Learning Communities

NCNG's learning communities provide our members with the opportunity to learn and hear from fellow industry professionals and facilitators as well as connect with other members across North Carolina. This network of grantmakers and staff allows North Carolina philanthropy to collaborate and support each other in all aspects of our work to better support our communities.

If you are interested in joining one of the groups below please contact Kiara Moore kmoore@ncgrantmakers.org to get added to the email list. Learn more below or with the NCNG Learning Community FAQ.

BILPOC In Philanthropy

Who is this for? NCNG members that identify as Black, Indigenous, Latine/x, People of Color.

What is the purpose of this group? The purpose of this group is to provide the necessary support and space for BILPOC staff to show up authentically and discuss relevant topics to their respective communities. This group was created to make sure BILPOC members feel supported and uplifted as they do important work in NC's philanthropic space.

How often does this group meet? This group meets 2-4 times a year. 

Communications

Who is this for? Anyone who considers “communications” – marketing, writing, social media, strategy – as a part of their role.

What is the purpose of this group? This group is equal parts networking, sharing, and learning. Sessions include topics like:

• Video production
• Websites
• Social Media and Content Creation through A.I.
• Ethical storytelling

How often does this group meet? This group generally meets at least twice a year, and usually gathers for dinner at the NCNG conference.

Corporate Funders

Who is this for? In this group, corporate giving staff and corporate grantmakers will find a wonderful opportunity to network with peers that talk about employee engagement, ROI, ESG, and social impact as much as they do!

What is the purpose of this group? These peer-to-peer conversations are limited to individuals working with corporate grantmakers. The group meets quarterly and generally has a round-table conversation at the NCNG conference.

How often does this group meet? Other sessions regarding corporate grantmaking may be offered more broadly throughout the year, but the learning community meetings are limited to NCNG corporate members. (Please reach out to the NCNG team if you’re not sure if your organization makes sense for these sessions!)

Emerging Leaders

Who is this for? Anyone is welcome to attend this group, but the programming is generally geared towards folks who have been in philanthropy for five or fewer years.

What is the purpose of this group? Learning and networking sessions may include:

• NCNG Orientation to get everyone acquainted with NCNG and all it offers as a member
• Discussions about career advancement in philanthropy
• Learning sessions about “nuts and bolts” of working in philanthropy on topics like advocacy, legal issues, or foundation types

How often does this group meet? This group gathers at least twice a year and generally has a social component or shared experience at the NCNG conference or other times throughout the year.

Finance & Investments

Who is this for? Foundation staff in accounting, CFO, COO and investment roles can share resources relevant to the financial workings of their organizations.

What is the purpose of this group? To share resources and answer questions about anything and everything connected to the financial workings of your organization -- from software recommendations to compensation and benefits to operating hours and everything in between.

How often does this group meet? Quarterly

Chief Executives

Who is this for? Foundation leaders - CEOs, Executive Directors, Director of Corporate Grantmaking, Presidents.

What is the purpose of this group? Meet to discuss the particular challenges of their roles and highlight exciting work in their organization.

How often does this group meet? Quarterly

Evaluation

Who is this for? Anyone who is deeply engaged in their foundation’s learning and evaluation efforts or whose role revolve around learning, evaluation, or data analysis. 

What is the purpose of this group? Join your peers to share your practices and discuss strategies for ensuring equitable data-collection and analysis.

How often does this group meet? Quarterly

SPIN Group: Scholarship Providers Information and Networking

Who is this for? Anyone working in the scholarship space at their organization.

What is the purpose of this group? To purposefully deepen your network with people who understand your unique role, crowdsource solutions to problems, and celebrate wins together.

How often does this group meet? 2-3 times per year

Looking to get the most out of your membership?

Our team has a lot of experience with the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, meeting facilitation, accessibility, communications, and grantmaking practices that are rooted in equity and community. We can help you plan a meeting with fellow grantmakers, discuss collaborative strategies, recommend sample policies, or connect you to peers or national resources. Contact us at info@ncgrantmakers.org and we'll get you connected to the right team member.