Philanthropy Fundamentals is a four-part cohort learning series that will advance your understanding of the origins and historical context of philanthropy and introduce key concepts and language that you will need to be an effective partner for change in your organization.  

The virtual series will take place on select Friday mornings in January and February 2026 and offer a comprehensive overview of the sector and key concepts relevant to staff and board members in any position at a grantmaking institution. Participants must be able to attend all four sessions to receive a certificate of completion issued by Philanthropy Ohio. The curriculum is designed to engage attendees throughout the program with the content and one another, so registrants are encouraged to be able to join on camera in real-time to maximize group learning and cohesion.  

What you’ll take away

• Critical foundational knowledge of the philanthropic sector at large and within Ohio.
• Understanding of key elements of good governance and financial management. 
• Appreciation for the complex dynamics of the sector, including the relationship between money, power and community accountability. 
• Connections to peers within the Philanthropy Ohio network.  

Designed for:

Anyone who has joined the philanthropic sector (including private, public, community, corporate and United Ways) within the last three years or is interested in a refresher; open to the entire range of roles within the field, e.g., Program Staff, Chief Financial Officer, Controller, Human Resources Director, Trustee, among others. 

2026 Modules 

Module 1: The Field of Philanthropy 
Friday, January 30, 2026 from 9 a.m. – Noon (Virtual) 
Receive a broad overview of philanthropy, both nationally and in Ohio. Gain insight into the origins of the entire ecosystem of nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, as well as key concepts for consideration on the role of foundations in supporting and building equitable communities.    
Presenters: Philanthropy Ohio; Additional guest presenter to be added 

Module 2: The Nonprofit Sector & Legal Landscape 
Friday, February 7, 2026 from 9 a.m. – Noon (Virtual) 
Discover fundamental defining characteristics of the charitable sector, including an overview of critical foundation board and governance best practices. Understand the role of the Attorney General, fiduciary responsibility and important Ohio-specific rules and regulations that guide the nonprofit sector. 
Presenters: Philanthropy Ohio; Beth Short, Office of the Attorney General Charitable Law Section 

Module 3: Money & Power in Philanthropy 
Friday, February 13, 2026 from 9 a.m. – Noon (Virtual) 
Learn how to read a nonprofit 990 document from a tax professional. Build awareness of common grantmaking philosophies and practices and how these roles connect to other parts of the entity. Gain an understanding of power dynamics in the field and ways to both address and anticipate the complex interplay of individual self and institutional wealth when serving as a steward of philanthropic resources.  
Presenters: Philanthropy Ohio; Natosha Carr, Clark Schaefer Hackett; Additional guest presenters 

Module 4: Critical Conversations & Leadership Insights 
Friday, February 20, 2026 from 9 a.m. – Noon (Virtual) 
Discuss the role of advocacy and public policy in the field of philanthropy. Hear from seasoned practitioners in the field, gaining insight on how to navigate leadership in an ever-changing sector.  
Presenters: Philanthropy Ohio; Additional guest presenters 


Philanthropy Ohio has designed and curated the curriculum for Philanthropy Fundamentals with contributions and feedback from presenters, cohort participants and partners. Materials for sessions originated from a program developed by the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy’s Grantmaking School Team and revised by Philanthropy New York, Philanthropy Massachusetts and other key partners, as well as the Grantmaking for the 21st Century curriculum, adapted from the Minnesota Council on Foundations.