Heart & Soul Talks: Community-driven Philanthropy: How Involving Residents = Vibrant Towns

Orton Family Foundation

Think philanthropy is just for the wealthy? Think again. Small cities and towns are finding that all residents can be philanthropists. Local wisdom and vision, it turns out, lead to positive change. On this call you’ll hear about effective strategies for encouraging a culture of local philanthropy that builds community vibrancy and prosperity. Speakers: --Lisa Duran, executive director, Grassroots Grantmakers. Lisa has over 30 years of experience in social justice, community organizing and nonprofit work. She supports and connects community investors—mostly foundations—in partnering with residents to lead change. --Don Macke, co-founder and director of entrepreneurial communities, Center for Rural Entrepreneurship. Don helps communities and regions throughout North America grow entrepreneur-focused economic development strategies. He works with strategic partners across the country to deliver customized economic development solutions. Don is also active in community development philanthropy, and conducted the first statewide Transfer of Wealth™ study in Nebraska in 2002. Don has nearly 40 years of community economic development and policy experience. --Thom Harnett, mayor, Gardiner, Maine. Thom, now serving his third term as mayor of Gardiner, Maine, recently retired from the state Office of the Attorney General where he had served as an assistant attorney general, and established Civil Rights Teams in more than 220 schools statewide. Thom was active in Gardiner’s Community Heart & Soul® project. Follow along with our Google Doc: http://bit.ly/2oH5obw. This event was recorded on Thursday, April 20, 2017.