Events of Interest to Grantmakers

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  2008

NOVEMBER

Funders Meeting: Peace and Security Funders Group Global Gathering (Madrid, Spain)
Sponsored by PSFG
November 19-22, 2008
PSFG is teaming up with the Fundación para las Relaciones Internacionales y el Diálogo Exterior (FRIDE), a "European think tank for Global Action," to bring together U.S. and European funders in the field of peace and security. All PSFG Members and other interested funders are welcome. Make plans now to join US and European colleagues for stimulating sessions, speakers and fascinating field trips. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a broader understanding of European perspectives on the full range of peace and security issues and how to increase the combined impact of grantmakers. For more information, contact PSFG Director Katherine Magraw at kmagraw@peaceandsecurity.org

OCTOBER

There are no events posted for this month.

SEPTEMBER

There are no events posted for this month.

AUGUST

There are no events posted for this month.

JULY

There are no events posted for this month.

JUNE

Funders Workshop: Engage for Results (Washington, DC)
Sponsored by Grantmakers For Effective Organizations
June 12-13
Many grantmakers are committed to stronger engagement with their grantees, at least in theory. But what does it look like on a day-to-day basis? How do you go about it? Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, in partnership with the Interaction Institute for Social Change, is offering a two-day, skill-building intensive designed specifically for grantmakers to learn how to increase stakeholder involvement in their grantmaking strategies. Participants will explore the benefits and impact of inclusive grantmaking; the criteria for effective stakeholder engagement within philanthropy; and the appropriate balance between results, process and relationship. Participation is limited to 25 participants. For more information contact Jillaine Smith at jillaine@geofunders.org or (202) 898-1843.

Annual Meeting: Real Interdependence, Partnerships & Equity/Setting the Table for Farms, Food and People (Portland, Oregon)
Sponsored by Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Funders (SAFSF)
June 23 – 26
At the DoubleTree Hotel Portland-Lloyd Center, 1000 NE Multnomah
SAFSF is a national group that works to foster communication, shared learning and information exchange about issues connected to sustainable agriculture and food systems. SAFSF seeks to carry out its mission by providing opportunities for collaboration, increasing awareness of the issues as well as funding needs, and expanding beyond the current membership to increase support and funding for organizations that promote sustainable food production; link to concerns about sustainability of our food system; and/or connect food production with issues of environmental stewardship, diet and health, and viability of rural communities. More at http://www.regonline.com/custImages/241358/SAFSF08%20FINAL%20PROGRAM.pdf

MAY

Conference: "Leadership for a Changing World: Scaling Up For Global Impact" (Washington, D.C. Area)
Sponsored by the Women's Funding Network
May 1st to 3rd
At the Hyatt Regency Hotel Crystal City at Reagan National Airport
More at www.wfnet.org
Women's funds are at the forefront of investing in solutions to some of the world's most pressing social issues, bringing in a new era of global change for women and their communities. This conference will showcase the most cutting-edge ideas, trends and insights on social investment in women and offer practical opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and connections in arenas from social networking to social investment.

Funders Reception and Workshops: International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP) Events at COF Meeting (National Harbor, Maryland)
Sponsored by IFIP
May 4 - 8, 2008
Funders are invited to attend the following IFIP events at the upcoming Council on Foundations conference and at the Amazon Donors Forum. Opportunities include IFIP's Annual Award's Reception on May 4th, featuring Wangari Maathai, recipient of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize and founder of the Greenbelt Movement, Kenya. IFIP sponsored workshops during the conference include Climate Change: How Indigenous Peoples are Tackling the Most Challenging Issues of our Time, May 5th; Keys to Effective International Philanthropy on May 6th; and the Amazon Donors Forum on May 8th. More at http://www.internationalfunders.org/

Funders Briefing: Getting Serious About Climate Change/Advanced Practice Institute (National Harbor, Maryland)
Sponsored by The Hewlett and Packard Foundations
Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center
May 7, 2:00 -5:00pm
Esteemed leaders from the US, Mexico and Europe will highlight how foundations can ensure that their grantmaking has the impact on the scale that the global warming challenge requires. Guest speakers will provides briefs on the latest science; solutions to climate change with a focus on technology and policies for a clean energy future; and strategies for foundations with tangible funding opportunities ranging from the hometown to the global level.

