By Dori Kreiger, Foundation Source

Exponent Philanthropy is pleased to feature the next post in a multipart series from our colleagues at Foundation Source, a leading provider of comprehensive support services for private foundations. Foundation Source shares our commitment to helping donors maximize their dollars and time. Read the previous post in the series

I’m told I ask a lot of questions—and not just by my dear sisters. For me, asking questions—and listening to questions posed by others—is how I seek to understand what others think, and learn from their successes and challenges. It is this connection, engaging with people who are trying to make a difference in our world, that makes philanthropy a meaningful and rewarding endeavor. For me, asking questions provides the most inspiring and worthwhile learning opportunities. Direct inquiry provides a depth to learning that I believe can only be fully realized by attending in-person events and gatherings centered on philanthropy.

I am no Luddite. In our technology driven age, it’s easy enough to find excellent distance learning opportunities. Webinars, conference calls, live chats, and MOOCs (massive open online courses) all allow us efficient and inexpensive ways to learn. This is especially important as we all try to balance many responsibilities. But these virtual connections cannot fully replicate what we gain when we gather together in person.

So much of philanthropy is done in isolation—it’s one of the top issues I’ve heard time and time again throughout my years working to serve philanthropy. To combat isolation, we need to connect person to person. Establishing trust, finding common ground, and asking one another honest questions in a safe space is accomplished most effectively face to face. Technology platforms support and nurture these connections, but cannot alone sustain them.

One of the more interesting observations about attending an event is that learning isn’t limited to the time spent listening to the guest speaker. You may actually gain more from talking with other attendees. More often, it is those conversations held outside in the hallway, at the breakfast table, and, yes, sometimes even in the restroom that provide opportunity for candid question and answer sessions. It is in those random moments that you will uncover common interests and potential points of collaboration. You’ll learn from successes and (gasp!) the failures of others.

Philanthropy is personal. It’s hard to share with folks you don’t know. Perhaps that is most true for those foundations with few or no staff. Uncovering common bonds helps foster trust and leads to honest, authentic conversations that can help you carry your philanthropic goals forward. Sure, it’s hard to make time to attend an in-person event. But, how much you can bring back—inspiration, best practices, a connection to a peer, and potential for future collaboration—make it well worth the investment.

There are many opportunities to attend philanthropic events. Next fall, Exponent Philanthropy will host its 2014 National Conference, a biennial gathering of which Foundation Source has been an eager participant and supporter. Foundation Source itself will launch a series of convenings to foster meaningful connections among our clients. Area regional associations of grantmakers offer a range of in-person learning programs. And community foundations regularly convene local funders to raise awareness of funding issues in their communities and encourage funder collaboration.

So, in 2014, resolve to attend at least one event in person, and be prepared to ask or even answer some questions. You’ll be glad you did.

Dori Kreiger is Foundation Source’s Director of Community Programs and Partnerships, based in the company’s Washington, D.C. office. Dori has developed her philanthropic expertise over her 15-year career in the field. Prior to joining Foundation Source, she served as Exponent Philanthropy’s (then ASF’s) Director of Partnerships. Prior, she served as Managing Director, Family Philanthropy Services, at the Council on Foundations. Dori has a bachelor of business degree from James Madison University and did her graduate study at the University of Richmond. She has served on the boards of several nonprofits and was an inaugural class member of the Southeastern Council of Foundation’s Hull Fellows Program. Follow Dori on Twitter @DoriKreiger and Foundation Source @FoundationSrc.