Education Philanthropy Gathering Emphasized Themes of Abundance and Shared Well-Being
Every fall, the national philanthropy member association Grantmakers for Education (GFE) hosts the largest convening of education-focused funders in the country, and this year, Senior Program Officer Robyn Attebury Ellis represented Crimsonbridge in New York City. Alongside peers at the conference, most of whom have worked as educators and advisors before their time stewarding philanthropic investments, Robyn connected with program officers, board members, and nonprofit and campus leaders about this year’s unique challenges and incredible innovations in US education. The conference theme of Designing Systems of Abundance and Shared Well-Being highlighted where systems intersect and the forward momentum that many school systems and states are harnessing to improve how they serve and support the people they enroll.
As part of the conference, GFE’s Postsecondary Access and Attainment (PSA2) Impact Group recognized Robyn’s leadership and three years of service as Co-Chair. This group of postsecondary-focused funders, geographically diverse and ranging in size, has been one of Robyn’s most meaningful groups to brainstorm, co-fund, and collaborate with, in addition to being a venue for support, training, research, and community. This year, at the request of members, the PSA2 Impact Group shared new opportunities for PSA2 members to connect and learn about each other’s work in communities across the US.
“When you start in this field, there isn’t a mandatory class on the “why” of education philanthropy, its history, how everything connects, and how best to carry out your organization’s mission. GFE was this place for me, and PSA2 has been my home for learning and action,” said Robyn Attebury Ellis. She continues to reflect: “As the Impact Group members can attest, these groups allow education funders to gather to learn about each other’s work and join funds and efforts on projects that need more investment. The impact groups are a space for collaboration and problem-solving, especially when clear messaging is required to build a case to scale promising practices.
For education funders interested in getting involved in impact groups, visit www.edfunders.org/impactgroups to learn more.