Annual Meeting: The Consultative Group on Biological Diversity (CGBD) Climate and Energy Funders Group (Denver, Colorado)
Sponsored by CGBD
May 7 - 9
Brown Palace Hotel, Denver
The objectives of this gathering include understanding the local, state, federal, and international playing field for 2009 and anticipate what funders can do to take greatest advantage; examining how local, state, and federal policies can mutually reinforce, rather than undermine, each other; leveraging local and state action into federal policy, and identifying specific ways funders can facilitate this process; exploring how pro-coal, pro-mining, dirty energy arguments can be answered with green jobs and clean energy; and providing opportunities for funders to network and strategize. For more information contact Paige Brown at pbrown@cgbd.org

Grantmaker conference: "Innovation in Environmental Grantmaking" (Kingston, ON)
Sponsored by the Canadian Environmental Grantmakers Network (CEGN)
May 12th to 14th
More at www.cegn.org
CEGN's flagship annual event provides professional development for environmental grantmakers on current topics in the field as well as opportunities for networking with colleagues. This year's theme explores how grantmakers can best support and fund innovative thinking and approaches to tackle Canada's environmental issues and challenges.

Funders Briefing: "International Development in Times of Civil Unrest" (Seattle)
Sponsored by Pangea
May 19, 2008, 6:00 p.m. Reception, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Program
Grand Central Building, 216 1st Avenue South, Suite 400
RSVP at rsvp@pangea.org
How can we best support grant partners in times of conflict? What is our responsibility and role in making grants in countries that are experiencing civil unrest? How do we find new opportunities for valid development in contentious and disruptive situations? This interactive session will help Pangea members and friends develop criteria and protocols for working in the midst of conflict, using a well-developed "Do No Harm" model of engagement. Presenters include Daniel Moss with Grassroots International, an organization that has worked in conflict and emergency situations for two decades, and Peter Kithene, founder of Mama Maria clinic in southwestern Kenya and recent winner of the CNN Heroes award. Peter will have just returned from a month in Kenya and will provide a first-hand account of the impacts of recent post-election conflicts on rural communities.

Funder Teleconference: UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Sponsored by International Human Rights Funders Group, Disability Funders Network, Disability Rights Fund
May 20th at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time
What will this newest human rights treaty mean for funders, either in the US or internationally, and for human rights advocacy at the UN? What impact might it have or should it have on grantmaking? Whether you fund disability issues in the US, development, LBGT rights, children's rights, women's rights or "mainstream" human rights, the CRPD presents new opportunities for your grantees and your grantmaking. Join colleagues who will introduce the CRPD, discuss how the Treaty has changed or will change their work, and help you find the resources to learn more. To RSVP contact info@ihrfg.org

APRIL

Film screening and discussion: "The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo" (New York)
Sponsored by The Open Society Institute and Women Make Movies
April 3rd, 4:30 to 7:30 pm
At Open Society Institute, 400 W. 59th Street (between 9th & 10th Avenues)
RSVP to events@sorosny.org
With guest speakers Lisa F. Jackson, Film Director (USA); Major Honorine Munyole,
Child Protection Officer and Focal Point for Sexual Violence in DRC's National Police, (Democratic Republic of Congo); Bernard Kalume, MONUC Liaison and Translator (Democratic Republic of Congo); and Eirini Loupi, Human Rights & Sexual Violence Focal Point, MONUC (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Discussion: "The Politics of Participation: Women and Transformative Leadership" (Washington, DC)
Sponsored by Women's Learning Partnership for Rights, Development, and Peace
April 3rd, 5:00 to 7:00 pm
At the Kenney Auditorium, SAIS, JHU, 1740 Massachusetts Ave, NW
More at www.learningpartnership.org
The 21st century is the century for women and politics. Six grassroots leaders from four regions of the world will share their experiences and discuss practical strategies and culture-friendly initiatives that they have used to mobilize women, and especially young women, to participate in making decisions that affect their lives and the lives of their communities.

