By Elaine Gast Fawcett on behalf of ASF
ASF member Janis Reischmann shares her lessons learned
When it comes to learning about important issues and moving the needle in the right direction, convening is a low-cost and high-impact leadership tool you can’t overlook. In fact, many consider it to be a funder’s most underrated. In part 1 of a 2-part series on convening, hear how an ASF member foundation uses convening to reach its goals.
The ASF member Hau’oli Mau Loa Foundation (meaning eternal happiness in Hawaiian) started convening 10 partner grantees with two goals in mind: to provide a space where they could share and learn from one another, and to help them feel excited and renewed.
“It started as a way to bring partners together. We thought there would be value in them sharing experiences, challenges they face, and successes they see,” says foundation executive director Janis Reischmann. “Someone reminded us that grantees get caught in the day-to-day of their work, and, if we could do nothing more than to re-inspire and re-energize them, that would serve them well.”
Still, the foundation stepped in with caution.
