Conference Schedule
2010 Regional Conference - Astoria, Oregon - October 13th-15th
For a printable version please download a copy of the schedule: Conference Schedule-updated 8-12-10
Wednesday, October 13th
9:00-12:00 | REGISTRATION OPEN
THE RED BUILDING - THE REGENCE FOUNDATION RESOURCE ROOM
Pre-Conference Adventures: Making the Most of Your Visit
Arrive early and enjoy unique Astoria experiences! At registration you can pick up visitor information on everything from a self-guided hike to the Astoria Column to a one-of-a-kind sightseeing tour of the cult movie classic: The Goonies! As Astoria prepares for its 200th anniversary, you’ll get a preview of commemoration activities and learn the many stories woven into the community beginning with its founding in 1811 as the first commercial settlement of Americans on the spectacular north coast where the Columbia River flows into the Pacific Ocean.
12:00-12:30 | WELCOME AND OPENING LUNCH (THE RED BUILDING - 2ND FLOOR)
Fisher Poets: Setting the Course
For 13 years Astoria has hosted an annual Fisher Poets Gathering where fishing and maritime industry people bring their original poems, stories and songs to Astoria. “Fisher Poetry” comes from experiences living and working in the industry, and ranges in writing style from fast-moving rhyming couplets to crafted free verse or literary prose, and includes poems, songs, short stories, personal memoirs and essays, along with art. You’ll be appropriately welcomed by one of Astoria’s favorite poets.
12:30-2:00 PM | LUNCH PLENARY (THE RED BUILDING - 2ND FLOOR)
Plenary I. The New Nonprofit: Pursuing a Changing Paradigm
Speaker: Tim Delaney, President and CEO, National Council of Nonprofits
Tim Delaney, President and CEO, National Council of Nonprofits is leading the charge to transform the national network of nonprofits from a membership association to an advocacy organization. A leading voice for nonprofits, Tim’s organization is committed to using its network to help nonprofits manage and lead more effectively, collaborate and exchange solutions and achieve greater impact in their communities. Tim will share his national perspectives on how declining state budgets are challenging our nonprofit partners, how they are responding to the economic pressures and how funders can support their work.
2:15-3:45 PM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS - BLOCK ONE
Concurrent Sessions: A-E
A. LARGE ARTS INITIATIVE: CREATING CLARITY THROUGH FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY
In 2009, The James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation convened the leaders of five large performing arts organizations and a group of arts funders to explore the financial challenges specific to the performing arts. This session will tell us how they approached the conversation and what they learned. Our speakers will discuss how fiscal responsibility, transparency and an emphasis on the balance sheet helped the funders and the large arts organizations find common ground for creating a more sustainable financial future for these important community assets.
Speakers: Alice McCartor, Trustee; James F. and Marion Miller (Facilitator); Cynthia Addams, Executive Vice President, The Collins Foundation; Chris Coleman, Artistic Director, Portland Center Stage; Martha Richards, Executive Director, James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation
B. ITS GETTING CROWDED OUT THERE: PLANNING FOR MULTIPLE USES OF OREGON’S TERRITORIAL SEA
From shore, Oregon’s ocean appears vast and unspoiled. But burgeoning uses - from cable crossings and dredge dumping to fishing and surfing to wind and wave energy - are competing for ocean real estate with crabs, ground fish, whales, sea birds, and other living things. Acidification, plastic refuse, and climate change are impacting our ocean’s health. What’s going on in Oregon’s ocean? Who’s in charge? What strategies are being deployed to make sure our ocean resources are being effectively managed to meet present and future needs? How can grantmakers’s get involved? An Oregon legislator, an agency manager, a scientist, and a foundation program officer will address these questions.
Speakers: Paul Klarin, Marine Program Coordinator, Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development; Arnie Roblin, Speaker Pro Tempore, Oregon House of Representatives (Coos Bay); Selina Heppell, Associate Professor, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University; Emily Goodwin, Program Officer, US West Coast, Marine Conservation Initiative, The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
C. BEYOND SUCCESSION: MULTIGENERATIONAL INVOLVEMENT IN A G3 WORLD
For many years family foundations have focused on succession planning in accordance with aging of the baby boomers and the rise of the millennials. What has become evident is that this transition is less about passing the baton and more about generations learning to work together. This session will focus on the experiences of our members plus current trends and resources including the study Trading Power by 2164.net which surfaces what the next generation has to offer in exchange for what seasoned leaders can provide. This session is a must for any foundation (family or otherwise) considering the strengths and challenges of engaging a multigenerational board.