Donor delegation to Chiapas: "Philanthropists of Conscience and the Zapatistas"
Sponsored by Schools for Chiapas
April 7th to 10th
More at www.schoolsforchiapas.org
While social activists and indigenous peoples worldwide continue to celebrate and honor the ongoing Zapatista struggle for dignity, democracy, and justice, many philanthropists remain uncertain about providing funds directly within the autonomous, indigenous communities of Chiapas, Mexico. Funding Zapatista communities is perfectly legal and enormously rewarding. This four-day tour and conference will show funders the way to begin working with this cutting-edge social movement. Participants will meet the inspiring Mayan leaders of the Zapatista movement and gain an understanding of the education, health, agro-ecology, and commercial projects of the Zapatistas.

Funders Briefing: Climate Policy and Dangerous Assumptions (New York)
Sponsored by The Nathan Cummings Foundation
April 15th, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
The Nathan Cummings Foundation, 475 10th Ave., 14th floor (between 36th and 37th streets)
Climate policy experts Roger Pielke, Marty Hoffert and Michael Shellenberger will be presenting at this briefing focusing on new information fueling the debate over climate policy, including the controversial article, "Dangerous Assumptions" which appears in the recent issue of Nature magazine (http://blogs.nature.com/climatefeedback/2008/03/dangerous_assumptions.html ). RSVP to Taina McField at 212-787-7300 or taina.mcfield@nathancummings.org

Funder briefing: "Global Warming's Technology Challenge" (New York)
Sponsored by the Nathan Cummings Foundation
April 15th; 8:30 to 10:30 am
At the Nathan Cummings Foundation, 475 Tenth Avenue (between 36th and 37th)
RSVP by April 9th to (646) 485-1284
The technology challenge for stabilizing greenhouse gases may be more than twice as large as had been predicted by the United Nations IPCC. The global energy economy is "re-carbonizing" due in large measure to the building of a coal-based energy infrastructure in China, India and the rest of the developing world. And yet U.N. scenarios had assumed the economy would decarbonize, as the developed world has in recent decades. Speakers will address energy and climate policy in the context of "re-carbonzing".

Funders Briefing: Armed Conflict and Indigenous Peoples' Rights in Colombia (New York)
Sponsored by American Jewish World Service
April 28th, 12:30 - l:30 p.m.
45 West 36th Street, 11th Floor
RSVP to amartinez@ajws.org
Colombia is immersed in alarming social, economic and political problems as a result of the devastating decades-long violent conflict involving outlawed armed groups, drug cartels and gross violations of human rights. The National Organization of Colombian Indigenous Peoples (Organización Nacíonal Indígena de Colombia, ONIC), a current AJWS partner, will discuss how sociopolitical violence and human rights violations are directed against indigenous peoples, human rights defenders, union leaders, women and Afro-Colombians. ONIC, which was founded 25 years ago, focuses on the struggle for the rights and interests of the indigenous peoples of Colombia. ONIC works to help indigenous communities consolidate their unity; to defend, maintain and recover their territory and culture; and to make real their exercise of genuine autonomy. This brown bag lunch will feature three indigenous leaders from throughout Colombia.

Public Event: Sugarcane Ethanol and Land Use in Brazil (Washington, DC)
Sponsored by the Wilson Center
April 28th, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
A recent study published in Science magazine has cast doubt on the environmental benefits of biofuels, calling attention to its potential negative impact when land-use is factored in the carbon emission equation. Economist Andre Nassar will present the initial findings of this study on sugarcane expansion and land use. Other speakers include representatives for the Sustainable Development Department of the Latin American and Caribbean Region, the International Policy Council and the National Wildlife Federation. More at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.welcom

Funders Meeting: The Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas Spring 2008 Environmental Breakfast (New York, NY)
Sponsored by The Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas
April 28, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Harlem Branch Library, 9 West 124th Street (between 5th Avenue and Lenox), Community Room
This is an opportunity to network, learn about funding opportunities and exchange ideas on environmental issues that affect you locally and internationally. The topic for this event is the Green Jobs Movement. Speakers include Jakada Imani, Executive Director of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights and Majora Carter, Executive Director of Sustainable South Bronx. To RSVP, contact mic.foundation@org.mitsubishicorp.com or call Alice Davis at (212) 605-2325.

