Workshop

For nearly a decade, the Sapphire Foundation has been developing an ecosystem of tools, capital, and structures that spark and grow sustainable, scalable impact. Join Chief Impact Officer Salah Boukadoum to find out what's worked for the foundation and the lessons they’ve learned. If you’re new to impact investing, social entrepreneurship, or sustainable philanthropy, you’ll…

To achieve our shared goals of healthier, thriving, and equitable communities, our voters must reflect our communities. As funders, conveners, collaborators, and catalyzers, foundations can inspire and support voter engagement work that builds a more inclusive and equitable democracy and ensures local communities are heard in our democratic process. Whether your mission is healthier environments,…

Housing Forward is the lead agency in addressing homelessness in Dallas and Collin Counties. Through a unique philanthropic partnership with the Homeless Funders Collaborative led by The Meadows Foundation, they have combined the power of private and public funding to make an immense impact on the homeless response system. This new model has played an…

Disability advocate and innovator Michael Thomas talks with us about inclusivity efforts in work, housing, and the community. Specifically, he demonstrates the importance of not only engaging the disability community, but starting with them as a central point to any and all universal design efforts.

Giving circles bring groups of people together to pool their money and decide where to make a collective gift. This is people-powered philanthropy—giving that is values-aligned and centers our communities and people. Giving circle members give in more strategic ways, are increasingly diverse, and bring more diverse opinions and information to bear when deciding how…

During this panel discussion, a group of funders, investees, beneficiaries, and academics will deep dive into the mechanics of impact investing (the practice of making investments in good social enterprises for a financial return) and the tools used to evaluate potential investments. You’ll learn how creating impact through investing for a return is a viable…

Shared values. Collective action. For nonprofit and philanthropic leaders, driving social change requires building collaboration across diverse individuals, teams, organizations, communities, and identities. However, forging partnerships amid complex power dynamics is challenging. Join Jayke Hamill and Michelle Schneider, senior faculty from the Center for Creative Leadership, to identify barriers to collaboration and to practice leadership…

A diverse group of 40 changemakers from Chicago, Dallas, and Pittsburgh came together through Independent Sector’s Bridging Fellows program, supported by IS member Walmart, to strengthen and advance their collective leadership capacities, deepen and expand their relationships and networks, and amplify and embody bridge building as understood, experienced, and practiced in the real world. Fellows…

Independent Sector’s 33 Principles for Good Governance and Ethical Practice offer standards for nonprofits and foundations to self-regulate – which is essential to maintaining public trust. As distrust in nonprofits and philanthropy grows, we know that the general public continues to demand transparency and accountability from our institutions in return for their trust. Join Independent…

Have you heard about “impact investing” but you’re not sure what the term includes or how it relates to you and your organization? Have you wondered how mission-driven investing can benefit the communities you serve? Come to this session prepared for a discussion directly with workshop leaders. Together you will unpack the terms and map…