Convening Grantees and Partners

Beyond grantmaking and policy influence, funders can create valuable spaces for collaboration, as their invitations are influential. When funders call, nonprofits and other community partners show up. This raises plenty of questions for the design, logistics and facilitation of gatherings.

• Where should we host it?
• How could we make it exciting and different?
• Should we plan the logistics in-house or outsource?
• Should we reimburse our grantees for their time?
• Does it need to be a longer, multi-day gathering?
• How do we effectively encourage ongoing collaboration?

Connect with other MCF members, facilitation and event planning experts to explore the questions you should be asking as you embark on bringing together grantees or external partners. Panelists to include:

• Diana Anderson, president and CEO, Southwest Initiative Foundation: Facilitating gatherings with community partners
• Martin Jennings, program officer, Northwest Area Foundation: Convening and fostering collaboration among community-of-color led nonprofits
• Ryan Kroening, principal and owner, Events by Lady K: Designing creative gatherings
• Alfonso Wenker, director of programs and racial equity, Minnesota Council on Foundations: Upping your facilitation game

A full group panel and Q&A session will be followed by three 20-minute breakouts for participants to rotate through small group conversations with panelists.