• • • Read  highlights of recent activties
in the 2012 Members' Memo

Seeking excellence.
Our goal is to give funders the tools to keep their philanthropy vital and help strenthen communities. We approach it from many angles:

Educating
We offer a wide variety of programs and workshops, providing practical tips and the promising innovations in grantmaking. Our "Fundamentals of Smart Grantmaking” series and other how-to workshops offer insights and highlight best practices on key grantmaking topics like evaluation, grants management systems, legal and ethical guidelines and financial review. Issue programs feature experts on a range of topics such as homeless services, workforce development, health care and teacher quality.

Informing
We keep members in the loop by staying on top of the latest news, research and stories about what peers are doing, as well as what's happening in philanthropy around the region and nation. Our surveys and monthly e-updates provide real-time reports on grantmaking trends. Members keep current through each another, and can tap into the knowledge and know-how of DVG's staff.

Connecting
We bring together funders with common interests in issue-focused groups to delve deep into topics such as the food system, community development and the arts. Our acclaimed "Critical Dialogues” series with civic leaders brings members together with government and community leaders to discuss areas of common interest. Recent dialogues have featured members of Mayor Nutter's cabinet, the governor's policy secretary, the superintendent of the Philadelphia School District and three new leaders of cultural institutions on Independence Mall.

Convening
We are in a unique position to bring people to the table from across sectors to ask questions, explore solutions, and generate new ideas that inspire action. Our Annual Members Meeting and Fall Conference are excellent ways to keep in touch with friends and colleagues and expand community networks ever outward.

Speaking
We are the go-to authority on philanthropy in the greater Philadelphia region. DVG members and staff are sought-after presenters and participants in community activities and trusted information resources for the media and policymakers. These interactions broaden learning and build relationships that strengthen philanthropy.