SUNDAY, April 25

2010 NNCG SPRING CONVENING
(in conjunction with the Council on Foundations Annual Conference)

8 a.m.-11 a.m.
Hilton Garden Inn
1400 Welton Street
(across from the Hyatt Regency)
Denver, CO 80202

The National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers invites both members and non-members to participate in our annual convening that this year will include:

• State of the organization: updates on NNCG Task Forces accomplishments and plans for the coming year.
  
  
• Consultant-to-Consultant: Innovations in Practice – In a dynamic and changing philanthropic environment, consultants are called upon to respond creatively both for their clients and their own practices. NNCG colleagues will share new models of working in the field, perspectives on a changing landscape, and creative strategies benefiting their clients, the vitality of their practices, and the field at large.
  
  
• Fulfilling Our Vision -- How can NNCG best develop its potential for thought leadership within the field, flex its strength as a vital resource to grantmakers and grantmaker associations, and continue to grow a community of stellar consultants dedicated to expanding and deepening philanthropy? Kris Putnam-Walkerly, Vice Chair of the NNCG Steering Committee and President, Putnam Community Investment Consulting, will ask NNCG members to weigh in on these questions and more as part of the Network’s 2010 strategic planning process.
  
  
• A light breakfast & networking

This is an excellent opportunity for members to meet their colleagues, share knowledge and resources, contribute to a shared vision of NNCG’s future, and lend their voice to what promises to be a stimulating discussion.

Non-members are encouraged to come learn more about NNCG and its multi-faceted programs and services. Cost is $35 for non-members; free to members. Includes a light breakfast.

Please R.S.V.P. by Friday, April 9 to Network Project Director Lauren Kay at (888)589-4489 x1 or to lauren@nncg.org.

Non-members should send checks to: NNCG, P.O. Box 292182, Los Angeles, CA 90029 or charge by phone. For more information about the COF Annual Conference visit the Council at www.cof.org.

FOR GRANTMAKERS:

THE CONSULTANT IS IN
April 24-26 at The Cof Annual Conference, Denver, Co.
Resource Central: Booth 318

Volunteer NNCG consultants will be on hand throughout the conference for 20-minute mini consulting sessions. Appointments are available from 1-6 p.m. on Sunday; and Monday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Saturday sessions may also be arranged. Pre-conference scheduling is encouraged. Make an appointment by contacting NNCG Project Director Lauren Kay at lauren@nncg.org or (888)589-4489. At the conference call, email or visit NNCG at Booth 318 to sign-up.

Wednesday, May 26

Webinar: The Essentials of Foundation Strategy and the Consultants' Role:
(presented in partnership with the Center for Effective Philanthropy)

11am - 12:30pm PST/2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. EST

Foundation leaders often say strategy is essential for achieving impact.  But how strategic are they, really, in their day-to-day work?  What specific characteristics differentiate the more strategic from the less strategic? What is the role of consultants in developing strategy – and ensuring that it is actually implemented? This webinar will explore these – and other – questions about foundation strategy, drawing on the Center for Effective Philanthropy’s (CEP) report, Essentials of Foundation Strategy.  It will also include a demonstration of CEP’s new online strategy self-assessment.  This tool allows foundation staff to get an instant read on whether their approach to their work corresponds with what CEP’s research has shown to be the characteristics of strategic foundation staff – offering a basis for reflection and improvement.

Phil Buchanan, president of CEP, will present the research findings and demonstrate the self-assessment. Melissa Berman, President and CEO, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, will offer the consultant’s view, drawing on her experience advising a wide array of foundation clients.

Free to members. Non-members: $25
Send checks to NNCG/Tides, P.O. Box 292182, Los Angeles, CA 90029, or email lauren@nncg.org to arrange credit card payment

Coming Fall 2010

Webinar: Understanding Donor-Advised Funds and the Consultants’ Role
(Collis Townsend)

Social Networking Part II
(Kris Putnam-Walkerly)

Past Webinars/Teleconferences

Evaluation for Non Evaluators: What Every Consultant Should Know: Ricardo Millett, Independent Consultant, and Chantell Johnson, Director of Evaluation at TCC Group, offer a basic understanding of the language and tools used in evaluation and strategies, tips on how best to support a grantmaker grappling with where to start, and how to move forward with evaluation. March ’10. (Download the presentation on our members’ only site.)

Resource Briefing: Visualizing Philanthropy – An Introduction to Philanthropy In/Sight The Foundation Center introduces their new mapping tool and offers a tour to NNCG members. March ‘10

Getting Connected: Demystifying Social Networking Tools for Consultants (with Kris Putnam-Walkerly and David Goldsmith), July '09

Advising Grantmakers: Strategies for Tough Times (with Courtney Bourns of GEO), April '09

Resource Briefing: Helping Foundation Consultants Rethink Dissemination – A Tour of IssueLab, April '09