Funder Conference: The Sustainability Funders Annual Meeting (Washington, DC)
Sponsored by The Funders Workgroup for Sustainable Production and Consumption
April 30th to May 1st
More by contacting Annie Leonard at (510) 649-9808 or aleonard@ega.org
The Funders Workgroup for Sustainable Production and Consumption, which you may know from its recent film, "The Story of Stuff", is soon to convene its annual meeting, open to all funders interested in learning more about the hidden environmental, social and economic impacts of current systems of production and consumption and in strategizing together to transform these systems towards ecological sustainability and social justice. Funders will be joined by experts from civil society, academia and business to explore critical issues, opportunities and challenges for grantmakers in this field.

Annual Meeting of the Funders Workgroup for Sustainable Production and Consumption (Washington, DC)
April 30th to May 1st
For more: Contact Annie Leonard at aleonard@ega.org
The Sustainability Funders help to catalyze and accelerate a shift to sustainable production and consumption and to promote a society that embraces sustainability and justice. Their annual meeting will explore a range of issues and grantmaking practices related to sustainable production and consumption, including cutting edge campaigns and opportunities to promote sustainability in key sectors of the economy; strategies, tools and resources for promoting sustainable production and consumption; challenging the culture of overconsumption; deepening our systemic analysis of the connections and causes of environmental, social and economic problems; economic and cultural drivers of unsustainable production and consumption; and lessons learned from, and opportunities provided by, the success of their recent film, "The Story of Stuff".

Funders Meeting: Sustainability Funders Group Gathering (Washington, DC)
Sponsored by the Funders Workgroup for Sustainable Production and Consumption
April 30th-May 1st
This meeting will focus on strengthening understanding of production and consumption in a broader systemic context, including the related social, economic, technical and environmental issues deeply intertwined in our systems of production and consumption. Highlights include an experiential learning workshop with the Sustainability Institute to introduce key concepts in systems thinking and explore how a systems lens enhances grantmaking strategies; examination of specific campaigns, issues and strategies to promote sustainable production and consumption with key NGO allies; and sessions on grantmaking practices to share ideas and challenges to strengthen grantmaking for a sustainable and just world. Any funder who is interested in learning more about sustainability issues and systems thinking is welcome to attend. For more information, please call or email Annie Leonard at (510) 649-9808 or aleonard@ega.org

MARCH

Workshop: "Exploring Class" (New York)
Sponsored by Class Action
March 1st and 2nd
More at www.classism.org
What strengths and limitations came from your class background? How has your class background affected your relationships with people of the same and different classes? What are key elements in your class culture? How does race intersect with class? How do you see things that are about classism being named racism? Join a diverse group to explore these questions and more!

Funders Briefing: The Arctic (Baltimore)
Sponsored by the Consultative Group on Biological Diversity
March 4th
At the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel
More at www.cgbd.org
The Arctic on the cover of Time magazine. Polar bears proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act. An Arctic Ocean free of ice in the summer by 2040, or maybe as early as 2014. Almost the entire U.S. Arctic Ocean off Alaska proposed for leasing for oil and gas drilling. What's going on? Join other CGBD for a full day briefing on the Arctic and find out!