Speaker: Julie Vigeland, Trustee, Wessinger Foundation (Moderator)
D. EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT EVALUATION, BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK: HOW AND WHY NONPROFITS AND FOUNDATIONS ARE EVALUATING THEIR WORK
Random controlled trials; 360-degree reviews; formative and summative evaluations; data-driven strategies. Grantmakers want to know their investments are effective, but evaluation can seem complicated and expensive. What can we learn from evaluation? How much does it cost? When is it worth the time, effort, and money? Two nonprofit leaders and two foundation leaders discuss evaluation strategies they are using, why they’re doing it, what they’re learning and more.
Speakers: Anne Digenis, Donor Services and Grants Officer, The Community Foundation of Southwest Washington (Facilitator); Janet Byrd, Executive Director, Neighborhood Partnerships; Julie Larson, Grants Manager, Friends of the Children; Kathleen Cornett, Vice President for Programs, Oregon Community Foundation; Suk Rhee, Vice President, Planning and Operations, Northwest Health Foundation
E. THE ROLE OF STATEWIDE ASSOCIATIONS: ELEVATING THE ROLE OF THE NONPROFIT SECTOR
The impact of national, state, and local budget woes are on the minds of all nonprofit leaders. This special panel will provide an overview of the national, state, and local contexts for bringing nonprofits together to address nonprofit efficacy in the “new normal”. Tim Delaney of the National Council of Nonprofits will continue a dialogue from his morning keynote about the national context, and provide an overview of public policy advances and challenges for the nonprofit sector. Carrie Hoops of the Nonprofit Association of Oregon will address issues of Oregon’s nonprofit sector. Jeanne Kojis will bring the southwest Washington perspective to the discussion. Kit Gillem of M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust will discuss regional philanthropic efforts to build and strengthen the nonprofit sector and how grantmakers can protect their investments.
Speakers: Kit Gillem, Program Officer, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust (Facilitator); Tim Delaney, CEO, National Council of Nonprofits; Carrie Hoops, Executive Director, the Nonprofit Association of Oregon; Jeanne Kojis, Executive Director, Nonprofit Network of SW Washington
4:00-5:30 PM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS - BLOCK 2
Concurrent Sessions F-J
F. POSSIBILITIES & PITFALLS: DECONSTRUCTING THE MYTH OF SILVER BULLET PHILANTHROPY
This interactive, participant-driven session will be held in an open fish bowl style. Moderators will use case studies and vignettes to illuminate the complexities of grantmaking strategies, specifically, and the nonprofit sector in general. “Why don’t nonprofits just collaborate?” “Matching grants are the best way to leverage your grant dollars.” “Operating support is only support nonprofits really need” “It all comes down to capacity building”…. Participants will explore will two sides of the same coin, looking at the possibilities and pitfalls of commonly purported “silver bullet” funding strategies.
Facilitators and Session Designers: Jeff Anderson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, The Oregon Community Foundation; Linda Shelk, Trustee, John and Linda Shelk Foundation
G. BEYOND THE HEALTH CARE DEBATE: ENSURING ACCESS TO QUALITY CARE FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
What does national health care reform mean for currently uninsured low-income people? Join three experts who will share an overview of how the uninsured presently obtain care and how this will likely change as national health care reform is implemented. While more people will have insurance coverage, issues such as cultural and cost barriers will continue to impact access to health care. Community-based programs, particularly programs addressing health disparities within cultural and ethnic populations, will play more critical roles than ever in providing ongoing care for low- income patients, not to mention providing care to those who will remain uninsured. Philanthropy is a critical component in ensuring 100% access to quality health care.
