By Lauren Kotkin, Exponent Philanthropy
Innovation is everywhere. Did you hear about DC philanthropists who bought an estate in a well-known DC neighborhood? They converted it into an incubator for entrepreneurs. Who would have thought?
The 2014 National Conference Host Committee gathered last fall in DC, site of this month’s conference, to brainstorm funding innovations in the region. How are funders working together to meet needs and solve problems in new ways? Some suggestions became conference site sessions, where participants will have an opportunity to head into the city to learn about collaboration and change in four DC neighborhoods.
Other examples are coming to the conference in the form of a DC Innovation Fair—a way to showcase seven creative and replicable funding initiatives:
Read more about the seven initiatives
Says Host Committee member and DC Innovation Fair session designer Katy Moore of Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers:
The Greater Washington, DC, region is one of the wealthiest areas of the country. Yet the local foundation community is not as large as in other major metropolitan regions. And, to complicate matters, we do not have any “mega” foundations to “lead the way.” As such, the local philanthropic community has had to work very collaboratively over the years to affect change in our region. This unique philanthropic ecosystem has resulted in a vibrant, innovative, and well-connected funding community that has sparked some really exciting philanthropic solutions.
The DC Innovation Fair is a unique opportunity to see what funders are able to accomplish when they are well-informed and well-connected, and when they have the tools they need to work together and with partners from other sectors.
The DC Innovation Fair will run Thursday, October 30, from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Exponent Philanthropy 2014 National Conference.
Additional posts about the 2014 National Conference
Learn With Peers at the 2014 National Conference
What Does It Take to Rebuild a Neighborhood? 2014 National Conference Site Sessions
Tackling More Than You Think You Can
Growing Community Solutions That Work: A New Role for Government
Senior Program Director Lauren Kotkin plans a range of educational programs for the Exponent Philanthropy community, including conferences, webinars, and conference calls. She also dedicates a portion of her time to managing our resources on investments. Previously, she worked at the Council on Foundations in the Family Foundation Services department. Lauren holds an undergraduate degree from Duke University and an M.Ed. from Lesley University, with a focus on using arts in education.