Annual Conference: "New Visions to End Poverty" (Arlington, VA)
Sponsored by InterAction
May 6-9
The changing global landscape and new support for development in the US provides international non-profits with many opportunities to move beyond the debate around effective assistance to the different approaches for providing development assistance to the world's poorest people. After decades of providing food, shelter, healthcare and hope, to meet those in need, the development community has been joined by many new actors committed to ending the vicious cycle of poverty. Join over 800 leaders from the non-profit community, corporations, think tanks, universities, government and foundations for an engaging line-up of thought-provoking sessions, interactive workshops, and keynote speakers among other conference offerings. More at http://www.interaction.org

Discussion: "Human Trafficking in Southeast Asia: Understanding Vulnerabilities in the Context of Globalization and Migration" (Seattle)
Sponsored by Pangea
March 10th; 6:30 pm
At the Pinnacle Room, Mountaineers Club, 300 3rd Ave. W
More at www.pangeagiving.org
Human trafficking is far more common than most of us realize. Given the increasingly global economy's "race to the bottom" of the labor pool and the mass migration taking place to meet these demands, more and more people are vulnerable. The global community is finally paying more attention, but often lacks an understanding of the complexities that surround trafficking-and is thus often unable to respond effectively. Please join Pangea as we learn more about the issues surrounding human trafficking in SE Asia.

Funder Event: "Grantmakers for Effective Organizations 2008 National Conference and 10th Anniversary Celebration" (San Francisco)
Sponsored by GEO
March 10-12th, 2008
At the Palace Hotel, San Francisco
More at www.geofunders.org/geonationalconference.aspx
The nonprofit sector is built on big ideas and visions of change. Effectively implementing those changes is the hard part. GEO's 2008 national conference and 10th anniversary celebration, held in partnership with Northern California Grantmakers, will explore actions grantmakers can take to improve their support of nonprofit results and advance their visions of social change. A major theme of the conference will explore the change agenda for philanthropy in the next decade: what has the field accomplished over the years, and what is the vision for the future?

Funder conference call: "Synthetic Biology and Post-Modern Agriculture: How Extreme Genetic Engineering is Transforming the Agricultural Economy"
Sponsored by Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Funders (SAFSF)
March 13th; 11:00 am PT/ 2:00 pm ET
For more: Contact Virginia Clarke at vclarke@safsf.org
The fight over GM crops may be far from over but the biotech industry is already moving on to the next frontier. Synthetic Biology, a form of extreme genetic engineering, allows industrial scientists to build life from scratch—constructing the DNA of viruses, microbes and plants from off-the-shelf chemicals. Under an avalanche of funding, a new industry of synthetic biology companies are now rolling their products out to market. This industry claims they can solve climate change, peak oil and unsustainable production using synthetic organisms to produce bio-based fuels, plastics and chemicals. If they are successful they may transform the agricultural economy in a short period of time. They threaten to also introduce new biosafety and warfare risks and establish powerful new monopolies. This call will describe the new Synthetic Biology Industry, explore its implications for food and farming systems and examine how civil society is responding.

Briefing on Reproductive Health and Rights (Washington, DC)
Sponsored by the Funders Network on Population, Reproductive Health and Rights
At the Academy for Educational Development, 1825 Connecticut Ave., NW
March 13th and 14th
More at www.fundersnet.org
This year's Briefing will examine the political and policy terrain for efforts to promote reproductive health and rights in the US and abroad. Participants will hear from advocates and other experts on a range of topics, including preparations for a new Administration in Washington and the latest updates on international, federal, and state level legislation, litigation and other policies for sexual and reproductive health and rights. Participants will also look at citizen engagement strategies in the US and beyond and the use of social media technologies to advance our issues.

Film Screening and Reception: "A Walk to Beautiful" (Washington, DC)
Sponsored by Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
May 15, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Woodrow Wilson Center
This award winning feature-length documentary tells the stories of five Ethiopian women who suffer from devastating childbirth injuries and embark on a journey to reclaim their lost dignity. Rejected by their husbands and ostracized by their communities, these women are left to spend the rest of their lives in loneliness and shame. They each make the choice to take the long and arduous journey to the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in search of a cure and a new life. The screening of the film will be followed by a reception with director and cinematographer, Mary Olive Smith. More at http://www.wilsoncenter.org

Funder delegation: IHRFG Delegation to Geneva
Sponsored by the International Human Rights Funders Group
March 16th to 19th
IHRFG's Geneva trip will offer funders a unique hands-on experience to learn about the United Nations human rights system and the opportunities and challenges for human rights work in Geneva. During the trip funders will attend meetings of the Human Rights Council; network with representatives of key NGOs and UN agencies in Geneva; share discussions on specific human rights issues, how the UN human rights system and other relevant actors address these issues and how they interact; and meet with colleague funders to discuss the impact (or not) that the UN system has within their grantmaking portfolios.