Speakers: Chris DeMars, Program Officer, Northwest Health Foundation (Moderator); Kari Stanley, Director of Community Benefit, Legacy Health System; Linda Nilsen-Solares, Executive Director, Project Access NOW; Tina Castañares, MD ,Family Physician, La Clínica del Cariño Family Health Care Center and Hospice of the Gorge
H. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS: CREATING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH INDIVIDUAL EMPOWERMENT
Current economic pressures combined with the increasing importance of post-secondary education - including community colleges – has resulted in a greater need for scholarships. In this session, participants will share how their organizations are able to provide individual scholarships, discussing both the development, structure and purpose of their scholarship programs. Examples will range from The Ford Family Foundation and The Oregon Community Foundation broad-reaching general scholarships to The James F.and Marion L. Miller Foundation and Juan Young Trust’s scholarship programs.
Speakers: Randy Choy, Program Officer for Education & Special Funds, The Oregon Community Foundation (Moderator); Director of Scholarships, Portland Community College; Antoinette K. Arenz, Trustee, Juan Young Trust; Sam Rennick, Director, The Ford Family Foundation; Charlie Walker, Trustee, James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation
I. FOOD HUBS: THE ROLE OF FOOD IN THRIVING COMMUNITIES
What’s new in food? Ever heard of a community food system or a “food hub”? Join three of our region’s food experts as they explain these concepts and share dynamic on-the-ground urban and rural food initiatives. Food initiatives can be either highly localized and community-driven or regional in scope, and both have the potential to create and keep jobs and expand access to fresh healthy food in underserved areas. Listen to examples of how building connections between consumers and farmers and expanding local market opportunities can improve health, livability and the economy in our region. Learn more about Ecotrust’s “Food Hub,” which provides an online marketplace that makes it easy for regional food buyers and producers to find each other and do business. Hear how Gorge Grown is reaching out to isolated rural areas with a mobile farmers market, engaging producers in collaborative working groups, and empowering new community food leaders. Learn how funders can support regional food system needs.
Speakers: Deborah Kane, Vice President, Food & Farms, Ecotrust; Kim Hanson, Consultant on Community Food Systems; Sarah Hackney, Executive Director, Gorge Grown Food Network
J. PROGRAM-RELATED INVESTMENTS: STRETCHING YOUR PHILANTHROPIC DOLLARS
This workshop will explore ways funders maximize the impact of their philanthropic resources by deploying program-related investments (PRIs). The session will feature discussions with representatives from three diverse non-profit organizations that have benefited from PRIs. It will also present ways in which foundations of any type or size can incorporate PRIs into their philanthropic tool chest.
Speakers: Peter Berliner, Managing Director, PRI Makers Network (Moderator); Rosemary Baker-Monaghan, Executive Director , Liberty Theatre; John Berdes, President & CEO Shorebank Enterprise Cascadia; Betty Tamm, Executive Director, Umpqua Community Development Corporation
6:00-7:00 PM | WELCOME RECEPTION (CANNERY PIER HOTEL)
Catch up with your colleagues and enjoy the unparalleled charm of the The Cannery Pier Hotel on the site of the former Union Fish Cannery.
7:00-9:00 PM | DINNER PLENARY (THE RED BUILDING)
Plenary II. Community Revitalization: Two Cities, Two Stories, Unlimited Learning
Panalists: Larry Wallack, Dean, Portland State University, The College of Urban Affairs; Tony Hyde, Columbia County Commissioner; Dan Brown, Small Business Owner, Vernonia Flood Relief Office, Vernonia Unmet Needs Committee; Bill Haack, Interim City Administrator, City of Vernonia and Economic Recovery Manager, Columbia Pacific Economic Development District; Paul Benoit, Astoria City Manager; John Berdes, President & CEO, Enterprise Cascadia; Susan Trabucco, Publisher/Editor, Coast River Business Journal
What happens when a community loses its traditional economic base? Or how about a town that experiences two 100-year floods –less than ten years apart? How does a community strengthen or rebuild itself when faced with change or challenge? Larry Wallack, Dean, Portland State University College of Urban Affairs, will moderate a conversation with community leaders who have real-life experience and stories to share. We’ll use two communities – Astoria and Vernonia – to explore how a combination of leadership, social capital, asset-building and working together can preserve a community’s unique heritage and leverage resources to sustain a vibrant place to live and visit.
