PHILANTHROPY COLORADO

We hosted 32 member programs and 46 peer network convenings in 2023, not including Rural Funder Learning Network Advisory Meetings, Foundations on the Hill, Equity Committee and Public Policy Committee meetings, and various Board And committee/subcommittee meetings held throughout the year. we brought members together almost 125 times in different ways and different formats DURING THE YEAR.Our new registration system requiring/encouraging members to register for peer network meetings (in addition to in-person and online member programs) yielded valuable new data on member engagement. Highlights include:96 member organizations have staff (or trustees) who registered to attend peer network meetings (80% of members)87 member organizations have staff (or trustees) who have attended learning programs (72% of members)36 member organizations have staff serving in volunteer leadership positions within Philanthropy Colorado (30% of members)After conducting pulse polls at the end of each online 2022 program to avoid more survey fatigue, the team decided to return to our practice of conducting follow-up evaluations and surveys for major 2023 programs and briefings so that we have more data and feedback. Team members have been assigned to review this process and develop a new system for tracking and evaluating feedback as we plan future programs and consider new ways of reporting.Various team members have also held focus groups or one-on-one conversations to gather anecdotal feedback on current and future programs. We find our most enthusiastic and positive feedback comes in person, via email or via chat versus surveys. Our overall approach to programming continues to ensure that we offer at least one quarterly program of interest to the broader membership, with many other additional programs added throughout the year based on demand and opportunities for elevating new issues and trends. A new boot camp series was well received and drew a large number of new foundation staff receiving a certificate of completion, with the majority of Philanthropy Colorados board serving as presenters throughout the series. A full-day member convening and other programs tackled major crises of our time (democracy, climate, racial equity, gun violence) and the intersections with philanthropys long-time focus areas. We plan to continue to examine these overlapping themes and philanthropys role in addressing them.Our peer networks (listed at the end of this summary) offer members a regular opportunity (either quarterly or every other month) to meet around issues, practices and roles for joint learning, networking and potential collaboration.