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Emerging Practitioner Peer Community

The future of the philanthropy field is contingent on new practitioners learning and excelling in the field. The Forum is committed to being a source of knowledge and guidance for new philanthropy-serving organization (PSO) professionals through our newest network – Emerging Practitioners Peer Community. If you have resources to share, please share them online or by emailing Brandon Iracks-Edelin

Emerging Practitioners Peer Community

The Emerging Practitioners Peer Community is designed for those with less than five years of experience in the philanthropy field.

  • Emerging Practitioners Listserv (emergingpractitioners@lists.unitedphilforum.org)- You must be a member of the Forum & this Peer Community to post to this list.    
  • Three round-robin calls per year
  •  Forum’s Annual Conference virtual session

Interested in joining this Peer Community? Submit your email address on the form at the bottom of the Our Networks page

Forum Staff Leads: Brandon Iracks-Edelin, (202) 991-5217

Co-Chairs

Cozzie King, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations

Cozzie King has worked over 13 years as a nonprofit/association professional. Prior to GEO, Cozzie was the Manager of Operations & Special Projects for the National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care (The Coalition). During her time with the Coalition, Cozzie worked directly with the Executive Director to manage the day-to-day operations of the Coalition, including Board support, workgroup/committee management, website content, social media and communication planning, member engagement and the deliverables of all special grants and projects the Coalition partnered on. Her work at the Coalition helped their mission to ensure that patients and families living with serious illness had access to quality hospice and palliative care services regardless of race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or disability.

Cozzie also worked for several years at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). There she worked as the Manager of Professional Development and Associate Manager of Access Programs.

In her free time, Cozzie organizes a meetup group and book club for African American women living in Northern VA, watches too many Law & Order marathons, has an unhealthy LOVE for thrifting and is working to complete her studies in Business Management, Leadership Development. Cozzie’s personality tests always show her as the protagonist (ENFJs) which means she has lots of creative energy, strives to do the right thing and will be your biggest cheerleader.

Kuʻuleinani Maunupau, Native Hawaiian Philanthropy

Kuʻuleinani is the founder and Executive Director of Native Hawaiian Philanthropy.  She is also currently Interim Executive Director of KAʻEHU, a nonprofit on the island of Maui managing 64 acres of coastal wetlands until April 2024. Prior to the position as interim Executive Director, she served as the Director of Sustainable Planning helping to develop a long-term master plan integrating traditional Hawaiian stewardship practices and community programs that educate youth and community members in natural resource management.  In her free time, Kuʻulei continues her work in community and is currently supporting and writing grants for native Hawaiian farmers, educators, scientists, financial advisors, and more to help promote and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and sustainability of families, entrepreneurs, communities and youth.  She is a native Hawaiian woman living in Waiohuli Homestead on the island of Maui and loves music, travel, and being in nature.  Her favorite books and movies give hope to building a better world that includes equality for all no matter race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability and religion.

Resources

2017 Key Metrics for Philanthropy-Serving Organizations

United Philanthropy Forum's 2017 Key Metrics for Philanthropy-Serving Organizations report provides comprehensive benchmarking data and analyses on the governance, finances, membership, services and programs, and operations of regional and national philanthropy-serving organizations (PSOs), which includes philanthropy associations and networks focused on place, issue, identity, funder type, and/or philanthropic practice.  

A Job Hunter Gets Advice on Landing Her First Job in Philanthropy

The Chronicle of Philanthropy
The advice a recent graduate hoping to work as a grant maker received from nonprofit executives is also key to maintaining and developing your career in the philanthropy field.

For Emerging Philanthropy Professionals: The Power of Personal Branding

Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy
Building a personal brand as a new PSO professional can help solidify your career in the field. Here are a few things to consider when building your person brand.