Thursday, October 14th
8:30-12:00 PM | MORNING OFFSITE ADVENTURES: EXPLORING OUR COMMON ISSUES
Five Concurrent Sessions
12:00-2:00 PM | LUNCH PLENARY (THE RED BUILDING)
Plenary III. Report Release: Research of Giving in Communities of Color in Oregon
Speaker: Larry McGill, Senior Vice President, Foundation Center
In early 2010, GRANTMAKERS of Oregon and Southwest Washington commissioned the Foundation Center to conduct research on giving to communities of color in Oregon by Oregon funders. Foundation investment in communities of color is not a new topic of conversation. In Oregon, we’ve been having the conversation since at least 1981. That year, the Portland Committee for Responsive Philanthropy released a report entitled “Oregon Foundations: Private Sector Response to Public Needs,” which included an analysis of giving to racial minorities and other underrepresented communities. Nearly 30 years later, we have demographic data that tells the story of a more ethnically diverse Oregon. The increase in diversity has stimulated important discussions as funders have sought to reflect the changing demographics of the communities and the organizations they support in their grantmaking. This report fills an existing knowledge gap and can be used by funders to inform their grantmaking. Larry McGill, Vice President for Research for the Foundation Center will present the findings of the research project and will talk about the impact of changing demographics on philanthropy across the country.
2:15-3:45 PM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS: BLOCK THREE
Concurrent Sessions K-O
K. BUILDING CONNECTIONS: PARTNERSHIPS STRENGTHENING RURAL COMMUNITIES
What happens when you bring a diverse group of regional funders together as a learning community? In 2010, the Jefferson Funders Forum, formerly known as the Southern Oregon Grant Makers Affinity Group (SOGMAG), celebrated eight years of coming together as a learning community. Using four distinct levels of engagement, the group of staff, grant reviewers, and trustees from some fifteen to twenty public and private funding sources actively serve the region beyond grant making. The purpose is broad and engagement based on each organizations interest and ability to “play.” Keavy Cook, Program Officer for The Ford Family Foundation will guide participants through the learning community’s evolving framework and use a logic model to reveal the community capacity building that has resulted from this regional learning community of funders.
Speaker: Keavy Cook, Program Officer, The Ford Family Foundation
L. REACHING AND TEACHING: MAKING PARENTING EDUCATION AN OREGON ASSET
Join the leaders of Oregon philanthropy’s newest groundbreaking collaboration to learn about the long-term benefits of early investment in a child’s life. Brain, behavioral and educational research are showing that the first three years of life can set the course for learning, connection and happiness into the future. But if we don’t reach the parents and teach skills that matter, we breach our responsibility to future generations. OSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences will present recent outcome data from Oregon parenting education programs and members of the Oregon Early Childhood Funders Learning Circle will map out current efforts and explore opportunities with session participants to further invest in a statewide network of parenting education.
Speakers: Mary Louise McClintock, Early Childhood Program Director, The Oregon Community Foundation (Facilitator); Denise Rennekamp, Parenting Education Program Coordinator, Extension Family & Community Health, Oregon State University; Joyce Akse, Associate Director, Ford Institute for Community Building, The Ford Family Foundation; Karen Enns, Program Manager, The Next Door, Inc. (Parenting Hub serving Hood River and Wasco Counties)
M. CONSIDERING THE OPTIONS: GRANTS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
GIFTS isn’t the only game in town! How does a funder choose grants management software? What’s out there in the marketplace and how do you know what you need? Online grant application systems can be a timesaver for all involved—or they can cause grantseekers and grantmakers hours of unnecessary frustration. Andrea Berry of Idealware will provide an overview of Idealware’s research into the software that’s available to manage grantmaking processes, including some newer, lower-cost options. Whether you are a large or small funder, Idealware has product information and clear guidelines for how to select the right system for your organization. Idealware’s work includes an emphasis on software for managing online grant applications and reporting processes according to Project Streamline’s best practices in this area.
Speaker: Andrea Berry, Director of Partnerships and Learning, Idealware
N. FROM JARGON TO JOBS: ACCELERATING CLEAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
There is a compelling need right now to create jobs and tangible success stories that show what sustainable, livable communities and a new energy economy looks like. Few of us are happy about the level of progress we have made in either creating “transformational” green jobs or deploying an innovative policy and financing architecture that can scale broadly to reach the high road vision we all share – be it about manufacturing and job creation, liability, energy market transformation, sustainable infrastructure, retrofits or smart growth.This slow progress comes at great cost, as stalled success here will undermine the case for doing more innovation, not less. This panel will explore what new ideas and acceleration mechanisms can deliver on the vision and what barriers need to be overcome in the
public, private and independent sectors.
