Dear Colleague,

EPIP's Impact on Emerging Leaders

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EPIP member Nick Scheibel of The Minneapolis Foundation explains the benefits of peer networking in EPIP

"EPIP has done a lot to strengthen a pipeline of leaders into and moving up through philanthropy by giving people mentoring opportunities, confidence boosters, and the chance to develop skills like serving on boards, public speaking, or social justice thinking." -- Caroline Altman Smith, Program Officer, The Kresge Foundation

"We moved to a simpler grant process after I attended an EPIP conference, and that has improved our relationship with grantseekers. -- Survey respondent

"It was definitely motivating, inspiring, and compelling to be able to talk to others in the EPIP network when I was considering taking my first job in philanthropy." -- Christi Tran, Program Officer, Blue Shield of California Foundation

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EPIP member Jasmine Hall Ratliff of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation describes how EPIP helps younger staff learn from experienced leaders in philanthropy.

EPIP's Impact on Philanthropy

Below we share 6 key findings about EPIP's impact on the broader field of philanthropy.

1) EPIP's focus on multigenerationalism has had a positive impact on philanthropy. Almost all (97%) of survey respondents reported that as a result of EPIP, there is increased interaction and dialogue between senior and new foundation staff; 95% said they believe philanthropy has benefited from EPIP's efforts to prepare the next generation of leaders. They also reported that young or new foundation staff now have more opportunity to get involved in philanthropy (60%) and that these staff are more active in the field than they were before (50%).

"To the extent that you care about the future of philanthropy, you've got to care about the next generation of philanthropic leaders. EPIP represents a group from which the next generation of philanthropic leadership will be drawn." -- Ralph Smith, Executive Vice President, Annie E. Casey Foundation

2) EPIP has expanded professional and leadership development opportunities for emerging practitioners. Almost two-thirds (60%) of survey respondents believed that EPIP increased the opportunities for involvement in philanthropy for young or new foundation staff. Almost all (98%) believed that EPIP has been "somewhat to very effective" in increasing the presence and participation of new, emerging staff at philanthropy conferences and in increasing the number of sessions and workshops for and about younger/new foundation staff at conferences.

"Being part of the EPIP network helped me hone my leadership skills and take risks in my career. I was able to build relationships outside of my region and state and was able to apply those leadership skills not just in my own foundation but on a national scale, which allowed my national network to flourish. -- Melissa Johnson, Executive Director, Neighborhood Funders Group

3) Employers benefit from EPIP's contributions to professional development. Seventy-five percent (75%) of EPIP members surveyed reported making positive contributions to their organizations as a result of their involvement with EPIP. This includes becoming more confident in taking on more responsibilities (37%), becoming better able to advocate for issues they feel are important in their foundations (24%), and learning ways to do their jobs more effectively (23%).  

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Daniel Lee, Executive Director of the Levi Strauss Foundation, describes how EPIP helps his employee 

4) EPIP brings value to national and regional associations of grantmakers. EPIP has collaborated with a wide range of funder networks, including 11 regional associations of grantmakers (in the locations of all its chapters), national affinity groups, and the Council on Foundations. According to those interviewed, EPIP provides value because these associations can leverage EPIP's network of next generation leaders, expertise, and infrastructure.

"For affinity groups that want to engage younger and newer foundation staff, it makes sense to partner with EPIP rather than reinvent all the work yourself." -- Carly Hare, Executive Director, Native Americans in Philanthropy

5) EPIP fills an important need in educating and orienting those new to philanthropy. Many senior leaders and EPIP members interviewed described the need to "demystify" philanthropy and grantmaking work, and to orient those new to philanthropy. This was recognized as an important need that EPIP helps to fill, with several executive directors stating appreciation that their staff has a venue for learning about the field beyond their own institutions.

"Increasing the pipeline of people who are familiar with philanthropy -- familiar with how it works, its challenges, and its opportunities -- is an important service to the field. I think it is a great opportunity for philanthropic institutions to pay attention to EPIP, and to make sure that we're connected with them, and helping them place the people that they're training." -- Luz Vega Marquis, CEO, Marguerite Casey Foundation

6) EPIP brings increased attention to social justice philanthropy. About one-third said they feel that there is increased dialogue and awareness in the field about social justice philanthropy as a result of EPIP (36%). Additionally, 30% reported that as a result of EPIP there is increased attention on racial, gender, and class diversity at foundations.

"The EPIP conference is probably one of the most diverse cross-sections of people that I've ever seen in a philanthropic meeting, and social justice philanthropy is integrated into all the sessions. This requires courage and commitment. To see that social justice is front and center at EPIP gives me hope in the next generation of philanthropists." -- Daniel Jae-Won Lee, Executive Director, Levi Strauss Foundation

 

You can download the full 2011 EPIP Impact Assessment or the Executive Summary.  You can also watch a video summarizing key findings, including many short video and audio clips from EPIP members and senior foundation leaders!  

EPIP 2011 Impact Assessment Video