Voices. Values. Choices.
MCF Conference, March 15 and 16, 2018
Radisson Blu — Minneapolis
Photography by Bruce Silox and Soon-Young Oh
MCF members showed up and dug deep at MCF’s annual conference. The big question was: How can grantmakers align their closest held values with how they show up with words and actions in the field? The future of philanthropy, using all of a foundation’s resources to achieve community impact, the power of story and narrative to changing old “truths” about race, and better outcomes through more voting were the plenary topics. In other sessions the talk was about disaster philanthropy, the 2020 Census, LBGTQ equity through grantmaking, creating strong connections in rural communities, and much more.
Lulete Mola, Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, animates the discussion about achieving equity in our outcomes by creating equity in our processes
Ari Berman, author of Give Us the Ballott, makes the case for closing the books on our history of excluding people from voting in order to create inclusion, equity and a better democracy.
Exhibitors share information about resources to help grantmakers achieve greater impact.
Trista Harris, MCF, provides an Abe Lincoln reminder, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Diana Anderson, Southwest Initiative Foundation, proves that even talking about the impact of federal tax law changes can be energizing.
Participants of the conference respond to a call for inspiring thought by bringing “philanthropy rowdy” to MCF’s annual conference.
Kelly Ryan, CEO of InCourage Community Foundation, inspires with the story of aligning the use of all forms of a foundation’s capital with values and mission.
Anil Hurkadli, Thrivent Financial, and Chanda Smith Baker, The Minneapolis Foundation, use the conference hallway to connect and engage.
Shanelle Matthews, activist in residence at The New School, and MCF staff member Camille Cyprian discuss aligning the story of philanthropy with community by diversifying boards and staff and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.