On March 27, 2025, we were delighted to welcome over 100 Philanthropy Network members to the Center for DesignPhiladelphia for our 37th Annual Members Meeting.
The meeting was kicked off by Board Chair Rashanda Perryman, who officially called the 37th Annual Members Meeting to order. Perryman began by noting that while the primary purpose of our gathering is to conduct the Network’s business, it is important to acknowledge the unique and uncertain times we are in, and that we should use this occasion to find inspiration in our work and in each other, and explore new ways we can find focus and courage against challenges we face.
Board Chair Rashanda Perryman calls the meeting to order
Perryman went on to share that the Board had recently transitioned Michael Kellerman into the full-time role of Interim Executive Director, and will continue to lead the Network at least through the end of 2025. He will work with the Board through the Spring on a search process to identify Philanthropy Network’s next Executive Director, and throughout the year to continue taking positive steps toward rebuilding the Network’s capacity to deliver on its mission.
Interim Executive Director Michael Kellerman then took the podium to deliver updates on the ongoing work to create a sustainable Philanthropy Network. He said that following a period of internal introspection last year that served to provide renewed clarity around our purpose, Philanthropy Network is now focusing its energy on reinvigorating the Network. In addition to increased program offerings, we have plans to reboot our Corporate Funders group in April, and launch a new Program/Grant Officer Community of Practice for mid-career track professionals this spring.
He closed by emphasizing that, now more than ever, Philanthropy Network has enormous potential to serve as a critical tool to bring people together to partnerships and collaborations, stimulate shared learning and new ideas, and harness our collective influence and voice for the good of our region.
Governance Report
Diana Doherty, in her role as Secretary of the Board and Chair of the Governance Committee, put forward a motion to elect the proposed slate of first- and second-term directors and 2025-26 officers for Philanthropy Network's Board of Directors. With a first and second to the motion, the slate was unanimously approved by the members in attendance. Elected were:
First-Term Directors:
- Chris Capato, Independence Public Media Foundation
- Paul DiLorenzo, Salem Health & Wellness Foundation
- Jessica Richards, William Penn Foundation
- Felicia Rinier, Comcast
- Lauren Stebbins, Barra Foundation
- Nicole (Nikki) Trentecoste, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Second-Term Directors:
- Peter Gonzales, The Merchants Fund
- Dominique Goss, M&T Bank.
2025-26 Officers:
- Chair: Rashanda Perryman, Vanguard
- Vice Chair: Leon T. Andrews, Jr., Equal Measure
- Vice Chair:John Barber III, TD Bank
- Secretary: Jody Greenblatt, The Philadelphia City Fund
- Treasurer: Ann Marie Healy, Philadelphia Health Partnership
Finance Report
Ann Marie Healy, Board Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee, provided an update on the organization's financial position. Despite the challenges of last year, Philanthropy Network ended FY2024 with a balanced budget, having raised sufficient funds to cover expenses without needing to use reserves for operations. Moving forward, the Board remains focused on stabilizing the organization’s finances, and adopted a very conservative budget for FY2025.
Supplementing Healy’s report, Kellerman provided a snapshot of membership. To date, 2025 membership stands at 64 organizations, which accounts for 95% of the budgeted dues goal of $380,000. Kellerman noted that outreach is ongoing to those members who have yet to make their commitment for 2025, and encourage them to submit their dues payment or hard pledge of renewal by June 1.
Before adjourning the business meeting, Chair Perryman also noted that this year concludes terms for a number of long-serving Board members. On behalf of the Network, she expressed deep appreciation to outgoing directors: Casey Cook, Bread & Roses Community Fund; Diana Doherty, VNA Foundation of Greater North Penn; Gwyneth Gaul, Comcast; and Kristin Romens, The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Report Out from Foundations on the Hill 2025
Michael Kellerman was joined by Network members Leon Andrews, Equal Measure and Monique Curry-Mims, Union Benevolent Association, to share reflections on their recent experience at Foundations on the Hill (FOTH), which took place in Washington, DC, February 23-26, 2025. Leon led Monique and Michael in a conversation about the policy priorities of this year’s FOTH, which centered on the forthcoming Charitable Act, as well as an exploration of what other regions do to use their collective voice and how our region might mobilize in the future to use our collective influence for public policy.
(L to R) Michael Kellerman, Monique Curry-Mims, Leon Andrews
Following the panel, Board Vice Chair Leon Andrews introduced our featured speaker, Leslie Marant, JD., Principal, The ESP Effect.
Keynote
Featured speaker Leslie Marant - a highly sought after leadership and team dynamics expert, Certified DEI Executive®, and health equity advocate - centered her remarks on "Finding Inspiration in Times of Uncertainty."
Leslie Marant, JD, Principal, The ESP Effect
Marant urged funders to stay committed to their values-driven work, and underscored the essential need for organizations to create true alignment between values and leadership. She made a compelling case for how equity-centered decision-making should be viewed as a strategic advantage, and issued a call to philanthropy to fund with courage, lead with transparency, and build a safety net.
In closing the program, Michael Kellerman thanked everyone for their continued partnership, and offered a special acknowledgment to long-serving leaders Frances Sheehan, The Foundation for Delaware County and Sarah Martinez-Helfman, The Samuel S. Fels Fund, who will both be stepping down from their roles later this year.
Members then adjourned to enjoy networking and conversation at the reception.
Reception
