Conference Recap: Award Winners & Local Journalism Funding Match
The 2022 Philanthropy Leads Conference was packed full of interesting news, including two worthy award winners and an exciting local journalism funding opportunity.
Susan Haber, program director of education for Lilly Endowment Inc., and Indiana State Rep. Craig Snow (R-Warsaw), were honored Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the 2022 Philanthropy Leads Conference, hosted by Indiana Philanthropy Alliance at The Westin Indianapolis.
Haber took home the 2022 Hazelett Award for Grantmaking, IPA’s highest award, which honors the efforts of an individual who displays character and leadership in philanthropy. In her acceptance speech, Haber thanked those she has worked with over the years and helped her develop as a professional. “Had I not been welcomed by the colleagues, mentors, and grantees with whom I work—and respectfully argue and debate—I wouldn’t be the person I am today,” she said.
“Susan is an excellent mentor who generously dedicates her time to nurturing other professionals in philanthropy, particularly to Latino grantmakers that are traditionally underrepresented in the field,” said Paolo Santana, state policy strategy officer for Lumina Foundation, an IPA member. “She consistently operates with a high degree of integrity and ethics in her personal and professional life.”
Haber has worked for more than 25 years in academic, nonprofit, governmental, and philanthropic organizations. Before arriving at Lilly in 2017, she worked as principal consultant with Nonprofit Systems Solutions advising the Endowment and other philanthropic clients on youth and education program investments. She began her career working at the State of Indiana's Bureau of Child Development. She later served as executive director of El Centro Hispano. An attorney by training and a former law clerk, Haber completed a master's degree in philanthropy in 2014 at IUPUI, where she was awarded the Hearst Minority Fellowship and was active in the Philanthropic Studies Society.
Snow received the 2022 IPA Public Policy Champion of Philanthropy Award for his efforts authoring and shepherding House Enrolled Act 1318 to passage. The new law helps to expand childcare options and removes the requirement that school district employees can only use their school-based childcare if the program operates in the same building where they work.
“Like many places in our state, local parents continue to struggle to find affordable childcare options,” Snow, a member of the House Committee on Family, Children and Human Affairs, said. “This impacts our labor force, employers and families. That’s why we’re worked together to open up more childcare options. I’m humbled by this recognition and I appreciate those in the community for working with me on this important issue.”
“Like many counties across the Hoosier State, Kosciusko County is a child care desert,” said Stephanie Overbey, CEO of Kosciusko County Community Foundation. “I nominated him for his willingness to respond to a need in the community he represents, a need which was on the mind of many in philanthropy, and led the effort that changed state law and benefitted children, families, schools and employers across the state.”
Knight Foundation Offers Match for Local Journalism Funding
During his conference keynote, Jim Brady announced that the Knight Foundation will generously match grants, up to at least $250,000, that support local journalism in Indiana. Contact him or reach out to info@inphilanthropy.org for details.
If you're looking for ideas on how to engage in funding journalism at a local level, Lumina Foundation is offering to share their strategies and answer your questions. Lumina supports the American Journalism Project in Indiana and has a journalism portfolio that includes Chalkbeat Indiana and Report for America. We encourage you to reach out to Kevin Corcoran or Stephanie Wang.
2022 Class of the Mutz Institute Celebrates Graduation
Congratulations are due to the graduating 2022 Class of the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute, who were recognized at the Philanthropy Leads Dinner. This group of 23 professionals from around the state have a bright future ahead. Applications for the 2023 class are due Oct. 27. Apply today.