OCS Conference Funding Submission

Event Photo:

Tracy Pollock attends the Grantmakers in the Arts Conference in Puerto Rico.

Name: Tracy Pollock

Degree Program: EXECUTIVE MPA-PUBLIC SERVICE LEADERS

Specialization:

Conference Host Organization/Institution: Grantmakers in the Arts

Conference/Competition Name: Grantmakers in the Arts Annual Conference

Conference Term: Fall Conference Start Date: 2023-11-05 Conference End Date: 2023-11-08

What were your takeaways from this conference/case competition?
I learned about the current issues facing philanthropic leaders and people working in the field. Like much of the public sector, they are focused on issues of equity and inclusion, and towards becoming a more welcoming field for BIPOC and historically underrepresented employees and grantees. There is also interest in shifting the levers of power from the grant maker to grant recipients through participatory grantmaking and longer-term investment in grantees. Finally, I was excited to see presentations about specific changes being made in philanthropy to create greater impact, such as promoting unrestricted giving and reducing reporting requirements.

How will your participation in this conference/case competition support your professional development?
I was able to meet and listen to leaders in philanthropy, and it provided me with insights into the field where I hope to find my future career. I gained a deeper understanding of how my skills and experience may lend themselves to grant-making and program development, and areas where I would like to expand my knowledge. Finally, the conference was an excellent networking opportunity to help me expand my professional network.

What are some next steps or action items this conference/case competition inspired?
Following the conference, I have connected with new contacts on LinkedIn and other venues and will continue to follow their work and opportunities at their organizations. I have also learned about thought leaders and news sources that are followed in the philanthropy field, and I have started learning more through these channels. I also feel inspired to attend more events and talks in the future to keep building my knowledge base in this area.

What are some tips or best practices that you would like to share with other Wagner students who attend a conference/case competition?
For anyone with the opportunity to attend a conference that seems out of their comfort zone, I would encourage them to go with a learning mindset and get the most they can out of it. I am not a natural networker, but I found the atmosphere at the conference to be welcoming and unintimidating, and I am glad that I took the step to attend. Despite my nerves about being a novice in the field I learned so much and made many new connections.

Wagner Areas of Impact: Inequality, Race, and Poverty, Leadership, Nonprofits