NCG Events

Northern California Grantmakers, Southern California Grantmakers, and San Diego Grantmakers Present

"When we reconnect who we are with what we do, we approach our lives and our work with renewed passion, commitment, and integrity."
—Center for Courage & Renewal

Philanthropy is hard work. Effective philanthropy involves skill, knowledge, competency, organizational effectiveness, and solid planning, as well as solid relationships based on trust, respect, and integrity. It is a balancing act of heart and head. Our work is so much about helping others that we forget to personally invest in ourselves. As we go about doing our work, how do we find the time to reflect on the reasons for doing this work? Where is the heart in philanthropy?

On behalf of the California Regional Associations of Grantmakers, we invite you to this unique professional development opportunity grounded in the principles and practices of reflection. The Heart of Philanthropy retreat is based on the work of Parker J. Palmer, noted author of The Courage to Teach, activist, and co-founder of the Center for Courage & Renewal.

Established in 1997, the Center works to foster personal and professional growth through retreats that offer the time and space to reflect on life and work in the company of skilled facilitators and colleagues. The result for many participants is inspired and renewed commitment to their work and to new dimensions in leadership.

Come join us to:

• Participate in a guided reflection and journey of personal and professional discovery to bring a renewed sense of vitality to you and your work;
• Learn how to connect our whole selves - head and heart -- in our professional work and relationships;
• Connect with grantmakers across the state and learn what others are doing; and
• Learn the value of slowing down in an idyllic setting.

Facilitators:
Nancy Wiltsek has been Executive Director of the Pottruck Family Foundation since 1999 and has more than 20 years experience in the nonprofit sector, fifteen of which has been spent as a grantmaker in the U.S. and abroad. In addition, she serves as Chair of Northern California Grantmakers' Family Philanthropy Exchange Committee. She completed the Center for Courage & Renewal's Facilitator Preparation course in 2005.

Dr. James Quay recently stepped down after nearly 25 years as executive director of the California Council for the Humanities. A native of Pennsylvania, he earned a BA in English literature from Lafayette College and moved to California with his wife in 1970 after working two years as a caseworker in central Harlem as a conscientious objector. After earning an MA and Ph.D.in English literature from the University of California, Berkeley, Jim became an associate producer with California Public Radio, where he co-produced an award-winning series, "Vietnam Reconsidered: Lessons from a War." He is currently a facilitator with the Center for Courage & Renewal, providing opportunities for personal and professional renewal for people in the serving professionsteachers, healthcare providers, clergy, and lawyers.

Target Audience:
Please consider this professional development retreat if you are a donor, trustee or grantmaker with a minimum of three years experience; eager to improve your practice and effectiveness as a foundation professional; and wish to build stronger relationships with your philanthropic colleagues and meet grantmakers from Southern California.

Register Now:
There are a limited number of spots available for this special opportunity - register now to ensure your participation! Deadline for registration is July 1st.

To register visit here.

NCG Cancellation Policy:
Coming Soon

register now
deadline July 1!

Attendee Packet

• The Clearness Committee article by Parker J. Palmer
• Heart of Philanthropy article by Tom Beech
• Leading From Within article by Parker J. Palmer

Program Information

• Agenda [Coming Soon]
• Retreat Location:
  
  Commonweal Retreat Center
  
  Nature Photos From Commonweal

Resources

• "Heart of Philanthropy"
  article by Tom Beach
• Center for Courage & Renewal
• "Evaluation of Circle Trust Retreats" Summary
  Center for Courage & Renewal's research on the benefit of reflective practice as a form of professional development
• Fetzer Institute

Quotes

Listen to what former participants are saying about the retreat:

"Heart of Philanthropy is the only place that I have found to engage in sustained discussions on topics such as finding the intersection between power, passion and philanthropy…"

—Carrie Avery
President
The Durfee Foundation


"I came into philanthropy, like everyone I know, with the simple goal of making the world a better place…Creating lasting change. Yet after many years in the field, even this great work can begin to feel transactional and repetitive. And one can doubt one's effectiveness, The Heart retreat is a place to re-connect with others about why we do this work, and re-energize how we do it. The retreat was outstanding and helped me assess a critical turning point in my career…"

—Crystal Hayling
President and CEO
Blue Shield Foundation of California


"For grantmakers seeking to expand the inner-dimensions of their work, the Heart of Philanthropy workshop offers an entirely different and exciting kind of professional development. Adding to a hands-on approach, I now have renewed 'minds-on' and 'hearts-on' insights into my own and my foundation's philanthropic practice."

—Sterling Speirn
President and CEO
W.K. Kellogg Foundation