Speaker: Nancy Hamilton, Director, Business Development, McKinstry Oregon; Dan Carol, Senior Fellow for Innovation and Clean Economy, NDN/New Policy Institute
O. FOR TRUSTEES ONLY: A CONVERSATION AMONG PEERS
Whether you are a trustee of a private, family or corporate foundation, this session is for you! You’ll have an opportunity to meet with peers to talk about the work you do and the important role you play as a trustee of a grantmaking organization. Come with questions you want to ask your colleagues about any aspect of grantmaking, from honoring donor intent to using PRIs as part of your grantmaking portfolio. This will be a trustee only session and confidential to encourage thoughtful and honest dialogue about the challenges and opportunities trustees face.
Speakers:Debbie Craig, trustee of Meyer Memorial Trust; Charles Rooks, trustee of James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation; Hal Snow, trustee of Oregon Community Foundation.
4:30-6:00 PM | AFTERNOON PLENARY AT LIBERTY THEATRE
Documentary as a Change Agent: Papers—The Movie
Speakers: Rebecca Shine, co-founder of Graham Street Productions and student representatives.
“Papers” is the story of undocumented youth and the challenges they face as they turn 18 without legal status. These are young people who were born outside the U.S. and raised in this country. They were educated in American schools, hold American values and know only the U.S. as home, yet live at risk of being deported to countries that are completely foreign to them. Sixty-five thousand undocumented students graduate every year from high school without “papers” and find the door to the future slammed shut. It is against the law for them to work or drive. It is difficult, if not impossible, to go to college in many states. For the majority these young people, there is no path to citizenship. What they truly desire is to pursue their dreams and contribute their skills and abilities to this country. The film highlights five young people from a variety of national origins - Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico and South Korea. Graham Street Productions produced this film in association with El Grupo Juvenil, the “Papers” Youth Crew. This Youth Crew was actively involved in all aspects of the production.
6:30-7:30 PM | RECEPTION (THE LIBERTY THEATRE)
7:30-9:00 PM | DINNER PLENARY (THE RED BUILDING)
Plenary IV. Changing the Conversation: Communicating to Build Public Will
Speaker: Patrick Bresette, Associate Program Director, Dēmos
The many challenges and opportunities of this still-new century will require harnessing public will and public tools in new and expanded ways. Creative partnerships between the public, private and non-profit sectors will be essential. Unfortunately, public distrust and civic disaffection are at all time highs. But signs of hope can be found. The American public is hungry for a new conversation; one that is pragmatic, future-oriented and focuses on problem solving. Tapping into this hope and engaging the public effectively will require actively creating a different discourse. Patrick Bresette of the Public Works Program at Dēmos will offer observations from their research and field work on how to communicate more effectively about public issues and social challenges
Friday, October 15th
9:00-10:30 AM | MORNING PLENARY (THE RED BUILDING)
Plenary V. The Education Reform Agenda: Persistence, Partners, and Public Will
Speaker: Paul Herdman, Rodel Foundation of Delaware
The challenges of reforming public education are daunting, which leads many grantmakers to stay out of the fray. But as our students’ achievement plunges compared with their international peers, and as mounting numbers of dropouts are consigned to low wage jobs and limited futures, funders must find ways to help our systems achieve dramatic reforms. Paul Herdman, leader of the Rodel Foundation’s ambitious, multi-year reform effort that secured Delaware’s success in round one of the Race to the Top competition, will discuss the critical roles that funders can play in building smart coalitions of unlikely partners to move a far-reaching agenda. Herdman will discuss the wide range of roles the foundation played in carrying out a strategy that fused policy, practice and public will to build a comprehensive plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement.
