impact, a foundation that supports initiatives creating pathways to economic prosperity and well-being for under-resourced communities in the US. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President at UpTogether (formerly The Family Independence Initiative), a national nonprofit investing in and accelerating people’s initiatives in historically underinvested communities.

Jorge also has a background in capital markets, where he helped securitize bond financings for essential infrastructure projects. He is the former Board Chair of The Whitman Institute, the birthplace of trust-based philanthropy, and currently serves on the boards of Mission Asset Fund and Common Future. Jorge holds a BA from Amherst College and an MA in International Affairs & Management from the University of California, San Diego. He is an alumnus of Amherst A Better Chance.

Kristi Petrie (she/her)
Co-Executive Director, AJL Foundation

As Co-Executive Director of the AJL Foundation, Kristi recognizes that working within philanthropy is a privilege and responsibility. She is honored and committed to ensuring John and Amy’s spirit of philanthropy lives on by investing in people, programs, and movements that benefit Colorado’s youth and families while also acknowledging and addressing the contradictions and power dynamics inherent to philanthropy. Kristi is personally passionate about holding herself and AJL accountable to the communities we serve and the triple bottom line – people, planet, and profit. She serves on the steering committee for Colorado Funders for Inclusiveness and Equity and on the Board of Directors for Philanthropy Colorado.

Alece Montez (she/her)
Co-Executive Director, AJL Foundation

Named after three of her grandmothers, Alece is hardwired to advance a more just, creative, and abundant future for everyone, especially communities that have been minoritized and whose voices have been ignored or silenced. As a teen mom who dropped out of high school then went on to be the first in her family to complete college with a master’s degree, Alece is honored to bring her life experiences and professional skills to the esteemed work of the AJL Foundation. She deeply understands the power in authentically bridging community and philanthropy to create people-centered change and she has lifted that change up on various boards and committees she’s served on including The Funders Network, PLACES Fellowship, Philanthropy Colorado, and more. She deeply respects the integrity of what John and Amy built with the AJL Foundation and the legacy their family carries on today.

Who Should Attend

This free webinar is designed for individuals at all levels of experience, including board members, CEOs, executive directors, upper management, grantmakers, funders, and program directors and staff.