Peer Networks: Building New Connections

NCFP’s Peer Networks are a place to find your community of peers. Read on to learn about our Peer Network offerings and how you can join to learn and connect with colleagues.

For any role, it is crucial to not only understand what is expected of you, but to also feel a sense of belonging and connection to your peers. Beyond being a source of support, peers can help you wrestle with tough questions, challenge you to shift your mindsets and practices, and provide insights on lessons learned. NCFP is a network that explores what is possible through philanthropy and to activate the practices that contribute to effective change, together. At NCFP, one way you can find your community is through Peer Networks.

Peer Networks are groups of colleagues with similar roles or interests that come together to explore common issues and experiences in family philanthropy. Peer Networks provide our members with opportunities to learn and connect through candid conversations and practical takeaways. Meetings are not recorded, allowing attendees to have honest discussions. Each network is chaired by family philanthropy practitioners who lend their time and expertise to develop programs and facilitate conversations for the network. We are so grateful for our volunteers. It is their commitment to fostering a supportive learning community that helps make NCFP a space where we can all learn and grow together.

Read on to learn more about the Peer Networks we offer and how you can participate.

Board Chair Peer Network

Board chairs play an instrumental role in family philanthropy. They are facilitators and strategists, listeners and leaders, often for a board that includes many of their own family members. This network is a space for chairs to share best practices and successful approaches to board leadership, address common challenges, and build relationships with colleagues.

Chaired by:

• Liz Bonner, Chair, Hill-Snowdon Foundation
• Katherine Osborne Valdez, Chair, The Powell Foundation

Many thanks to outgoing co-chairs Jaimie Mayer of the Nathan Cummings Foundation and Gilbert Miller of the Bradley-Turner Foundation.

Available to: Board chairs of NCFP members

Join the network Register for an upcoming event

Emerging Family Leaders Peer Network

This network is designed for next generation, adult family members (approximately ages 21-45). In multi-generational family philanthropy efforts, the rising generation has an opportunity to bring new expertise, fresh ideas, and renewed energy to their family’s giving. The Emerging Family Leaders Peer Network provides a space for members to advance their philanthropic knowledge and develop leadership skills as they engage in their family’s philanthropy.

Chaired by:

• Theo Avery, Vice President, The Durfee Foundation
• Ida Posner, Strategic Advisor, Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh
• Christina West-Bieg, Trustee, Castellano Family Foundation

Available to: Family members (approximately ages 21-45) of NCFP members

Join the network Register for an upcoming event

Engaging Youth Peer Network

For many families, deciding when and how to thoughtfully engage children and youth (ages 8-21) in their philanthropy is top of mind. Participants in this network gather to share resources and effective strategies for inspiring and engaging youth in philanthropy.

Chaired by:

• Neil Gobioff, President, Gobioff Foundation
• Cadence Miller, Program Officer, Laird Norton Family Foundation

Many thanks to the outgoing co-chairs, Michelle Knapik, president of the Emily Hall Tremaine and Alexis Marion, trustee and program officer of the Frieda C. Fox Family Foundation.

Available to: Staff, board, family members, or volunteers of NCFP members who are interested in engaging youth in their philanthropy.

Join the network Register for an upcoming event

Non-family staff leaders speaking at a Non-family Staff Peer Network event. From right to left: Kim Wright, Denise Porche, Tyler Hobbs Lynne Doblin, Liz Dozier

Non-family Staff Peer Network

Non-family staff leaders play a unique role, often serving as a conduit between board and staff and leading day-to-day operations. Network members share challenges and successes, addressing both evergreen and timely topics.

Chaired by:

• Chris Steed, Executive Director, Fullerton Foundation
• Christy Uchida, President, The Brinson Foundation

Many thanks to the outgoing co-chairs, Denise Porche, executive director of the Island Foundation, and Kim Wright, executive director of the Stolte Family Foundation.

Available to: Non-family senior staff of NCFP members

Join the network Register for an upcoming event

Wynn Rosser and Erin Borla leading a conversation on rural funding at the 2022 National Forum on Family Philanthropy

Rural Funders Peer Network

The Rural Funders Peer Network provides a space for learning and discussion for philanthropic families working in rural areas, including those funding in rural Tribal places. This peer network offers philanthropic families who are placed-based rural funders a chance to learn from each other, share experiences of best practices for working in rural areas, discuss tactics and strategies, and connect with funding and partnering opportunities to leverage their investments and increase their impact. We recognize that community foundations play a vital role in the rural funding ecosystem and invite community foundation staff who work with philanthropic families to join the Rural Funders Peer Network as well.

Chaired by:

• Erin Borla, Executive Director, Roundhouse Foundation
• Wynn Rosser, President and CEO, T.L.L. Temple Foundation

Available to: Any family funder who focuses on rural areas or community foundation staff member who supports donors funding in rural areas. NCFP membership is not required.

Join the network Register for an upcoming event

Strategic Lifespan Peer Network

Many families have made the decision to limit the lifespan of their philanthropy and spend down. Others routinely revisit the question of perpetuity or are considering the benefits and implications of spending down. Members of the Strategic Lifespan Peer Network discuss topics such as grantmaking strategies, communications, and investing with a limited lifespan lens.

Chaired by:

• Priscilla Enriquez, CEO, James B. McClatchy Foundation
• Glen Galaich, CEO, Stupski Foundation
• Anne Marie Toccket, Executive Director, Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh

Available to: Any family funder (staff, board member, family member) in the process of or considering spending down or alumni (staff, board, family members) of a spend down foundation. NCFP membership is not required.

Join the network   Register for an upcoming event

Questions?

Curious if there is a Peer Network that’s right for you or want to learn more? Contact us at ncfp@ncfp.org.