10:45 AM - 12:45 PM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS: BLOCK FOUR
Concurrent Sessions P-T
P. BEYOND MESSAGING: HOW TO EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATE ACROSS AUDIENCES
Philanthropy has opened its door to communications. Our work no longer takes place behind closed doors and our members are making renewed efforts to develop clear mission statements and messaging about who they are and what they do. But once an organization has crafted a message, what next? This session will look at next steps including identifying audiences and developing an integrated communication’s platform that moves beyond grantmaking as a monetary transaction and tells the story behind the grant. You’ll explore new tools to convey those messages and how to most effectively connect with audiences. You’ll see and hear examples of how funders have communicated about their unique role, work and impact in the region.
Speakers: Su Midigall, DHM (Moderator); Patrick Bresette, Associate Program Director, Dēmos; Nicole Stein, Vice President of Community Relations, Umpqua Bank; Joan Vallejo, Communications Director, The Oregon Community Foundation
Q. FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD: HOW THE GIVING TO COMMUNITIES OF COLOR REPORT HELPS US ASK BETTER QUESTIONS AND TAKE NEXT STEPS
This interactive session focuses on how we can use the data from the Giving in Communities of Color project to spark dialogue, reflection and action about funders’ roles in supporting thriving communities of color. We all have questions…what does data actually say, and what other questions does it beg? How can funders respond, and what can we learn from others who have already gone down this road? Are we over the rainbow? How do I get back to Kansas? Join fellow travelers Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion in exploring how nonprofits, funders and community can realize a collective vision for inclusive communities in Oregon…and why it matters that we take this journey together.
R. FUELING CIVIC ACTION: MEDIA, JUSTICE & YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
This session starts where “Papers” the movie leaves off. Adult and youth from the “Papers” crew will talk about how the film came about, its youth leadership, social media and impact on local, state and public policy. Using media and an extensive grassroots distribution model, “Papers” has fostered a national community of young emerging leaders who are passionate about public policy, community organizing and social entrepreneurship. The Crew will also engage workshop participants in a discussion about the youth-led “Papers” Youth Organizing Project which cultivates immigrant, at-risk and allied young leaders in Oregon and southwest Washington.
Speakers: Rebecca Shine, co-founder of Graham Street Productions and student representatives.
S. HELPING NONPROFITS HARNESS TECHNOLOGY: SUPPORTING YOUR GRANTEES’ TECHNOLOGY NEEDS
You can help your grantees make effective use of technology—even without significant monetary investment. By providing your nonprofit partners with training, group consulting, shared support services, or more, you can take advantage of economies of scale to lift the capabilities of your whole network.
Andrea Berry of Idealware will walk through types of technologies that your grantees are likely to be struggling with, and the kind of support—including free and low cost options—that can help. You’ll come away with a better idea of how you can evaluate, support and provide technology that advances the mission of grantees.
Speaker: Andrea Berry, Director of Partnerships and Learning, Idealware
T. THE FORD VITALITY MODEL: WHAT IS CAPACITY BUILDING ANYWAY?
The Ford institute Leadership Program now has over 3,000 graduates from more than 60 regions or “hubs” across rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, CA. Please join the leaders of the Ford Institute for Community Building and the evaluation team from Oregon State University as they share their story of capacity building on the way to VITAL RURAL COMMUNITIES. Engage with The Ford Vitality Model! Learn about how the program works and what has been accomplished. Hear about lessons learned and what lies ahead for The Ford Institute.
Speakers: Joyce Aske, Associate Director, Ford Institute for Community Building, The Ford Family Foundation; Tom Gallagher, Director, Ford Institute for Community Building, The Ford Family Foundation
12:15-1:45 PM | CLOSING LUNCH PLENARY (THE RED BUILDING)
Plenary VI. Challenging the Role of Philanthropy: How Do We Move Forward?
Speaker: Luz A. Vega-Marquis, President and CEO, Marguerite Casey Foundation
Luz A. Vega-Marquis has led Marguerite Casey Foundation since December 2001. As President and CEO, she manages the Foundation’s investment portfolio, leads its effort to disburse approximately $30 million in grants annually and spearheads the organization’s focus to positively impact families, youth and children. A leader in the field, Luz has contributed widely to the philanthropic community across the United States. She will call on her local, regional and national experiences as a grantmaker to challenge our thinking about the role of philanthropy, how the world is changing and how philanthropy will need to change to be effective. You’ll leave this session with an understanding of national trends, the context within which funders do their work and ideas for how funders will accomplish their work in the future.
