Essentials programs introduce the Strategic Roadmap, covering the core principles and practices that Forward Global believes are critical for all philanthropic funders. They are designed to help participants make the most of other opportunities across the global community and provide an excellent opportunity to make new connections and clarify your sense of direction moving forward.

This in-person Essentials program will be held in Los Angeles on March 4, the day before the Global Summit. We will cover questions including:

What are the core principles I should consider in my funding practice?
How can I find my philanthropic focus?
How can I develop a strategy for systemic change?
How can I find grantees and build trusted relationships?

We will use case studies, personal reflection, partner work, and interactive activity to help explore these questions as a group. 

What does (and doesn’t) the Essentials cover?

By “Essentials” we mean – the worldviews, assumptions about your role, and decisions of where to focus resources that influence all of your decision-making. It is not a deep dive into operations or a 101 in how to make your first grant. Participants looking for a deeper dive and more technical support will be offered support outside of the main program.

The Essentials will be divided into four parts (see below.) A more detailed agenda will be shared with you after registration.

Part 1: Core Principles & Articulating Your Purpose
Part 2: The Contribution You Can Make
Part 3: Systems Mapping & Strategy Development
Part 4: Building Partnerships & Taking Action

What comes after the Essentials?

Essentials participants are encouraged to continue their journey with Forward Global as part of a full Cohort. Previous participants have commented:

“The whole process of having a peer group does a lot for personal accountability – it pushes us not to stagnate.”

“There is so much I’ve gained from the Cohort – just having people to engage with has been terrific. One word that I’m taking away from this is joy – the joy of the process. There is so much in my life that feels burdensome, so to sustain me this work has to be joyful.”

“I realised I’ve been thinking too narrowly about things, about by resources, my impact. I’ve been boxing myself in necessarily. A big takeaway for me has been the need to challenge myself to broaden my thinking, to recognise more broadly what I can do and where.”

“I really loved the entire process of talking to my new peers; we learn stuff through TPW and then put it into practice by talking to your peers who are actually doing it.”

“Super useful, loved the whole thing.”

When should I register, and where can I learn more?

Places are limited, so please register early to avoid disappointment. This program will be held on Tuesday, March 4th from 9:30 am – 5:00 pm adjacent to our Summit venue. Exact location to be shared upon registration. For any questions, please reach out to Global Director of Programmes, Sam Underwood at sam@forward-global.org.