Grantmaker seminar: "Greening Your Workspace" (New York)
Sponsored by Environmental Grantmakers Association
March 19th; 8:30 to 11:00 am
At NYRAG, Fifth Avenue, 4th Floor
More at www.nyrag.org
The session will provide practical information and resources to help guide funders interested in improving the sustainability of their spaces, operations, and events. Topics to be covered include: greening your office and events (e.g. energy conservation, 'green' materials and supplies, sustainable food and beverages, waste reduction and low-carbon travel), designing office space to reflect the values of your organization and community, and educating others about your efforts.

Conference call briefing: "Nuclear Energy: Revival or Ruination?"
Sponsored by the Peace and Security Funders Group
March 19th; 2:00 to 3:00 pm ET
For more: Contact Katherine Magraw at kmagraw@peaceandsecurity.org
The looming prospect of federal regulation to reduce carbon emissions, coupled with additional federal subsidies for construction of new nuclear reactors, have raised the prospect of a US "nuclear renaissance." The Nuclear Regulatory Commission says that it has received notifications of intent to apply for licenses to construct 31 new reactors. On a global level, a major new expansion of nuclear power to additional countries to combat global warming raises serious questions of international security and environmental sustainability. Join this discussion with Christopher Paine, from the Natural Resources Defense Council, as he addresses the role and risks of nuclear power in the future.

Funders briefing call on the Digital Deadline
Sponsored by The Sustainability Funders
March 26th at 10:00 am PT/1:00 pm ET
To RSVP and obtain the call in number, contact Allison Cook at allison.s.cook@gmail.com
In less than a year, tens of millions of televisions across the US will simply stop working. On February 19, 2009, the "Digital Deadline", all TV signals in the United States will convert to digital broadcast, rendering millions of analog televisions obsolete. The environmental, health, and policy ramifications of the conversion from analog to digital are tremendous. Tens of millions of TVs are expected to be discarded as consumers purchase new digital sets rather than obtain a low cost converter which would allow current sets to continue to function. Absent a responsible recycling system, this flood of TVs will add to the growing e-waste stream, much of which is sent to sub-standard overseas recycling facilities, thereby exporting the environmental and health impacts of our production and consumption practices. The call will be feature representatives from leading NGOs working to address this issue.

Meeting on the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (Washington, DC)
Convened by the National Organization on Disability and others
March 31st; 12:00 to 6:30 pm
At American University Washington College of Law, 4801 Massachusetts Ave. NW
More at www.wcl.american.edu/secle
This event will feature a lunch and panel discussion on international and US Implications of the CRPD and a working session to develop an action plan to build US support and ratification of the CRPD

FEBRUARY

Funder Conference Call: "The Importance of an Unfettered Media and an Informed Public, and How to Get There from Here"
Sponsored by Peace and Security Funders Group
February 6th, 2:00 p.m. ET
Contact Katherine Magraw, kmagraw@peaceandsecurity.org for call in information.
The new online database posted by the Center for Public Integrity (CPI), documenting the many hundreds (935) of false statements made by senior Bush Administration officials on Iraq's weapons programs and links to Al Qaeda leading up to war with Iraq, adds a new twist to the adage: the first casualty of war is truth. Of course, the government assault on openness, transparency and government accountability, had been gaining steam ever since the September 11th attack. The political climate following 9/11 stifled serious resistance to this assault. And the ever-declining commercial commitment to serious news coverage – particularly international news – has clearly done its part to maintain an uninformed and enfeebled public. Join PSFG for a discussion with Charles Lewis, founder of the CPI, about this grave threat to our democracy and how to confront it.

