The philanthropic sector faced massive shifts over the past two years. The pandemic prompted some funders to increase payouts and loosen — or entirely lift — grant restrictions, while the racial reckoning forced many to confront the imminent need to shift power dynamics, increase internal diversity, and act with intention to support organizations led by and serving people of color.
Michael Bigley is the Director of the Venable Foundation, one of the largest law firm foundations in the country. A key aspect of his work has been to increase public awareness of Venable’s funding opportunities and diversify the grantee docket. As we transition back to more face-to-face activities in the future, Michael looks forward to meeting new MPN colleagues and discovering how philanthropy can address systemic issues present in our communities together.
Havaca Ganguly is Executive Director of The Middendorf Foundation which provides capital and one-time grants that support six areas of grantmaking focus. When Havaca took over the one staff position in late 2019, the foundation had a chance to reflect on their practices and reset operations. In March 2022, we spoke with Havaca to learn more about their process and what they're excited about for the future.
Danielle Torain joins Sloane Brown to talk about her first two years as director of Open Society Institute Baltimore, and how COVID-19, issues of racial equity and new motherhood have affected that role.
Tonia Wellons is the president and CEO of the Greater Washington Community Foundation (GWCF), the largest public foundation in the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
It turns out the season for giving isn’t just around the holidays, when it comes to Baltimoreans.
There is ample data that makes the case for the value of diversity in corporate, education, private and public sector leadership.
To conclude Equity First, a four-part virtual speaker series launched by Cross Keys-based Associated Black Charities (ABC), the local nonprofit has saved, perhaps its most famous guest, for last.
