Strategic Café
Perspectives on Philanthropy in this New Era
Guest Panelists:
Kendra O’Donnell, Treasurer, Board of Trustees for the Currier Museum of Art
Marianne Jones, Executive Director of the Women’s Fund of NH
Dr. Robert O. Wilson, Chairman, Board of Trustees for the Capitol Center for the Arts
Facilitator:
Kathleen Reardon, Senior Vice President and Director of Community Relations and Public Affairs, Citizens Bank
 
As we travel through this new era of heightened collaboration, increased emphasis on system approaches and a desire to adapt to the changing needs of communities, our donors and foundation leaders are re-thinking their roles and relationships with nonprofits.

At the same time, many nonprofits leaders are realizing that the arms-length relationship they have upheld with donors in the past has not built the trust and shared purpose that is needed to make a long-term impact. Much is now being written about donors having an interest in creating a legacy of giving.  New relationships are emerging in which donors, foundation leaders and nonprofits leaders are creating ways to talk more often, learn together and share ideas on how to partner to support the issues and fields they care so much about.

During this session, Dr. Robert Wilson and Kendra O’Donnell will share their reflections about relationships between donors and organizations and how they have developed their own thoughtful approaches to philanthropy. Marianne Jones will share her experiences and insights on how donors have given to charitable causes in the past and the emerging trends she is observing.

The conversation will be facilitated by Kathleen Reardon of Citizens Bank who, throughout her career, has built relationships with many coalitions, nonprofit organizations and community groups. Ms. Reardon will engage the audience and panel in a dialogue about the evolving relationship donors, nonprofits and communities may forge.