Funder Event: "Global U: How to Connect Your Charitable Giving to Your Global Interests" (Chicago)
Sponsored by Chicago Global Donors Network; co-sponsored by Grantmakers Without Borders
February 7th; 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
At the offices of Drinker Biddle Gardner Carton, 191 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 3700
More at www.chicagoglobaldonors.org
Global U was created for people who are giving globally or who are thinking about giving globally. At Global U, experienced international donors share tools and strategies as teacher/leaders within a peer learning model, to help emerging and experienced global donors launch or expand a strategic and thoughtful global giving practice. The program also aims to highlight and leverage the diversity of experience in giving, from first-time donors to experienced donors, from youth to senior donors, and from foundation to diaspora community donors.

Lecture: "South Africa's Time Has Come" (Waltham, MA)
Sponsored by South Africa Partners
February 11th, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
At Hassenfeld Conference Center, Brandeis University
More at www.brandeis.edu/departments/afro_amer_studies/Ruth.html
A lecture by the South African Ambassador to the United States, Welile Nhlapo

Discussion: "The Thorns of the Global Cut Flower Industry" (Cambridge, MA)
Sponsored by the International Labor Rights Forum
February 12th, 4:00 pm
At Starr Auditorium, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
More at www.laborrights.org/creating-a-sweatfree-world/fairness-in-flowers
There are 40,000 flower workers in Ecuador and over 100,000 in Colombia, working to grow, harvest, and package flowers sold in the U.S. These workers routinely experience a number of human rights violations, including sexual harassment, child labor, and unhealthy working conditions.

Film Screening: "God Sleeps in Rwanda" (Berkeley, CA)
February 17th, 3:00-5:30 pm
Sponsored by The Clarence Foundation and University of California Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism
For more information or to RSVP, please contact marc@theclarencefoundation.org or 510-384-7188.
Award winning filmmaker, Kimberlee Acquaro, will present her Oscar nominated short documentary. The film captures the spirit of five courageous women as they rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the genocide, redefining women's roles in Rwandan society and bringing hope to a wounded nation. The benefit screening celebrate the work of The Clarence Foundation and its mission to promote engaged international philanthropy by catalyzing and hosting globally focused giving circles. The film screening will be followed by a Q&A discussion with Ms. Acquaro and a reception.

Funder Learning Webinar: "Climate Funding 101: Strategic Grantmaking on Climate Change"
February 19th, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ET
Sponsored by Environmental Grantmakers Association
Please RSVP by sending an email to bhesterman@ega.org
As the significance of climate change continues to gain importance, philanthropists from diverse sectors are struggling to identify approaches relevant to their existing grantmaking objectives to address this critical issue. In order to overcome the climate challenges facing our world, funders must further strategies through a wide array of orientations, including the environment, health, human services, education, international development, human rights, community development and arts & culture. This funder only webinar will provide participants with an overview of various funding approaches on climate change, from environmental and non-environmental perspectives, as well as detailed accounts of different initiatives related to climate that are being pursued by funder Affinity Groups and non-profit-led campaigns. Presenters will include EGA staff along with seasoned grantmakers representing a variety of funding strategies and initiatives, including Denise Lee of the Nand & Jeet Khemka Foundation / Climate Change Philanthropy Action Network and Jessica Bailey of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund / 1Sky campaign.

Public Event: "An Evening with Maude Barlow" (Berkeley)
Sponsored by International Forum on Globalization, Oakland Institute, Food and Water Watch and others
February 20th, 7:30 p.m.
First Congregational Church of Berkeley
At the Palace Hotel, San Francisco
Contact International Forum on Globalization, 415/561-7650
Maude Barlow is the national chairperson of the Council of Canadians, Canada's largest citizens' advocacy organization. Maude is also the co-founder of the Blue Planet Project, which works to stop commodification of the world's water resources. Maude is the recipient of the Right Livelihood Award and the 2005-2006 Lannan Cultural Freedom Fellowship. She is the author of 16 books, including Blue Gold: The Fight to Stop Corporate Theft of the World's Water.

