Philadelphia Love Park | PHOTO: Amy Seasholtz
By Michael Kellerman, Interim Transformation Director, Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia
As we continue our transformation journey, we've spent valuable time with many of you—through conversations, surveys, strategy committee meetings, and more—exploring a core question: What is the Network's purpose?
Among the most resonant and consistent themes is that philanthropy is stronger when we work together, strengthen existing bonds, create new connections, and tackle the profound challenges our regional communities face with a collective voice.
Following the election results, I, like many of you, spent much of yesterday connecting with others and hoping for grace and compassion for each other amid transition and uncertainty.
Regardless of ideology or affiliation, and acknowledging that people across our region and nation had a wide range of reactions to the results, we can all appreciate not only how divided and polarized our communities are, but also how for many throughout Greater Philadelphia, this news brings deep fears about what is to come for themselves, their families, and their community.
Yesterday in conversation with numerous members and colleagues from other networks, it was clear that core philanthropic priorities are top of mind including the strength and inclusivity of our democracy, the trajectory of work towards racial equity and inclusion, the impact of proposed policies on marginalized communities, threats to public health, and other topics.
Today, one thing is clear: philanthropy is in a unique position to be a steady hand and a strategic partner in this time. As we come together as a Network and reinvigorate our common purpose, we have an opportunity—and consistent with what you have said, a responsibility—to recognize philanthropy’s strength in numbers and mobilize to do better together.
In the coming days, weeks, and months, as the opportunities to gather and organize coming out of this transformation work materialize, we at Philanthropy Network pledge to keep our core purpose at the center of what we do together.
We encourage you to attend the post-election briefing on November 20th hosted by our partners at the United Philanthropy Forum, and we will be in touch as other opportunities and resources emerge.
As always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, suggestions, or recommendations.