empowering philanthropy: our programs and initiatives

Philanthropy DMV is committed to creating environments where our members and partners are well supported in advocacy and funding strategy to advance a thriving, prosperous region. Through our programs and events we promote meaningful professional development and networking, bringing together professionals who leverage their resources and expertise to make a lasting impact in the region. Our members share best practices, explore new strategies in philanthropic engagement, and collaborate on initiatives that enhance their organization’s impact on local communities.

Our Region, Our Giving Annual Forum & Awards

We will convene at the beautiful Rubell Museum to have riveting panels and conversations about innovative approaches to philanthropy, strategies for driving systemic change, and the latest trends shaping our sector. Engage with thought leaders, connect with peers, and be inspired by Philanthropy DMV member success stories that demonstrate the impact of philanthropy on our region. We look forward to your participation in this vital dialogue and to working together to create a more equitable and just society.

Working Groups | Where ideas and collaboration drive policy, practice and community impact

  • Healthy Communities – improving health at the intersection of social, economic and racial equity.
    • Deeply Rooted Regional History Project: Lessons for Equity in the Metropolitan Washington Region
    • Investing in the U.S. Health Workforce
    • Supporting Trans Health
  • Housing Justice – mobilizing philanthropic resources and solutions to advance housing justice 
    • Resources for Housing Production and Preservation: HAND Housing Indicator Tool 4.0, with Urban Institute
  • Children, Youth, Families and Education – learning, action, support, and accountability for funders of children, youth and family issues
    • Closing the College Career Success Gap
  • Civic Action – advancing philanthropic support for community organizing and advocacy
    • Investing to Build Community Power and Civic Participation

Affinity Groups | Networking and learning based on common identities and communities of practice

  • Communications Professionals – professionals responsible for brand marketing, communications, and social media in funding organizations
  • Corporate Leaders – staff and leadership of corporate foundations and corporate social responsibility programs
  • People of the Global Majority – People identifying as Black, Indigenous and other People of Color in philanthropy
  • Queer – People who identify as LGBTQIA+ in philanthropy

Thought Leadership | Curated convenings for knowledge exchange with national experts and peers

  • Lantern Lectures – professional skill-building sessions for diverse philanthropy models
  • Conversations x Coffee/Cocktails – convenings to tackle challenges and discover shared opportunities
  • Programs and Practice Calls – Virtual technical assistance calls to deepen and expand racial equity in philanthropic practices. Co-hosted with Equal Measure
  • Peer Partnerships – co-presented events and initiatives providing access to resources and expertise of PDMV partners

Upcoming Learning and Action Topics

  • Building community power and civic participation
  • The business case for CSR: Tracking, Outcomes, Storytelling
  • Closing the College Career Success Gap
  • CSR beyond the $$ – Volunteerism, Capacity-Building, and Other Ways to Drive Social Impact
  • Deeply Rooted Regional History Project: Lessons for Equity in the Metropolitan Washington Region
  • Equity in Communications
  • Innovation in Philanthropy using AI
  • Internal-External corporate DEI alignment
  • Investing in Non-Profit Leadership
  • Race-Conscious Initiatives Amid DEI Rollbacks
  • Racial Equity and Justice – Programs and Practice
  • Fostering Mutual Accountability with Nonprofits