Thanks for doing this work. I’m under 30 and work for a local goverment agency in the twin cities that works in the social sector. We deal with many generational issues. We also run our own programs plus contract with numerous non-profits. So we often stradle the fence between direct service provider and funder.

I look forward to reading your blog.

Hope you’re doing well. I wanted to let you know that tomorrow morning (April 30) at 10:30am EDT, the Council on Foundations will discuss the findings of its new survey of over 300 foundations on philanthropy’s response to the economic downturn the mortgage crisis. The results of the survey show broad support by foundations for families most affected by the current economic downturn. I thought you would be interested in joining the call. Please let me know if you’re interested in the call and in seeing an embargoed copy of the report. You can email me at asobel@fenton.com I look forward to hearing from you!

Best,
Alanna Sobel

I really like your blog and interest in new trends in philanthropy. I thought everyone would be interested in the latest news from The Foundation Center: giving by family foundations is rising rapidly, reaching $17 billion in 2006, up 21% on the previous year. Most – 67% – family foundations have been established since 67% and their top giving priorities are education and health. Pretty core concerns for all families! You can check out the full report on the Center’s website – just wanted to bring it to your attention.

The session you are putting together for the CoF Conference sounds great-wish I could attend. One of my struggles right now, as I mentioned, is how to get out there and meet other grantmakers in a workplace culture that doesn’t really encourage professional development….

I am going to my first conference in the two years I have been here next month in Tacoma-so its a start.

I hope that there are some lessons, etc that come out of your session and are shared among others in the field.

I must admit that I have a big soft spot for Montana! In fact, I’ve moved around so much that I think of it as home – I return to a family cabin in Northwest Montana each year.

I’m curious about philanthropy in Montana and would love to hear more!

Brittany

It is only recently that I have found resources like GrantCraft and others that I am beginning to feel that my experiences, frustrations, challenges, etc. are NORMAL and shared among other grantmakers.

I look forward to engaging in conversations about the issues raised in Ready to Lead.

Thank you for the honest and enlightening blog entries. What a great resource on generational issues. I look forward to your participation in the CoF session!

Since September 2006, I’ve worked at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and have watched it grow. The foundation, and philanthropy is general, is an exciting place to be at this point in history as we try to tackle some tough issues yet remain open to voices across sectors – and generations. In April 2007, I joined the steering committee of Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy’s developing Seattle chapter. Through that engagement, I was asked to design a session for the May 2008 Council on Foundations conference entitled ‘Cultivating the Next Generation of Foundation Professionals’. I hope the session’s discussion is as lively as that on your blog!

Your blog has given me great ideas for the session and has led me to some resources that have been very helpful in my day-to-day work.

Brittany

I would very much like your help and opinion on making this project grow into it’s full potential.

Please omit the advice about filling out endless paperwork. My position is the job foreman.

My hope is that someone in the philanthropic field will choose to cut through the BS and see the value and simply say let’s do this.

The Benefactor Project,
http://www.thebenefactorproject.com

Thank You,
Tom Canavan