Our Work

Responsive and adaptive leadership in an ever-changing Ohio

Philanthropy Ohio brings funders together and leads key discussions, utilizing a community-centered approach, to advance change in our communities. From the nuts and bolts of philanthropy to diving deep into topics important to your work, Philanthropy Ohio taps the wisdom of local experts and national thought leaders to bring members high-quality programs and knowledge resources to improve your practice as you learn from and alongside your peers.

With an explicit focus on equity, the Philanthropy Ohio community lifts up the best practices in philanthropy, leverages the work of members and focuses on system change through policywork and public/private partnerships. As the recognized advocate representing the interests of Ohio philanthropy in the state and nation, Philanthropy Ohio advocates for and on behalf of members to advance policies that strengthen our communities.

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VISION

A just and vibrant Ohio through impactful philanthropy.

MISSION

To lead and equip Ohio philanthropy to be effective partners for change in our communities.

VALUES

Equity: Seeking justice, fairness and belonging.
Integrity: Holding to honesty, reliability, trust and respect.
Voice: Listening, centering community lived experience and speaking up with purpose.
Courage: Striving to be brave, innovative and to take risks.
Community: Cultivating connections, collaborations and engagement.

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STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Advocating
Building and strengthening relationships to support policies that bolster the charitable sector and improve Ohio’s communities, incorporating an equity lens in policy analysis and a process for taking position on divisive or controversial or partisan issues or legislation.

Educating
Curating learning opportunities that leverage local and national thought leaders and knowledge resources to advance individual and collective interests and expertise. We lead toward impactful, equitable and community-centered philanthropy through an Ohio-relevant lens.

Convening
Gathering people in adaptive and responsive ways to create paths for connection and collaboration, peer learning and sharing, and to strengthen relationships and amplify impact.

Collaborating
Building and strengthening public/private partnership opportunities with the governor’s office, relevant state agencies and community stakeholders to address statewide challenges and opportunities.

Centering Equity
Leading and supporting philanthropic work to center racial equity by bringing training, tools, inspiration and conversations to more Ohio communities, holding space for peer sharing and cohort learning and expanding to include other marginalized identities and issues (gender, geographic, economic, health and other equities).

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"Since coming to philanthropy in January 2015, Philanthropy Ohio has played the most significant role in my professional learning. Through Philanthropy Ohio’s convening and thought leadership, I have been able to learn and leverage effective strategies to address issues at both the community and systems level. It also provides a space for me to build authentic relationships with my peers, meet professionals from other sectors and hone my leadership skills. I cannot thank Philanthropy Ohio’s staff enough for their leadership, support and camaraderie." 
-Anthony Richardson, President, The George Gund Foundation