December Chair Letter

Giving Institute Colleagues,

As we approach the end of 2023 and prepare for the exciting year ahead, I am filled with gratitude and anticipation. Alongside our member firms, the Giving Institute has spent the last quarter reflecting on our accomplishments, defining our goals, and strategizing for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The Executive Leadership Team and I extend our heartfelt appreciation to the incredible planning team and Giving Institute members who made our November meeting in Chicago an extraordinary success. From Ryan Woroniecki's insightful suggestion of a pre-meeting night at Second City Comedy Club to Suzanne Hilser-Wiler's warm hospitality and delectable homemade goodies, every detail was thoughtfully curated. Jim Bush and Sterrin Bird's energizing Mentor Series empowered our community of future leaders, while Ben Golding and his Program and Education Committee brought us Dr. Chance's enlightening introduction to Nonflict. Participants engaged in cutting-edge educational programming, provocative Lightning Rounds, and insightful Round Table discussions, taking our meeting to the next level.

We are deeply inspired by the dedication of our members, who selflessly volunteer their time and talent to make The Giving Institute a hub of joyful inclusion, honest partnerships, community, and excellence. We recognize that our organization's success hinges on the passion and commitment of individuals like you, who share our vision of advancing generosity worldwide. We are also incredibly grateful for our Committee Chairs, who continuously strive to elevate every aspect of our organization.

When Tim Burcham took on the Marketing Committee, we had no idea how comprehensively he would approach the opportunities for The Giving Institute to strengthen its brand internally and externally. Attending the Summer Symposium 2024 launch meeting with co-leads Sarah Clough and Nikkii Kashub, I left feeling energized by the engagement, excitement, and creativity that the sub-committee chairs exuded. Prepare to be amazed in Philadelphia, as Summer Symposium 2024 is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience! Under the leadership of Kate Roosevelt and Sarah Dave, the Membership Committee continues to take our membership efforts to the next level, streamlining the entry process and paving the way for potentially six new member organizations. Please be on the lookout for the Members Survey, which will be arriving in your email inboxes soon.

As we embrace this season of gratitude, your contributions stand out as a testament to the power of collective effort and shared vision. Thank you for being an integral part of our Giving Institute community, for your transformative engagement, and for taking The Giving Institute to the next level. Together, we continue to make a profound impact on communities, our sector, and the world.

I leave you with this quote by Socrates:  “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”

With heartfelt thanks and warm wishes for a holiday season filled with much love, laughter and light,

Brenda