Using Peacebuilding to Improve Funder-Nonprofit Collaboration
The funding dynamic sometimes complicates the relationship between funders and grant partners, leading to tension and limiting overall philanthropic impact. How can funders circumvent power dynamics and foster genuine collaborations? Using conflict resolution dialogue techniques from the peacebuilding field empowers grantmakers to navigate these complexities with grace, understanding, and confidence. In this workshop, we'll explore how conflict resolution can help us better understand the dynamics of philanthropy and enhance our work with grant partners, boosting the potential of our efforts. It's a chance to reflect on your own working relationships, learn from other leaders in the community, and build skills to create more effective partnerships for positive change.
Speakers
Andrew Spector, Fellow, The Patterson Foundation
Andrew Spector is a Fellow at The Patterson Foundation, a private foundation in Sarasota, FL, where he supports the CEO with management and strategy across several foundation initiatives. Andrew is also co-founder of Philanthropic Partnership Workshops, an initiative that uses conflict resolution dialogue techniques to bring funder and nonprofit leaders together to build higher-trust partnerships and increase the impact of philanthropic giving. Previously, he founded and directed Tulsa Changemakers, a K-12 youth leadership organization, and taught 6th grade as a Teach For America corps member in Tulsa, OK. He holds an M.A. in Philanthropic Studies from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University and a B.A. in Psychology from the Honors College at College of Charleston.
Jake Wild Crea, Conflict Resolution Practitioner, University of San Diego
Jake Wild Crea brings conflict management practices from the peacebuilding field to improve how organizations do good in the world. He is an independent conflict resolution practitioner with local, national, and international experience. Fueled by the belief that conflict is inherent to change, Jake helps organizations and individuals lean into productive conflict and address barriers to impact head-on. In addition to his organizational work, he uses conflict resolution dialogue techniques to bring funder and nonprofit leaders together to build higher-trust partnerships and increase the impact of philanthropic giving.
He is currently on faculty at the University of San Diego, teaching conflict management and resolution at the Joan B Kroc School of Peace Studies. Previously, he served as Associate Director with Arabella Advisors, functioning in nonprofit, funder, and intermediary roles. He oversaw Loyola Marymount University’s Study Abroad program in Argentina, worked in youth programming in Chicago, and disability advocacy in Minnesota.
