As the number of organizations in funder portfolios who are undergoing a leadership transition grows, many common practices of funders, including a “Wait and see” approach, are failing organizations just when they need extra support. Join this values-driven and action-oriented session with Leading Forward to learn from social sector professionals who are leaning into trust - and leaning into the change - with new strategies to support leaders who are leaving, leaders who are entering, and the board and staff who manage the change from old to new.

A new demographic analysis of 2021-22 school year chronic absence data from the U.S. Department of Education reveals that the pandemic-induced dramatic increase in chronic absence affects students from all backgrounds and localities and is widening inequities. Join Hedy Nai-Lin Chang, Founder and Executive Director of Attendance Works, Larry C. Simmons, Senior Fellow with Attendance Works, and Dr. David Heiber, Founder and Executive Director of Concentric Educational Solutions, to learn about current interventions and innovations, what working, and necessary systemic changes to shift the current high tide of absenteeism. Moreover, participants will learn the role of funders in advancing strategies and recommendations throughout Maryland.

All grantmakers are invited to participate in this four-part professional development series taught by our region's experienced practitioners, presented by Maryland Philanthropy Network. This session will cover maximizing grant impact, managing your grant portfolio, and continuing to learn. Participants will learn to connect capacity building, advocacy, grantee engagement, and diversity/inclusion to effectiveness and identify leadership roles in philanthropy beyond delivering dollars. Participants will also discuss grant monitoring, evaluation, and closure, and discover additional resources for ongoing development.