2013 Member Renewal

Please scroll down for renewal materials.

Dear Member,

Thank you for your thoughtful work as a philanthropist! We deeply appreciate the work you are doing. We are also very proud of our association with you, and hope you will renew your Philanthropy Northwest membership for 2013.

With your support, our organization is advancing the role of philanthropy throughout the Northwest. We’re told all the time that we are doing good work that translates directly into stronger communities. This includes our efforts to train the next generation of philanthropists, support thoughtful and strategic practices, advance civic engagement, inform public policy, and facilitate effective cross-sector collaborations.

Here are just a few of our recent highlights: 

• More than 900 people attended 60+ programs and trainings in 2012, including our sold-out 2012 Annual Conference in Walla Walla, a new webinar series on evaluation, and topical briefings on education, social media, and community colleges (to name just a few).
• Our expanded consulting service, The Giving Practice, and our strategic partnership with Mission Investors Exchange translates into a dozen new professionals providing your organization with access to deep expertise and customized support when you need it.
• Our relationships with state and federal officials deepen each year, along with our ability to represent your interests in Washington, D.C. and state capitols. We are also helping elected officials develop a deeper understanding of and appreciation for philanthropy. All of this is particularly important as policymakers make decisions about the federal tax code.
• Our original research and reports like Trends in Northwest Giving, Grease and Glue: Philanthropy’s Unique Opportunity to Strengthen Communities, and A Journey into Indian Country, are gaining national attention as valuable resources to the field and models for how philanthropy can work more effectively in the communities they serve.

We are proud of Philanthropy Northwest’s 35 year history and committed to continuing its long tradition of member service and philanthropic leadership. The board’s recent work to refresh the organization’s strategic plan and mission underscores why we believe so deeply in this organization:

Philanthropy Northwest promotes, facilitates and drives collaborative action by philanthropic organizations to strengthen communities in our region.

Given the issues facing society today, we believe our work has never been more important. With your membership renewal, Philanthropy Northwest will continue to support the important work of philanthropy by offering:

• Educational programs and services tailored to your needs, with unique programming for corporate, family, and community foundations.
• The most forward-thinking philanthropic strategies in the field (e.g. mission investing, community capacity building).
• Customized, high quality consulting.
• Regular and productive connections with your peers.
• Improved access to the public officials critical to your philanthropy. 
• Regular online and print communications that help you stay up-to-date on all that is happening in Northwest philanthropy. (Look for our new website next year!)

Most importantly, Philanthropy Northwest will continue to listen and learn about what matters to you.

As for the cost of all this to you: our goal is to provide the most relevant support possible at the most reasonable fee. Membership dues support less than half the organization’s core operating costs. This is possible because we rely on fee-based activities, carefully manage our operations, and seek special contributions to cover the balance of our core expenses. The good news is that our programs have grown dramatically over the past four years without significant increases in dues. For 2013, we have incorporated only a two percent increase into the dues schedule.

If you are interested in helping us cover the true costs of member benefits, please join fellow members – 30 in 2012 - by becoming a 2013 Sustaining Member. This is a special class of members who give over and above their dues payment, ensuring the stable and efficient operation of our organization. In the links below you'll find a list of Sustaining Member levels for your reference. Benefits include recognition as a sponsor of our 2013 annual conference. The truth is we couldn’t do this work without our Sustaining Members. The list of those members and others making deep investments in Philanthropy Northwest by contributing to our Plan for a Relevant and Sustainable Future is enclosed, as well. Please consider becoming part of this impressive group!

Please send your dues payment and/or Sustaining Membership contribution by February 28, 2013. Your early commitment will ease our administrative work, and ensure that we spend our time advancing philanthropy in the region. Thank you for your loyal support of Philanthropy Northwest and the work you are doing to strengthen communities and improve lives.

Thank you,          

Susan M. Coliton The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation Philanthropy Northwest Board President	Carol Lewis      Philanthropy Northwest      CEO