Heart of Philanthropy: A Renewal Retreat for Philanthropy Professionals


Date: 8/26/2010 - 8/28/2010
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Commonweal Retreat Center, 451 Mesa Road, Bolinas, California 94924

MEMBERS: please log in to the left, then register yourself or a colleague online by clicking on the link above.
Non-Member Funders: please click on the registration link above and fill out the registration form.
Not a member of NCG? Find out how to join.

Table of Contents

Program Description

If we attempt to act and do things for others or for the world without deepening our own self–understanding, our own freedom, integrity and capacity to love, we will not have anything to give to others. —Thomas Merton

Funders are in a unique position for creating change and affecting the lives of people in the communities they serve. Yet, the transactional nature of funders' work can take an emotional toll on foundation professionals, leaving them disconnected from the people whose lives are affected by their grantmaking. Reconnecting with the intention behind philanthropy—compassion for humankind—rekindles a sense of purpose that can otherwise atrophy over the years.

It's important to remember that individuals can't operate at peak performance unless they take care of themselves. Funders who invest time to restore their emotional balance can approach their work with renewed vigor.

Northern California Grantmakers is pleased to invite you to this unique professional development opportunity tailored to help experienced grantmakers reflect on the values and principles that brought them to this work and to cultivate practices and skills to sustain effective engagement. NCG's Heart of Philanthropy retreats—designed to promote leadership, professional renewal and effectiveness in the field of philanthropy—are based on the work of Parker J. Palmer—educator, author of The Courage to Teach, and founder of The Center for Courage & Renewal. The Center is an educational nonprofit that strengthens individuals, professions and communities through retreats and programs that help people by reconnecting who they are with what they do.

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What To Expect

The Heart of Philanthropy retreat is designed to help staff of philanthropic organizations to reflect on and reconnect with the values that brought them to the work, giving them renewed energy to better sustain the quality and depth of their commitment to the work. Participants are engaged in structured exercises to determine and affirm their personal and professional values and goals. Participants are encouraged to share best philanthropic practices with other participants.

NCG has hosted the Heart of Philanthropy Retreat for over 10 years with more than 50 philanthropists who have travelled both locally and from states to experience the benefits of connecting with their colleagues about the work in an idyllic retreat setting.

Come join us to:

  • participate in a guided reflection and journey of personal and professional discovery to bring renewed sense of vitality to you and your work;
  • build confidence and strengthen your leadership skills that will equip you to lead with both your head and heart;
    connect with grantmakers across the state and learn what others are doing; and
  • learn the value of reflection in an idyllic setting.

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About The Facilitator

Estrus Tucker is an independent consultant, facilitator, writer, storyteller and keynote speaker specializing in small and large group facilitation, designing and leading conversations and retreats across the country in support of personal, professional and community renewal, transformation, healing and reconciliation.

Estrus is a seasoned practitioner of the Circles of Trust, Social Change for Leadership Development and other models of civic engagement. For the past twelve years, he has served as President & CEO of Liberation Community, Inc., a social justice network & Community Development Corporation in Fort Worth, Texas, and currently chairs the Fort Worth Human Relations Commission. Estrus is an alumnus of the University of Texas at Arlington, Leadership Fort Worth and the John Ben Shepherd Texas Public Leadership Forum.

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Who Can Attend

Heart of Philanthropy targets mid–level to senior staff of philanthropic institutions or donor advised funds. 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 as a foundation professional; and wish to build stronger relationships with your philanthropic colleagues.

Because space is limited to a small group of grantmakers (10-12 people) we encourage you to register soon!

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Heart of Philanthropy Testimonials

Listen to what former participants have to say about their experience:

"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

"Experienced grantmakers need unique venues like the Heart of Philanthropy in order to re-tool our perspective, re-visit our motivations for doing this work and rev-up our engines. The combination of reflection and inquiry with one’s peers in a no-pressure, supportive environment can’t be beat. Sign me up for Heart 2.0!"

—Merle Lawrence, Senior Manager, Levi Strauss Foundation

"The Heart of Philanthropy Retreat was a very grounding experience for me. The readings, discussions and human interactions provided a powerful instrument for self–reflection and introspection, creativity and compassion, altruism, humility, and balance. I wish I could go every year."

—Lisa R. Villarreal, Program Officer, The San Francisco Foundation

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Fees

NCG Members: $650
Non–Member Grantmaker: $850

Registration fees include facilitation fees, single accommodations for 2 nights and 6 meals.

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The Location

Commonweal is a nonprofit health and environmental research institute in Bolinas, California. Founded in 1976, Commonweal conducts programs that contribute to human and ecosystem health—to a safer world for people and for all life. An integral part of Commonweal's work is done at the Commonweal Retreat Center which houses up to twenty people. The Retreat Center is available for personal or professional retreats, conferences and workshops when not in use for Commonweal programs.

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Cancellation Policy

Out of consideration for the planning committee and the retreat center, in order to receive a full refund registrants must contact NCG by August 20th. After this date program fees are not refundable. 

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If you have questions about the NCG's Heart of Philanthropy program, please contact Program Specialist Angela Jones at at 415.777.4111 ext 15 or at ajones[at]ncg[dot]org

 

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