About the Meeting
We are pleased to host our Membership Meeting and Learning Tour virtually again this year!
This annual convening provides us the opportunity to connect with one another, share challenges and successes from the past year, highlight important lessons from the field, and commit to deeper learning alongside one another. On September 8th and 9th, we will aim to expand our individual and institutional knowledge around what it looks like to practice equitable and impactful philanthropy in the South. We will also be offering an exclusive first look at our virtual Learning Tour of Mississippi, focusing on the challenges faced by its communities, and the possibilities we see in the work happening there.
Our agenda this year is structured with consecutive sessions to maximize our collaborative learning. As always, we’ll be bringing funders and practitioners together in conversation to help build our collective capacity and knowledge around the role philanthropy plays in supporting movement work.
Thank you for joining us – GSP’s work is possible because of our shared vision for a South that values all its people. You help make that vision a reality every day.
Schedule of Events
Please note that all times are in Eastern Time (ET).
Thursday, September 8th
10:00 am – Cultural Opening
10:30 am – General Membership Meeting
Momentum is building at GSP as we continue to expand our organization while remaining grounded in the work of Southern communities. Join us in reflecting on the journey of GSP so far and the plan for our future as we share updates on our programming and operations, invite you to learn how GSP can serve your institution, and honor two of our network’s leaders for their commitment to justice and equity in the South. This interactive session will give us space to engage, build community and strategize as a network!
1:30 pm – Funding Southern Movement
As communities demand to have their context recognized and their needs met, the work of grassroots organizations continues to surge throughout the South. Is philanthropy supporting these efforts or getting in the way of progress? In this session, you will hear from funders who have a proven track record of success in utilizing strategies that center community and provide sustainable, long-term investments in the South. They will provide useful tools to help you assess your strategies and prepare you to become a strategic ally and funder across the region.
2:45 pm – Reproductive Justice as Holistic Community Care
With the overturning of Roe v. Wade and restrictive laws rolling out across the South, it’s easy to look at Reproductive Justice as simply abortion care and access and bodily autonomy rights. However, true Reproductive Justice encompasses the wellbeing of all in a community to ensure everyone has the resources they need to lead a healthy and full life. For many Southern communities, barriers to access make this nearly impossible. Join us as we discuss how we can leverageour resources to remove these barriers and help communities thrive.
Friday, September 9th
10:00 am – Cultural Opening
10:30 am – Exploring Fiscal Sponsor Relationships
For years, movement leaders have spoken about how the structure and culture of philanthropy stifles grassroots work by asking folks to jump through too many hoops for too little payoff. One strategy organizations are using to combat this phenomenon is fiscal sponsorship. This support strategy allows grassroots movements to organize without the burden of 501(c)3 status, thereby allowing greater focus to be given to the work they are already doing. Join us for a discussion about the importance of supporting fiscal sponsorship relationships and learn about some of the technical supports and resources available to funders looking to build fiscal sponsorships into their strategies.
12:30 pm – Virtual Learning Tour of Mississippi & Panel
Grassroots organizations in Mississippi are working hard every day to build an infrastructure where communities are whole, represented, and thriving. Take a virtual tour with us through the state to learn about issues Mississippians face today, and how funders can build trusting, authentic relationships with leaders in Mississippi to ensure long-term structural change.
2:45 pm – Centering Healing Justice
The past few years have reminded us all of the importance of healing and care for our bodies and souls. This is especially true for community leaders who are on the frontlines, fighting injustices throughout the South. Join us for a deep dive on Healing Justice with funders and practitioners who are prioritizing this work for frontline grassroots leaders, and learn how we can prioritize healing in our grantmaking beyond the pandemic.
Mississippi Learning Tour
Check out the trailer for our Mississippi Learning Tour ahead of the meeting, where attendees will get exclusive access to the first screening of the full-length film.
GSP is pleased to partner with Back Bay Mission, Cosmic Poetry Sanctuary, Immigrant Alliance for Justice and Equity, Jackson People’s Assembly, Julian, Mississippi Poor People’s Campaign, Mississippi Rising, Nollie Jenkins Family Center, OneVoice Mississippi, Operation Good, Sipp Culture, Southern Echo, and Steps Coalition to present this virtual Learning Tour.
About GSP
Founded in 2010, Grantmakers for Southern Progress (GSP) is a network of funders who are committed to fostering thriving communities in the Southern United States, by advancing structural and cultural change that result in equitable outcomes. GSP’s overall goal is to help achieve significant and sustained progress in the economic, social, and political outcomes of those who are least well off economically, politically, and socially in the South.
GSP Members Only
Members of GSP receive two free tickets to the meeting and can purchase additional tickets at a discounted rate. Please check your email or reach out to GSP’s Membership Manager, Simone Bonnejonne, for your unique discount code.
Questions?
Please refer to our FAQs or reach out to Simone Bonnejonne, GSP’s Membership Manager, with any questions or concerns: sbonnejonne@g4sp.org