The Philanthropy Track at Creating Change!
The Philanthropy Track at Creating Change!
By: Andrew Wallace on November 6, 2016
Like many LGBTQ leaders, the staff, board members, and members of Funders for LGBTQ Issues are packing their bags and headed to Houston this week for the annual Creating Change conference! A number of sessions at this year’s conference focus specifically on philanthropy or fundraising, and even more sessions will provide valuable opportunities for movement leaders and funders to connect, learn from each other, and share strategies for building a stronger LGBT movement. Below is a short guide to the sessions and events related to philanthropy, as well as those that feature Funders for LGBTQ Issues members and partners. Be sure not to miss our new Funder Meet & Greet on Friday evening at 8:30pm!
A fun and casual reception to chat about the David Bohnett CyberCenters for LGBT Community Center leaders who already host a David Bohnett CyberCenter or for LGBT Center leaders who want to learn more about this innovative program. 6-7:30pm
A discussion of lessons learned and strategies for advancing LGBT equality in states with conservative legislatures. Featuring Funders for LGBTQ Issues board member Rebecca Fox, Wellspring Advisors, and member Luna Yasui, Ford Foundation. 9-10:30am
“So, You Want to Write a Grant”
A basic primer on strategically identifying and securing various types of funding. 10:45am-12:15pm
One City, One Community: How LGBTQ Organizations can Work Together to Raise Funds
A discussion of how local LGBT nonprofits can collaborate to raise funds, drawing on a successful model for collaboration in Philadelphia. Featuring Funders member Samantha Giusti, Delaware Valley Legacy Fund. 10:45am-12:15pm
Activism without Borders: A Dialogue on Responsible Engagement
A discussion of best practices, lessons learned, and strategic questions for organizations engaging in LGBTQ rights internationally. Featuring Funders members J. Bob Alotta, Astraea Foundation, and Addison Smith, Wellspring Advisors. 4:45-6:15pm
A Snapshot of LGBT Donors: A Briefing from the LGBT Giving Project
An opportunity to learn about research to date completed by the LGBT Giving Project–including motivations of givers, a snapshot of who are LGBT givers, and tools for your own development activities. 6:30-7:30pm
The Role of Values-Based Fundraising, and Philanthropy, in the LGBT Movement
A panel on bridging the divides that sometimes emerge between LGBT organizations’ programmatic and donor constituents–and on building a values-driven movement across staff, trustees, and donors. Featuring Funders for LGBTQ Issues board chair Cindy Rizzo, Arcus Foundation, and member Edgar Villanueva, Marguerite Casey Foundation. 6:30-7:30pm
Meet me at Crossroads: Exploring LGBTQ identities, geographies and experiences.
An interactive panel discussion about issues confronting invisibilized LGBTQ communities in the rural South and LGBTQ youth of color from across the country. Featuring member J. Bob Alotta, Astraea Foundation. 6:30-7:30pm
Funder Meet & Greet Reception
An opportunity for nonprofit leaders to connect with LGBT funders in a structured yet casual environment. A series of short, rotating meetings will allow nonprofit leaders and foundation staff to briefly meet one another, learn about each other’s work, and build relationships. We ask that no solicitations be made during the event, so as to create an open space for everyone and so that the conversations can focus on getting to know one another’s work. Organized by Funders for LGBTQ Issues and sponsored by the Arcus Foundation. Please arrive at 8:30pm sharp for the meet & greet program, followed by appetizers and spirits at 9:15pm. * Room 335A & 335B
Funding Beyond the Coasts and Urban Cores: Resource Investment in Rural, Suburban, and Remote Regions
This session will present data on the under-funding of LGBT communities in rural and remote areas, and discuss challenges and strategies for bringing more philanthropic resources to LGBT communities outside the coasts and urban centers. Organized by the Pride Foundation and Funders for LGBTQ Issues, featuring Funders President Ben Francisco Maulbeck and members Kris Hermanns, Pride Foundation, and Alfredo Cruz, Foundation for Louisiana. 9-10:30am * Grand Ballroom G
Mapping Power: LGBTQ AAPI Organizing for Social Change
A panel providing an overview of the current infrastructure of LGBTQ AAPI organizations, their capacities, challenges, and successes. Featuring Funders member Alice Y. Hom, Asian American Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy. 10:45am-12:15pm
Fundraising: Getting Past the Fear of Asking
An interactive session on overcoming the fear of fundraising, avoiding some common mistakes, and developing tools for making effective relationship-based asks. 10:45am-12:15pm
At the Crossroads: The Future of the LGBT Movement
A brief presentation of the Building Movement Project’s report, followed by an interactive discussion on the future of vision, alliances, leadership, and base-building for the LGBT movement. Featuring Funders members Desiree Flores, Arcus Foundation, and Edgar Villanueva, Marguerite Casey Foundation. 3-4:30pm
Engaging Donors Online – Give OUT Day, Email, Social Media, and More
A session on strategies for engaging donors online and through social media, including tactics for Give OUT Day, year-round online campaigns, and linking online and off-line donor engagement. Featuring Noris Chavarria and Jason Franklin of Bolder Giving.
4:45-6:15pm