Episode 9: The Future of Philanthropy and Employee Engagement

Guest Bio

A skilled relationship manager, grantmaker and strategist with three decades of experience in philanthropy and wealth management. Has managed grantmaking portfolios ranging from $4 – $90 million, guided the performance of hundreds of nonprofit organizations, and worked with some of the country’s most prominent philanthropists and corporate foundations. Advises high net worth clients and companies on philanthropic governance, leadership and program management. Specializes in advising Ultra High Net Worth families and companies on strategic planning and achieving philanthropic impact.

Recap & Takeaways

• [[00:11 – 02:16] Introduction to Elizabeth Wong
• [02:20 – 03:19] Working with professional grant makers and a leadership team unrelated to family members for large foundations
• [03:21 – 06:07] Elizabeth’s approach to working with foundations and driving outcomes
• [06:09 – 07:59] A shift in donor expectations throughout Elizabeth’s three decades in the field
• [08:07 – 09:44] How individual philanthropy can be, and how employees can be part of the story of success
• [09:47 – 11:31] The importance of company purpose – becoming a part of a community
• [11:32 – 15:03] Youth wellness development and patterns emerging to address immediate needs and providing a compelling workplace
• [15:27 – 17:16] Future opportunities in the philanthropy world and serving audiences
• [17:18 – 19:30] How the national discourse frames and affects philanthropic giving’s challenges
• [19:32 – 20:17] The best questions are the hardest to answer
• [20:17 – 26:52] On finding projects that are going to move the needle forward today
• [27:11 – 28:38] Themes in philanthropy Elizabeth finds exciting
• [28:44 – 30:32] Forming a board, and why you may not need a mission statement
• [30:37 – 33:59] The importance of reflecting back on the grants you gave
• [32:08 – 34:37] First dollars in and Dane’s experience in rural Italy
• [34:40 – 36:51] Government and Foundation partnerships
• [39:14 – 40:44] The power imbalance between fund seekers and funders
• [40:58 – 42:54] How to get your employees involved outside dollars
• [43:14 – 44:38] The nature of foundation folks and being stretched thin