"Superheroes can do it by themselves but are more powerful in teams."

Following months of outreach and engagement with our Members, Donors Forum unveiled last Fall ten Strategic Initiatives that would move our sector forward.

At our Strategic Initiatives Summit in January, more than 150 Superheroes (a.k.a. Donors Forum Members — grantmakers, nonprofits, and advisors) — gathered to lend their voices, experience, and expertise to discuss the challenges and opportunities around five of the initiatives:

– Protecting state funding
– Streamlining state contracts and grants
– Promoting individual giving
– Promoting diversity and inclusion in philanthropy
– Promoting overhead funding

Eric Weinheimer, Donors Forum's President and CEO, opened the program. "With all due respect to the 'experts' and research that say it can't be done, we will move the needle on these issues," he said, stressing Donors Forum's commitment to leading this work. "How can I be so sure?" he asked. "Because everyone in this room is a superhero — with extraordinary powers and abilities! Together, we can tackle these seemingly intractable issues that face our sector."

Attendees selected one of the five Strategic Initiative Working Groups based on their interest, experience, and expertise. Each Working Group expanded the dialogue around the initative, identified indicators for success, and strategized outcomes. The groups then determined long-term goals, short-term goals, and immediate next steps.

The majority of Summit participants will be part of the Working Groups going forward. Watch for details on each group's goals and next steps later this month.

> View photos of the Summit on Facebook here.

> View photos of the Summit on Flickr here.

If you are interested in joining a Working Group for any of the five initiatives list above, email Delia Coleman at [email protected].

THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS EVENT SPONSORS

Presenting

Platinum

Gold

Microsoft

Polk Bros. Foundation

Silver

The Joyce Foundation