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Learning Resources

Through many different learning opportunities each year, we educate members and the public about local nonprofits, ongoing and urgent needs in the community, innovative approaches to grant-making and emerging trends in philanthropy. Participants in our educational programs expand their knowledge of critical issues facing our community, improve their ability to analyze nonprofits' effectiveness and efficiency, and learn to make wiser and more impactful giving decisions.

Visit the Calendar of Events to see what new learning opportunities are on the horizon, or review materials from past programs. From forums on community needs to workshops on how to read a nonprofit financial statement, the Foundation helps its members become better informed philanthropists.

Web Resources about Philanthropy

Recommended Print Publications about Philanthropy

The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Financial Times at the Weekend
Town and Country - June philanthropy issue each year

Recommended Books about Philanthropy

Wealth in Families, Charles Collier
Inspired Philanthropy, 2nd Edition, Tracy Gary
Good to Great and the Social Sectors, Jim Collins
The Cathedral Within, Bill Shore

“The beauty of this gr

oup is that it is a mix of all kinds of women who come together for the same purpose: to learn how to donate intelligently. I've met wonderful, incredible women. You can get as involved as you want in the grant process, in committees, in educational programs. Or, you can simply donate your money with the confidence that it will be spent wisely.

“I've learned so much here. I love Seattle, and the Washington Women's Foundation, through its sophisticated grant process, gives me a perfect opportunity to learn about our city, its needs and the agencies that are meeting those needs. We're able to learn intelligently about them and not just through a sound byte or a mailed solicitation. The education programs are also excellent. I've attended sessions on planned giving and on how to manage personal philanthropy. We've heard from women from all over the country who have managed foundations and nonprofits. And, we've learned practical things like public speaking, organizational skills and how to run an effective meeting.”

“There are just so many benefits. How can you count them all?”

Helen Stusser
member since 1998

Grants Celebration 2009