As we enter VFN’s fourth year, we are most grateful for early advocates and the generous investments of members who believe in our mission to build a connected, collaborative philanthropic community that advances opportunities for all who call Virginia home.
VFN’s Strategic Framework will continue to guide our work.
A robust line up of member engagement opportunities will offer members multiple ways to deepen their involvement. A few highlights to note:
- Occasions to gather with regional colleagues to learn about pressing issues facing Virginia communities. Hear how members are responding individually and use that knowledge to develop and promote opportunities for collective action.
- VFN’s 3rd Annual Conference in Richmond from May 6-8. A talented group, comprised of representatives of member organizations from across Virginia, is planning an outstanding slate of over 30 learning sessions in multiple types of formats. There also will be many opportunities to spend time together informally to deepen relationships among philanthropic leaders.
- VFN’s 2024 virtual learning sessions kick off this week with a pre-General Assembly briefing. The second of a series on the housing challenges facing Virginia communities—and how funders can respond—will take place on January 23. In February, Impact Investing Office Hours will continue and feature national philanthropic leaders with expertise in how funders can engage in Advancing Foundation Values and Mission in the Public Equity Market.
With guidance from VFN’s Advisory Board, we will work to clarify and articulate where VFN will lead in the Commonwealth’s philanthropic impact and how we build sustainability for those initiatives as well as the long term success of VFN and our members.
We invite you to join us in supporting the planning efforts for this year’s activities, especially for the Conference. If you’re interested in being on a planning team, please reach out to Patte or Angie ASAP. We need your expertise and ideas!
My colleagues, Patte Koval, Robin Mockenhaupt, and Angie Molina, and I look forward to the year ahead. We are committed to bringing value to our member organizations and their teams of dedicated philanthropy leaders – and to ensuring VFN creates opportunities for collaborative learning and collaborative action.