Reception and Panel Discussion: "Women in Conflict Zones: Why are Governments Failing and How are Women's Rights Movements Responding?" (New York)
Sponsored by The International Women's Program of the Open Society Institute
February 27th; 5:00 to 7:30 pm
At the Open Society Institute, 400 W. 59th Street (between 9th & 10th Avenues)
RSVP to lsangoi@sorosny.org by Monday, February 25, with your full name and affiliation
Women and children are often the intended and unintended casualties of conflict and forgotten in the post-conflict transitional stages. Thousands of NGO representatives from around the world are coming together for the UN Commission on the Status of Women, held February 25-March 7, 2008 to advocate on "Women's Equal Participation in Conflict Prevention, Management and Conflict Resolution and in Post-Conflict Peacebuilding". At this event, leading NGO panelists will discuss their cutting-edge work addressing violence against women in conflict and post-conflict zones, their challenges, and where they see governments failing.

JANUARY

Funder meeting: "Root Causes of Migration: Promoting Economic Security Using Cross Border Remittances" (San Francisco)
Sponsored by Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees
January 8th, 2:00 to 4:00 pm
At FACT, 303 Sacramento St, 4th Floor
For more: www.gcir.org
Join funding colleagues in a discussion about the root causes of migration, including the role of trade and globalization, and strategies for addressing them. Explore how the investment power of immigrants in their home countries can reduce the "push" factors of migration.

Funder meeting: "Creating an Inclusive Grantmaking Organization" (New York)
Sponsored by Disability Funders Network
January 16th, 9:00 to 10:30 am
At The New York Community Trust, 909 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor
RSVP at khutchinson@disabilityfunders.org
With the latest census data showing an increasingly diverse U.S. population, grantmakers continue to grapple with difficult questions on how to best address diversity issues in their work. This workshop will offer tools and assistance on how grantmaking organizations can address inclusivity in their roles as funders, employers, businesses and community citizens.

Funders Meeting: "The Role of Funders in Supporting Social Justice Movement Building in the US and Internationally" (San Francisco)
Sponsored by Funders Network on Trade and Globalization
January 23rd to 25th, 2008 At Fort Mason
For more: Contact Mark Randazzo at mark@fntg.org
Funders concerned with issues of fairness, equity and sustainability are increasingly challenged to deepen a collective analysis and understanding of the nature, impacts and potential of US and international social movements. FNTG will bring together funders and social movement leaders from around the world to learn about ongoing and new initiatives for moving the World Social Forum and other social movement processes forward. Together, international and domestic philanthropists will discuss concrete strategies and mechanisms for deeper cooperation and increasing funder capacities, across issues and sectors, to support movement building for social change.

Discussion: "Climate Change Policy and Global Justice: Bridging the Gap" (New York)
Sponsored by MADRE
January 24th; 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
At Kimball Hall, New York University, 246 Greene Street
RSVP to interadvocacy@madre.org
Come hear from women creating community initiatives and international policies that address climate change and promote human rights and social justice. With Elsa Stamatopoulou, Chief of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues; Yifat Susskind, MADRE representative to the UN Climate Change Conference; and Mary Fridley, Women's Environment and Development Organization (WEDO).

Funders Meeting: "International Human Rights Funders Group Semi-Annual Meeting" (San Francisco)
Sponsored by IHRFG
January 28-29th, 2008
Crowne Plaza Union Square, 480 Sutter Street
For more information or to see the meeting agenda visit www.ihrfg.org/events/index.php
The ability to exercise human rights depends in part on the availability of finite resources. As privatization of natural resources increases, questions of ownership and access have become crucial. Strategies for economic development clash with human rights values. The failure of governments to provide access to land and natural resources often leads to war, migration, poverty and sickness. The denial of access to land and natural resources almost always disproportionately affects women and indigenous communities.

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