Learning Series: Navigating AI as a Philanthropic Leader

Description

To better accommodate summer schedules, we have extended registration to Wednesday, July 15. 

Are you ready for a deeper dive into the intersection of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and philanthropy?

Join us for this special, four-part workshop series to explore the fundamentals of AI and develop the insights and practical skills needed to lead effectively in this rapidly evolving field. Generative AI is increasingly impacting philanthropic work, raising important questions about trust, accountability and impact. This workshop series will equip you with the tools necessary to stay informed and lead confidently, empowering you to leverage technology to advance your mission.

The series consists of four virtual 90-minute sessions:

• Session 1: Tuesday, July 28, 10:00 - 11:30AM CT
• Session 2: Tuesday, August 11, 10:00 - 11:30AM CT
• Session 3: Tuesday, August 25, 10:00 - 11:30AM CT
• Session 4: Tuesday, September 8, 10:00 - 11:30AM CT

Each session will blend instruction, facilitated dialogue, and peer learning. This series is available to PhilMO Members as part of our Midwest Partnership Series and is hosted by the Iowa Council of Foundations. Participants will represent the states involved in this collaborative effort.

Participants who complete this series are eligible for a course badge through Credly and should expect the following: 

• Examples of how generative AI is showing up in philanthropy and related fields;
• An understanding of how ethics and governance policies will affect AI adoption;
• Emerging tools and comprehension of AI trends;
• Leadership mindsets and skills that will help you navigate this changing field; and
• Connections to colleagues within Iowa Council of Foundations, Philanthropy Missouri, and Philanthropy Ohio.

AUDIENCE & REGISTRATION

Registration is open to PhilMO Full Members (grantmaking Members) and non-Member Missouri funders, in particular: 

• Philanthropic staff interested in building their foundational understanding of AI and its implications
• Philanthropic leaders who are considering how to ethically incorporate AI solutions

Participant Expectations: 

• Participants must register individually, but each participating organization will be asked to complete a 20-minute assessment of current AI use in their philanthropic work. For applicants after July 1, the assessment will be distributed no later than July 15 and is due July 17. If there are multiple registrants from an organization, we will reach out for help identifying the best contact for the assessment. 
• This series is highly individualized and interactive. Please plan your time to be actively engaged and on camera in each session during the live training time. (Your participation in all four sessions is expected.)

Register by July 15:

• PhilMO Full Members receive a discounted fee of $150 per participant (includes all four sessions).
• Non-Member Missouri Funders may register for a fee of $300 per participant (includes all four sessions).

Cancellation & Transfer Policy: Registration fees, less any processing fees, may be refunded through June 30, 2026. Registrations are non-refundable on or after July 1, 2026. If you are unable to attend, transfer of your registration to another eligible participant may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Please contact info@philmo.org with questions or requests.

EXPERT FACILITATORS

See What I Mean (SWIM) helps organizations change in practical and values-aligned ways that are grounded in trust. With staff who have served in foundation leadership roles, the SWIM team has consulted with dozens of public and private foundations on strategy and planning, and partnered with national philanthropic initiatives like Listen to Community and working with a funder cohort to advance racial equity. 

In the AI space, SWIM excels at supporting AI readiness for mission-driven organizations, having worked with more than 100 foundations and nonprofits. Most recently, in partnership with MCQ, SWIM completed a 6-month cohort with several food banks, helping each organization develop a leadership stance toward AI, vet their AI policy against their values, anticipate how organizational dynamics might shift, and build use cases for each department. 

Meet our SWIM leads:

Stacy Van Gorp, Ph.D.

Stacy Van Gorp, Ph.D. is a self-described organizational strategy and innovation geek. Stacy’s decades providing consulting services in strategic planning, innovation, research, and program design are rooted in her experiences leading a private foundation and her work in higher education, nonprofit leadership, fundraising and youth services. Her passion is helping leaders cut through complexity to illuminate opportunities. Her research interest centers around the role of trust in accelerating innovation. Stacy is recognized for her expertise in developing actionable models for change within institutions that serve a public good.

Her mission is to connect the people, resources, and ideas to change the world. See What I Mean is the manifestation of that mission.

 Jordan Vernoy, CNP

Jordan Vernoy is a network engagement nerd. His tenure in the Feeding America network concentrated on challenging people to think differently about the work of ending hunger in America. Networks can realize their vision by focusing on the people facing the issue, understanding the value each member of the network holds, and maximizing those resources to have the biggest impact. He works with organizations and companies to embrace practices for deepening engagement. Jordan holds a master’s in nonprofit management and is a Certified Nonprofit Professional.