Funders Pride Collective Community

This Spring, Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington is launching the Funders Pride Collective, a member-led, affinity space for LGBTQIA2S+ identifying funders working in philanthropy, specifically in Oregon and SW Washington. This space is open to individuals currently working at GOSW member institutions and foundations and is being curated with intersectionality at the heart of its inception. We will be prioritizing safety and confidentiality for all members of this community, no matter where they are in their journey.  

 
Who is leading the group?

The logistics of the group are being managed by GOSW. Affinity groups that live within GOSW are typically co-led by at least two foundation staff members that have a close alignment with the group. GOSW is honored to have had thought-partners at Pride Foundation and INTERSECT NW guiding us along the way. The focus, content, and pacing of the group will be deeply informed by those who participate, and will evolve as the needs of the group change and evolve. We acknowledge that this pilot will not be perfect–nothing truly is–however, we take pride in setting the tone of belonging , inclusion, grace and safety for all in this group and we know future affinity groups will share those same values.

 
What is the goal of this group?

This affinity group will serve as a platform for networking, advocacy, collaboration and knowledge-sharing among LGBTQIA2S+ folks working in philanthropy, who are also interested in  advancing Gender Equity and LGBTQIA2S+ inclusion in our sector . We will be continuing to co-create separate spaces and additional learning opportunities that uplift allyship for those who are allies or want to deepen their allyship. However, this group is specifically for those that identify or align themselves with the LGBTQIA2S+ community. We hope that those who participate in this group feel a stronger sense of community in the philanthropic space while also leaving each meeting feeling equipped with the tools to better support and resource LGBTQIA2S+ communities throughout our region.

 
Why is this group important?

Through this affinity group, LGBTQIA2S+ funders can connect with peers who share their values and interests, contribute resources and expertise to LGBTQIA2S+ causes, and advocate for greater visibility and support for the LGBTQIA2S+ communities in the Pacific Northwest. We also feel that safety and confidentiality are our main priorities, because we are aware that everyone is on a different journey of self-discovery and we will work with the group to find ways for equitable participation that embody privacy, as needed.

 
How and when will the group meet?

Our hope is to meet virtually and in-person, and the frequency will be determined by the group. Join us in building a more inclusive and equitable future for all LGBTQIA2S+ philanthropic staff in our region through the power of philanthropy.

 
WHEN:

First Thursday of every month, 12:00pm-1:00pm

 
SIGN UP:

Email us at info@gosw.org

 
We welcome your ideas, insights and thoughts in regards to the creation of this space. If you’d like to help inform the goals and structure of this space, please fill out the survey form here.