New!  Click here for 2011 Discovery Days Audio Recordings!

We present a broad spectrum of learning opportunities, such as educational forums, philanthropy skill-building programs and workshops, issues discussions, and “hands-on” grant making through site visits and committee work.   Below are a few of our hallmark events:

• Discovery Days is our signature educational event, a 2-day series of panels featuring expert speakers on critical and emerging needs in our five pooled grant funding areas: Arts, Education, Environment, Health, and Human Services.
• Our annual Philanthropy Celebration honors our members and nonprofits in our community with a program and reception at Seattle Art Museum. 
• Member Discussions:  Engage with fellow members in discussions that feature a timely article or book on the topics of community needs and philanthropy.
• Education Forums and Gatherings: We offer many educational forums featuring speakers on topics related to community issues and philanthropy.  Gatherings highlight the work of a fellow member or the work of a nonprofit.
• Outings: Visit and learn about the work of nonprofits in our community, or former grant award winners.
• Workshops: Attend workshops on varied philanthropic topics, such as planned giving, nonprofit financial training, measuring impact, and much more.
• Our Pooled Grant Award Celebration in June celebrates our five Pooled Grant Award Winners, and provides an opportunity for members to hear firsthand about the work of the projects we fund.

Click here to see current upcoming events.

New!  2011 Discovery Days Audio Recordings

Discovery Days is our largest educational program each year, and an opportunity for members and guests to become informed about the urgent issues in our community and how philanthropy can make an impact.  A panel of experts informed us in each of our five pooled grant funding areas: arts, education, environment, health, and human services.

The Discovery Days Planning committee developed intriguing topics to explore and an impressive roster of speakers.  Thank you to the committee co-chairs, Kit Bakke, Cherry Banks, and Margit Rankin, and to the session planners listed below for their good work!

Special thanks to our event sponsors for their generous support of Discovery Days!  Presenting Sponsor: Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, and Supporting Sponsors: Boeing and Clark Nuber.

To download audio files, click on speaker's name, and your download will begin.

ARTS & CULTURE: Cultural Access Fund
Washington State municipalities may soon choose to adopt a Cultural Access Fund to provide steady, ongoing support for arts and cultural organizations. What does this mean for funding streams for arts organizations, and how might this initiative improve access for audiences?
David Brewster, Editor and Publisher, Crosscut Public Media
Sandra Jackson-Dumont, Director of Education & Public Programs, Seattle Art Museum

HEALTH: Childhood Obesity
What are the effects of environmental conditions, disparities in access, community values, and behavior on the likelihood of childhood obesity? How can philanthropy intervene most effectively?
Speakers:
Lenna Liu, MD, MPH, Program Director, Odessa Brown Children's Clinic
Paula Lozano, MD, MPH, Assistant Medical Director, Group Health Department of Preventive Care