Preventing Harm to Grantees: Planning Ahead for Inflation and Recession

This engaging session is designed for funders and philanthropic organizations of diverse backgrounds. Participants will dive into a wide range of critical topics essential for navigating uncertain economic times, gain valuable insights, and access tools that will empower them to effectively navigate recurring economic cycles, including inflation, recession, and other potential challenges. This session will emphasize the importance of mitigating harm to grantees.

During the session, participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with fellow funders, exploring the profound impact economic fluctuations can have on grantees. Through the use of concrete examples, attendees will be able to proactively identify and address potential vulnerabilities, fostering a proactive approach to supporting grantees. By anticipating economic challenges, adapting strategies, and providing proactive support to grantees, funders and philanthropic organizations can reduce potential harm and ensure the long-term sustainability of their impact.

Don’t miss out on the chance to prepare for the future. Join us for this virtual program to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an ever-changing economic landscape.

Target Audience

This program is designed for members of Catalyst.

Speakers

Jeanne Sakamoto | Chief of Staff and Planning at The James Irvine Foundation

Jeanne Sakamoto was appointed Chief of Staff and Planning in June 2019, having previously served as the Foundation’s Director of Program Operations and in Irvine’s former Arts program as Senior Program Officer, Program Officer, and Program Associate beginning in 2004.

Prior to joining Irvine, Jeanne worked at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Los Angeles, one of the largest ethnic arts and cultural centers in the country. She worked at the center as a J. Paul Getty Grant Multicultural Intern, Program Assistant, Donor and Community Relations Manager, Assistant to the President, and as Director of Special Initiatives, directing the planning and execution of major community development projects and communications activities.

Jeanne currently serves on the board of directors of Taikoproject, an ensemble of premiere taiko drummers dedicated to promoting and advancing the American art of taiko. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications studies with a specialization in business administration from the University of California, Los Angeles. She is also a graduate of Georgetown University’s Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate Program.

Jeanne is based out of Irvine’s Los Angeles office.

Grace Sato | Director of Research at Candid

Grace helps make sense of Candid’s data and turns it into meaningful, actionable knowledge.

She began her nonprofit career as a social worker, supporting children and youth through community-based, family-centered services. As she transitioned to administrative roles, she discovered a love of data and using data to evaluate programs and inform organizational decisions. In 2011, she joined the research team at Foundation Center (now Candid), contributing analyses to dozens of publications about the philanthropic sector and directing international and national research projects, in collaboration with partner organizations.

She holds a M.S.W. from Columbia University and a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, where she majored in psychology and minored in music.

Roxanne Hanson | Managing Director at BDO USA

Roxanne directs BDO Nonprofit and Grantmaker Advisory teams to deliver fiscal management and operational insights to philanthropic and nonprofit clients in California and across the country. She leads the development and QA of our financial strategy, planning, & analysis services. Roxanne excels at designing and facilitating inclusive planning processes that leverage diverse perspectives for better financial decision-making.

Skilled in strategic planning and business model review, Roxanne intimately understands the role of financial strategy in mission success. Her on-the-ground experience, as a nonprofit executive and philanthropic leader, has equipped her for addressing a broad range of client needs in a way that is sensitive to all stakeholders. Roxanne regularly combines practical knowledge and successful strategies into her instructional design, developing curricula and delivering trainings and workshops to a wide variety of audiences.