Very Smart Gals in Grantmaking Salon

(pictured, l-r, Lindsey Aylieff, Melanie Cazier, SueAnn Wade-Crouse, Jami Hampton, MariBen Ramsey, Karen Kahan, Katherine Wright, Tracy Firsching, Cindy Raab)

In April, MariBen Ramsey, Karen Kahan and I hosted a salon for Very Smart Gals in Grantmaking to talk about the challenges and joys of grantmaking in family foundations (a few of the attendees are pictured above). The turnout was great and the gals able to attend really enjoyed sharing and learning from each other. Attending were, representatives from The Cain Foundation, Kozmetsky Family Foundation, Lola Wright Foundation, Topfer Family Foundation, Carl C. and Marie Jo Anderson Charitable Foundation, The LIVESTRONG Foundation, Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, Shield-Ayres Foundation, St. David's Foundation, Wright Family Foundation, and Webber Family Foundation. 

Other representatives of Roy F. and Joann Cole Mitte Foundation, Austin Community Foundation, Tingari-Silverton Foundation, Still Water Foundation, Sooch Foundation, and Donald D. Hammill Foundation regretted they were not able to attend, and all expressed interest in re-convening the group in the fall.  The food was tasty, the beverages relaxing, and the camaraderie was beyond all expectations. 

A separate group of co-hosts and sponsors will also be convening a fall salon of Very Smart Gals in Corporate Foundations/Corporate Giving Programs. If you know of someone who should receive an invitation to that salon, please let me know.