Pittsburgh's philanthropy and foundation community is so large and diverse that it can be especially useful to find ways to gather together and share information. The
Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University is hosting a series of events, grouped together under the name Faces of Philanthropy, that provide a great opportunity for just that.
Upcoming workshops in the series include:
Strategic Giving (Feb. 4, 9-11 a.m.), which explores methods for making sure individuals get the greatest impact from their giving. Panelists: Mark Lewis (POISE Foundation), Heather Arnet (Women and Girls Foundation) and Jeanne Pearlman (The Pittsburgh Foundation).
Giving Circles: A Recipe for Greater Philanthropy (Feb. 11, 9-11 a.m.), which discusses this new, flexible method of community philanthropy that is a mix of investment club, book club and agent for social change. Panelists: Luci Dabney (PACE), Mark Lewis (POISE Foundation), Vivien Luk (The Forbes Funds), Carrie Barmen (Pittsburgh Social Venture Partners) and Justin Laing (The Heinz Endowments).
Youth as Philanthropists (Feb. 18, 9-11 a.m), which highlights the good work being done by young philanthropists and their organizational partners. Panelists: Peggy Morrison Outon (Bayer Center), Tara Simmons (Women & Girls Foundation), Wayne Jones (The Heinz Endowments) and Sharon Perelman (United Jewish Federation Foundation).
A Generous Spirit (Feb. 25, 9-11 a.m.), which will be a conversation with religious leaders about fundraising. Panelists: Peggy Morrison Outon (Bayer Center), Frederick Thieman (Church of the Ascension), Leon Pamphille (Functional Literary Ministry of Haiti), Saleem Ghubril (Pittsburgh Promise) and Dave Brewton (East Liberty Family Health Care Center).
"We constantly try and renew and update workshops to reflect what's the most hot in the world of nonprofits," says Scott Leff, the BCNM's associate director.
Gathering the community for these workshops seems especially crucial this year. "Certainly the economy has been on all of our shoulders when we've had our curriculum and class calendar meetings for the last year and a half," Leff says. "When times are this tough, we like to feel like we can provide a bit of a refuge for folks who are struggling with the same issues to come together and realize the'yre not alone."
Sign up to receive Pop City each week.Writer: Melissa Rayworth
Source: Scott Leff, Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management
Image courtesy of BCNM