We are stronger together. 

Through peer networks, affinity groups and collaboratives, you can connect with other funders around shared interests, learning and action. These groups are the heart and soul of Philanthropy Northwest — where conversations lead to new insights, where creative solutions are born and where you feel part of a community.
 

Regional Community Foundation Network

Through this network, community foundations across the Northwest are connecting on a deeper level and having greater impact. The network offers learning opportunities via webinars and an online community for members to share questions, resources and ideas with each other. Visit our Regional CF Network homepage to learn more or contact Maddy Metzger-Utt, our regional community foundation network advisor, with questions. 

Affinity Groups

Affinity groups, which include Philanthropy Northwest members and non-members, are organized around shared interests and demographics to support more effective philanthropy.

Alaska Funders
More than 20 organizations meet quarterly to share information, learn from each other and take action on issues affecting the well-being of Alaskans.

BIPOC Folks in Philanthropy
Join these virtual gatherings if you’re looking to share space, build community and deepen relationships with other individuals who work in philanthropy and identify as Black, Indigenous and/or a person of color (BIPOC).

Black Folks in Philanthropy 
Join these virtual gatherings if you’re looking to share space, build community and deepen relationships with other individuals who work in philanthropy and identify as Black, African and/or African-American.

Corporate Funders
Over 40 funders — from banks to retailers to foundations — connect to share ideas and explore ways to engage the corporate philanthropic sector to support a more vibrant Northwest.

Rural Funders
Over 300 funders across the country participate in programs curated for issues specific to rural communities

How do I engage?

• Email our membership staff to connect with any of these affinity groups.
• Find any scheduled meetings for these affinity groups on our events calendar and search by the group name of interest. 
   

Funder Collaboratives

Collaboratives unite Philanthropy Northwest members to act on issues they care about, such as pooling resources to invest in a joint initiative or advocating unitedly for a specific policy agenda. Our collaboratives include:

Democracy Northwest Funders
Funders in Washington and Oregon work collectively to strengthen reflective democracy in the Northwest.

How do I engage?

• Reach out to our staff by email to join a collaborative.
• Find any scheduled meetings for these affinity groups on our events calendar and search by the collaborative name of interest. 
   

Cohorts

Our cohorts are unique, structured opportunities that enable participants to share in peer co-learning experiences, professional development and support.

Navigating Courage™: Senior Leaders Cohort
Senior leaders in foundations play a critical role. They are both responsible for leading teams and initiatives as well as managing upward to influence decision-making with the CEO and other leaders. This cohort is designed to be a space for these individuals to step into their personal leadership and drive impact in their spheres of influence. We are excited to partner with Dr. Robin Martin to bring you The Navigating Courage^TM masterclass.

Together In Divided Times: Rural Funders Cohort
So many communities experience both connectedness but also increasing polarization. This has its own dynamics in smaller, rural communities where people often have a very private ethos yet know each other very well and have traditionally shouldered many community tasks together. Now, many rural places are experiencing divisions that show up across ideologies, perspectives, race, gender and ethnicity. The tension can break down public processes, and disrupt the work of schools, public agencies, nonprofits and philanthropic funders. This cohort supports rural funders who are trying to make sense of divided times, and to find a productive and sustainable footing. 

CEO Cohorts
Our CEO cohorts are an opportunity for executives come together to share, learn and reflect on tough topics executives face, particularly during these times when advancing equity, shifting power and building mutually accountable relationships is paramount to advancing your mission. Discover the outcomes and lessons we've learned thus far in our leadership cohorts focused on racial equity in our report, "Leading for Racial Equity with Peer Support: Reflections on the Power of Cohorts for Learning, Resilience and Action."

Trust-Based Philanthropy 
In partnership with the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, we offer a multi-part Trust-Based Philanthropy virtual cohort. This cohort is designed for foundation leaders interested in bringing greater vulnerability and humility to their philanthropic practices to advance more equitable and transparent funder-grantee relationships.

Initiative Cohorts
Through our initiatives, we connect philanthropy professionals, deepen our collective understanding of systemic racism and make progress on supporting more equitable communities. Learn more here:

Building Community Philanthropy

How do I engage? 

• Visit our DEI Cohorts page to find out if you are eligible to participate in one of our cohorts and reach out to our staff by email for more information.