Weaver Philanthropic Initiative
Supporting Emerging Philanthropists
What will our community need from the philanthropic community tomorrow? Who will help guide the course? The next generation of donors is active, and The Community Foundation welcomes them. Since 1999, The Community Foundation has supported emerging philanthropists through the Weaver Philanthropic Initiative, named in 2013 for the philanthropic leadership provided to the community by J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver.
Weaver Philanthropic Initiative Class of 2024. Back (left to right): Jake Wolfburg, Shelita McGowan, Melanie Cost Young, Stephanie Harden, Erik Rostholder, and Brian Bush; Front (left to right): Brooke Michaelis, Entrice Rowe, Ansley Busch, and Maureen Bush
About the Weaver Philanthropic Initiative
Nurturing emerging philanthropists is the goal of The Weaver Philanthropic Initiative, which guides potential donors through a months-long education process, complete with an opportunity to experience hands-on grantmaking. Along the way, they learn about the critical issues and abundant opportunities that exist in our community.
These next-generation philanthropists emerge with a strong understanding of their own leadership style, as well as an enlightened look at the grantmaking opportunities in our area. Graduates of these classes are already adding their unique philanthropic imprint to our community. How?
- 41 Philanthropic Initiative graduates are actively grantmaking through funds at The Community Foundation
- 5 Philanthropic Initiative graduates serve/have served as trustees of The Community Foundation
- Others are providing stewardship in the community in a multitude of ways
Nominations Open
- The Weaver Philanthropic Initiative welcomes nominations for upcoming cohorts.
- This program is specially designed for current and prospective fundholders of The Community Foundation, or next-generation donors who are involved in family foundations. Please note the program is geared toward grantmakers with an annual budget of more than $10,000.
- The cost of the program is $3,000, which helps cover program expenses and provides funds for hands-on grantmaking at the end of the program. The Community Foundation contributes an additional amount to each participant’s grantmaking budget.
Alumni of the Weaver Philanthropic Initiative explain why they found it a valuable experience.
“Participating in WPI helped us identify our philanthropic priorities both individually and as a family. We now better understand the role we can play to help support the good work underway in our community.”
– Lauren & Ted Rueger
Meet Alumni of the Weaver Philanthropic Initiative
For 20 years, the Weaver Philanthropic Initiative has connected and supported next-generation philanthropists. Explore profiles of featured alumni below.
Fern Webb, PhD
“One invaluable concept I learned from participating in WPI is that philanthropy, no matter in what form or how much, is valued and appreciated. I learned that my philanthropic efforts do make a positive impact and that contributing, whether volunteering my time, talents, or treasures, can be significantly impactful. The key is to be philanthropic in some way and be consistent about it.”
Susannah and Buck Williams
“Philanthropy and leadership were both ingrained in our daily lives growing up. We were both taught at an early age how important it is to give back. Our parents and grandparents set a high bar, and it is something we want to foster in our children. Growing up, we were encouraged to find a cause we cared about to donate a portion with every monetary birthday or Christmas gift. Although it was not much, it created a foundation for philanthropy.”
Kirsten Martino
“My parents are my role models for giving. Growing up, they modeled consistent giving through our church, and they continue to give their time and treasures to their church. I saw at a young age that what my parents got back in return in fellowship and community was much greater than what they gave. They taught me that giving is about relationships.”
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