Based on research from Merrill Lynch, wealth is occurring faster in diverse communities (African American, LatinX, LGBTQ+, etc.) than ever before. However, with this increase, diverse communities continue to witness the wealth gap from their counterparts. Building wealth is critical for family mobility and economic security but the portfolio must build beyond money and create wealth from all dimensions. This session will help break the myths of wealth in communities of different lived experiences while helping us understand current trends and data, review best practices for gaining wealth and break perceptions of wealth regarding people of different lived experiences.

This session will highlight the leveraging of institutional histories and milestone celebrations to engage racially diverse alumni. Join the exploration of how Dartmouth College and the University of Georgia leaned into their distinct identities to deepen connections, activate volunteer leadership, and increase philanthropy among graduates from traditionally underrepresented communities. Participants will compare and contrast how one private northern university and one southern public university each reimagined diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within their philanthropic and alumni engagement strategies. Audience members will exchange best practices from our collective universities’ experiences.

Session Description: We’ve heard a lot on LinkedIn about diversity, equity, and inclusion in fundraising spaces . Come hear about Community Centric Fundraising and how it’s changing things in fundraising and philanthropy. We’ll learn about CCF and how it has helped BIPOC fundraisers find their distinct fundraising power. Let’s explore what it looks like in our own workplaces and in practice with donors, communities, and partnered organizations.

This engaging panel discussion will focus on several core topics surrounding hiring and retention from ALG’s popular digital series “The Great Rethink.” Our conversation aims to explore major shifts in the job market. People are looking for more diverse and inclusive work cultures, more flexible environments that give them a better work-life balance; they desire greater alignment of personal values and organizational mission; they’re looking for a closer match between the value of their contribution to an organization and the recognition they receive for it.

Since it was established in 1964 and began implementation in colleges and universities in the late 1960s, affirmative action has been one of the if not most contested pieces of legislation in US history with the latest challenge before the Supreme Court at this writing. Although potential changes to the policy impacts only a small number of elite academic institutions, the changes have far-reaching implications for advancement professionals in how they engage donors and volunteers. This panel discussion will include individuals who have to determine how to implement the results of the Supreme Court decision in their work including in philanthropy, administration and institutional policies.

Fundraisers continue to experience disempowering and inequitable situations that are deeply rooted in power and privilege. Join us for this robust solutions-focused discussion with a diverse group of experts on how we might foster a culture of belonging and respect to ensure fundraisers are seen as partners in the philanthropic process of investing and creating change in communities. 

Workplaces often say, "be yourself" but the reality is everyone isn't afforded the opportunity of true authenticity. So, how do we create spaces for people to feel comfortable with their race, ethnicity, culture, dialect, and more? How do you ensure you show up as you? This session explores the ways to tackle unconscious bias, create spaces of belonging, and discovering moments to thrive in the diversity, equity, and inclusion policies our institutions have. This is an interactive session, providing participants opportunities to create space for authenticity.

The AgentsC team, in collaboration with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) undertook an extensive research project to examine relatively ignored questions in the global fundraising community: What moves African philanthropists to give to philanthropic causes? What can we learn from the unique motivations driving Ubuntu, Stokvel, Chama, Harambee, and Sankofa (Traditional forms of African Philanthropy). What role do African philanthropists play in the development of continent and in host countries where the diaspora reside in communities? Most importantly, what can we learn about generosity through a uniquely African lens as we evolve our Western understanding of generosity?

Session Description: Join Anita Fisher Egge ‘94, Corey Johnson, and Shalin Carranza ‘20, for a conversation on the evolution of Carleton’s young alumni engagement and philanthropy with highlights of our three decades of experience. Gain insights into the organization infrastructure, strategies, funding priorities, and inter-office collaboration required to build a thriving nationwide young alumni program. This session will include a dynamic conversation with audience participation as we reflect on program goals over time, inclusivity, meeting alumni where they are at, and the future of philanthropy with our youngest cohorts.