Meetings

Wisdom Funders’ Network Luncheon, February 15, 2014

For the second year in a row, Wisdom Funders’ Network convened a luncheon during the Wisdom 2.0 conference in San Francisco on February 15, 2014.  30 donors and non-profit leaders attended the event that was co-sponsored by the 1440 Foundation and Jeffry Walker.

The event opened with a welcome, introductory remarks, and meditation led by Tom Callanan.  Participants then gave short introductions of themselves and their work.  The remainder of the luncheon focused on conversations at each of four tables facilitated by Mirabai Bush, Dinabandu Sarley, Ila Sarley and Jeff Walker.  The conversations addressed the following questions:

  • What do you see happening in the contemplative/social change domain today, and what is your organization’s strategy for responding?
  • What current project, investment, or deal are you most excited about that’s illustrative of the kind of investments/philanthropy that your organization aims for?
  • Does investing in wisdom-oriented practices and projects involve a different way of doing and (being with) your philanthropy?
Left to right: Adam Cummings, Nathan Cummings Foundation and Alan Zulch, Kalliopeia Foundation

Following the event, participants provided feedback that pointed to the gathering accomplishing the following outcomes:

  • Introduced and helped build relationships and partnerships between donors in the field of contemplative practice and individual and social transformation.
  • Provided a space within the busy Wisdom 2.0 schedule for people to reflect from a philanthropic perspective on recent developments in the field, particularly on the popularity of contemplative practice within the tech sector.
  • Provided a space for new and potential donors to learn more about the field and how they might participate.
luncheonLeft to right: Tenzin Lhadron, Angeles Arrien Foundation, Gillian Gonda, Fetzer Institute, Tom Moroz, Open Future Institute.

Attendees
1. Peter Bauman, Bauman Foundation
2. Magalle Bonneau-Marcil, Dancing Beyond Borders
3. Mirabai Bush, Center for Contemplative Mind
4. Tom Callanan, Wisdom Funders’ Network
5. Hariet Crosby, Institute of Noetic Sciences
6. Adam Cummings, Board Chair, Nathan Cummings Foundation
7. Tracy Gary, Founder and President, Unleashing Generosity
8. Paula Goldman, Omidyar Network
9. Gillian Gonda, Program Officer, Fetzer Institute
10. Angela Graham, Program Officer, Fetzer Institute
11. Charlie Hartwell, Bridge Builders Collaborative
12. Alissa Hauser, Program Director, Pollination Project
13. Deborah Higgins, Director of Programs, Fetzer Institute
14. Nina Horne, City of Oakland
15. Joe Hudson, One Earth Capital
16. Angela Jones, Northern California Grantmakers
17. Marty Krasne, Individual donor, Director, Dalai Lama Fellows
18.  Scott Kriens, 1440 Foundation, Bridge Builders Collaborative
19. Ani Tenzin Lhadron, The Angeles Arrien Foundation
20. Tom Moroz, Open Future Institute, formerly of Open Society Institute
21. Ari Nessel, Polination Project
22. Birju Pandya, Rudolf Steiner Foundation, Armonia
23. Steve Piersanti, President Berrett Koehler Foundation
24. Dinabandhu Sarley, Program Director 1440 Foundation
25. Ila Sarley, Program Manager 1440 Foundation
26. Jesse Lyn Stoner, Berrett Koehler Foundation
27. Dena Trujillo, Omidyar Network
28. Lynne Twist, Soul of Money Institute
29. Jeff Walker, The Generosity Network, Bridge Builders Collaborative
30.  Alan Zulch, Kalliopeia Foundation

Wisdom Funders’ Network is grateful to the 1440 Foundation and Jeff Walker for their generous support of this event.

“... the world doesn’t change one person at a time. It changes as networks of relationships form among people who share a common cause and vision of what’s possible.”
~ Margaret Wheatley
Copyright © 2014, Tom Callanan