Summer 2011 Newsletter

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

When I think about the theme of this newsletter edition, Coming Into Your Own, I wonder if that phenomenon is as discrete, as it suggests at first glance. Perhaps it really happens throughout life's stages, from developing a distinct personality as a toddler to commanding a Zen mastery of life as an adult (or at least looking like it).

Coming into one's own is getting a good groove; it's reaching a level of confidence that is driven by a sense of purpose and an almost intuitive understanding of content and context. It's the Aha! moment of self-knowledge, whether gained through an epiphany or over time.  It's when you know what you're doing and others know it too.

In our sector, I regard NCG as a motivator and resource to help members reach the next level in our professional evolutions. NCG showcases the new thinking, strategies, and tactics in this vibrant region and sector, providing a continuous motivation loop for funders to learn, attempt, adapt, and improve. Involvement with NCG certainly has been integral to my own development as a philanthropic professional. 

Of course, organizations can come into their own as well. In this newsletter, learn how members have shaped NCG's growth and progression over the past 30 years into one of the nation's foremost regional affinity groups. And as a lagniappe for you, check out their newly-launched Financial Analysis for Grantmakers series.

Overall, look closely at what NCG has to offer. The key to your next professional eureka may lie among the briefings, Tweets, toolkits, and initiatives…or maybe even in the job bank.

Best,

Cedric Brown
CEO
Mitchell Kapor Foundation