I had the opportunity to moderate a panel of distinguished donors today at the Engaged Philanthropy Conference, sponsored by Social Venture Partners. My panel included Sarah Bjelland, Chair of Community Capital Alliance; Margie Soran, Donor Advisor for Soran Family Fund & Partner Social Venture Partners; Judson Dayton of the One Percent Club; Andy Currie of Currie, Ferner, Scarpetta & DeVries.
Our discussion followed a dynamic presentation by Bill Strickland, social entrepreneur and president & CEO of Manchester Bidwell Corporation. Strickland grew a nearly bankrupt community training center into an innovative and successful organization, creating a model for education, training and arts and, most importantly, renewing hope in his inner-city Pittsburgh community. Strickland delivered a remarkable success story, illustrating Engaged Philanthropy and illuminating his entrepreneurial approach to his work. Truly an engaged and inspiring nonprofit leader!
Our panel discussed the potential impact on social issues in Minnesota if more social entrepreneurship was supported. Answers varied, but by and large, there was agreement that a wide range of philanthropic values and strategies could create better outcomes in communities. To gain success, better cooperation in the sector would be needed and the traditional funder/nonprofit partner rules and roles would have to be more creative and less rigid.
Join the conversation: What do you think of these newer or emerging approaches to engaged philanthropy? What advice would you give to donors, to nonprofit executives, or to social entrepreneurs about how this model of philanthropic engagement might create better social outcomes in our society?
- Bill King, MCF president
Update: Corrected spelling of Sarah Bjelland’s name.
