What are DEI Peer Learning Circles?

DEI Peer learning circles provide a unique opportunity for all Council members who are newer or in earlier stages of implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across their organizations to come together and embark on their DEI journeys. In the dynamic landscape of today's philanthropy, our circles not only provide a unique opportunity for growth but also address the pressing issues and differing views on diversity, equity, and inclusion among key stakeholders in philanthropy and beyond. 

Who are DEI Peer Learning Circles for?

DEI Peer Learning Circles are a members-only space for any member who is implementing, strategizing, or executing diversity, equity, and inclusion work. This space is especially tailored to practitioners who are newer or in the earlier stages of implementing DEI work within their organizations. You do not need to have a formal DEI title or role to join us! 

When do we meet?

Our meetings are 60 minutes with 30 minutes buffer time for community conversation and relationship-building. Please join us whenever you can, even if you have to join late. We meet monthly on the last Thursdays of the month (unless otherwise noted), from 3:00pm-4:30 pm EST. We will have a hiatus in July & December. While you are welcome to attend one or a few sessions, it is our hope that this space will be an opportunity to meet and connect with peers. Please consider attending regularly and registering for the monthly series!

Meeting Format:

1. Welcomes & Check-ins - 3:00 pm- 3:15 pm
2. Announcements and updates - 3:15 pm- 3:20 pm
3. Speaker/ Guided Conversation - 3:20 pm-3:5pm
4. Next steps, questions, requests - 3:50-4:00 pm
5. Optional community time - 4:00 pm-4:30 pm

Watch the webinar recording as us as we unpack the findings from the CF Insights FY23 Annual Survey, and hear how your peers across the country leverage detailed community foundation business model data to make informed decisions on how to enhance their own operations.

David Rosado, the Council's Senior Advisor for Community Philanthropy, guided participants through the most recent survey results and demonstrated how to use the benchmarking tool to generate customized peer groups and reports. Learn the practical steps you can take to apply CF Insights data to your foundation’s decision-making and improve your organizational practice.

Join us for this peer-led event dedicated specifically to foundations working on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or are open to learning more about how the SDGs can fit within their work.

Connect with foundation peers to learn about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The group meets monthly via Zoom to discuss SDG hot topics including education, local implementation, community alignment and communication, professional development, data, grantmaking, and more. This community is primarily focused on expanding the SDGs in the United States through community foundation action, but all nationalities are welcome.

By registering, you agree to share some identifying information with the hosts of the event.

Why This Conversation Matters Now 

As the war in Ukraine is in its third year, the global landscape is shifting. Initial waves of emergency support are tapering off, geopolitical priorities are evolving, and fatigue is setting in among some donors. Yet, Ukraine remains at a critical juncture — militarily, economically, and socially. The coming months will define not only Ukraine’s future but also the resilience of democratic values and global security.

In this context, philanthropy plays an essential role in sustaining momentum, addressing urgent needs, and ensuring long-term recovery. But as attention wanes, the risk of disengagement grows. Uncertainty around U.S. foreign aid is already affecting government donor support for Ukraine, while philanthropic contributions are showing signs of decline.

So what actually happens if funding declines? What are the broader global stakes? And how can funders — both those already engaged and those considering involvement — strategically contribute at this pivotal moment?

Join the Conversation 

Hosted by Foundations for Ukraine in collaboration with Philea, and the Council on Foundations, this session will bring together philanthropic actors to examine:

• The evolving realities on the ground and their implications for funders 
• Why sustained and strategic support for Ukraine is more critical than ever 
• What is at stake if funding declines, and how this impacts global democracy, security, and stability 
• How funders can align efforts for greater impact in both the short and long term 

Keynote Speakers:

Volodymyr Yermolenko — Ukrainian philosopher, writer, and editor-in-chief of UkraineWorld, analyzing Ukraine’s fight in the context of democracy and global security.

Olha Aivazovska — Chair of Civil Network OPORA, civic activist, and expert in democracy and international advocacy for Ukraine’s resilience.

Foundations for Ukraine is a new initiative dedicated to strengthening global philanthropic support for Ukraine by connecting foundations, grant makers, and other philanthropic actors to align efforts, coordinate actions, and increase impact.