Spotlight On

Mission:
The mission of Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy is to support and strengthen the next generation of grantmakers, in order to advance effective social justice philanthropy. We accomplish this mission by organizing our members at the national and local level, and working with them to develop creative leadership, networking and advocacy initiatives.

EPIP focuses on advancing three areas in the field of philanthropy:

• Networking - Connects emerging grantmakers through a national membership structure, and through the organization of vibrant local and regional EPIP chapters.
• Leadership - Provides emerging grantmakers with orientation and in-depth education about the foundation field through the Philanthropology curriculum; and helps grantmakers and those seeking foundation experience to navigate complex workplace and career issues through the Foundation Work and Learning Initiative.
• Advocacy - Seeks to transform the field of organized philanthropy in the long-term by exposing a new generation of philanthropic players to past and present foundation practice and theory, and seeks to strengthen the human resources of the U.S. civic sector by expanding foundation support for those crafting nonprofit and public service careers.

Background:
Founded by a group of young grantmakers, donors and graduate students during the 2001 Council on Foundations annual conference, Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy is a national network composed of philanthropic professionals and scholars who are young adults, new to the field, and in junior positions. Its mission is to strengthen the next generation of grantmakers, in order to advance effective social justice philanthropy. Its partners include five regional associations of grantmakers, GrantCraft, Alliance for Justice, Foundation Center, and others. In the long-term, it seeks to mobilize resources that will strengthen the support systems available to young people seeking nonprofit and civic careers, as a strategy for strengthening the nonprofit community. EPIP is somewhat unique in its niche, and addresses needs that have been under the radar screen. It is a funder network that is less instrumental than it is about the future of philanthropy itself. The group's members address the impact of generational trends on civil society - a meta-issue that is often beyond the scope of leadership development and capacity-building practices.

The network is governed by a national Board of Advisors and by steering committees that guide each chapter. As of July 2003, EPIP has a growing membership of 160 individuals, two established chapters, two new chapters and three emerging chapters, and over 300 people on email listservs. EPIP was founded during the Council on Foundations 52nd annual conference in 2001, by a group of young foundation staffers who sought to connect with peers, and learn about their unique field of work. EPIP has been a staffed project incubated at the New World Foundation since Fall 2002.

Current Programs:
EPIP currently manages unique programs that address their core goals of advancing leadership, networking, and advocacy.

PHILANTHROPOLOGY Program:
Our unique grantmaker education program provides EPIP members with peer-based and inter-generational professional development through workshops, Web and print resources, partnerships and ongoing programs. Members will gain: an in-depth orientation to the foundation field; resources to help you take up your role and manage the paradoxes of philanthropy; and a safe space to learn about the complex relationships between foundations, donors, grantees and social change.

MENTORING:
EPIP chapters provide you with peer support, Leadership and Advocacy programs, mentoring, frank conversations that don't happen elsewhere, social events -- and much, much more. Our chapters partner with regional associations of grantmakers, affinity groups and other groups so that we complement and contribute to other networks in the community.

Funding Needs:
Funding would allow EPIP to continue to grow and establish its reputation within the grantmaking community, assist in establishing a Philanthropology Program Advisory Committee, conducting outreach to new grantmakers at conferences, building the capacity of National office, providing support to the Mentoring Program and building the capacity of the EPIP's chapter. Help aid our growing mentoring, advocacy and networking initiatives so that we can better support young professionals in the field of philanthropy. Visit us online to learn more.

Every month, the "Spotlight On" highlights the activities of a different 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in the tri-state region (NY, NJ, or CT). The selection of organizations for the "Spotlight On" is based on criteria such as programmatic interests, geographic focus, and size, to ensure the broadest possible representation of the region's nonprofit sector. While the Foundation Center strives to showcase the diverse range of organizations in the area, selection for "Spotlight On" does not constitute an endorsement by the Foundation Center.

If you'd like to see your NPO in the "Spotlight," please use this submission form to send us a profile of your organization. Or e-mail a description of your organization, following the above format, to nyweb@foundationcenter.org with "Spotlight Submission" in the subject line.