PhilMO Networks: Find Your People
As a membership organization committed to excellent service, Philanthropy Missouri (PhilMO) provides opportunities for connection and professional development across our statewide membership. We recognize the value of providing customized offerings for smaller groups - or Networks - within the PhilMO membership.
PhilMO Networks (formerly "Peer Communities" and "Affinity Groups") are smaller groups that meet regularly to learn together, solve problems, and build relationships. Each Network brings together Missouri grantmakers who have something in common: the kind of funder they are, what they fund, where they fund, or their role or identity.
Networks are:
- Opportunities to learn and take action together. Each Network sets its own agenda and identifies what resources it needs.
- Member-led. A PhilMO staff lead and Member-Advisors (Members who volunteer to guide the Network for a period of time) shape the topics, agendas, and outreach.
- Convened at least twice a year. Some meet more often; format varies by Network.
- Included in membership. Joining a Network costs nothing extra for PhilMO Members. Some Networks are open to non-Member Missouri Funders on a limited basis.
Joining a Network simply means you stay in the loop. When you join a Network, you receive invitations and updates for that Network, and you take part when you can.
Most Members belong to more than one Network. For example, a program officer at a Springfield family foundation might take part in the Family Foundation & Donor-Advised Fund Network, the SWMO Funder Network, and the Program Staff Network.
Want to join a Network, learn more, or even propose a new PhilMO Network? Please contact Patrice Shumate, Learning & Network Manager at patrice@philmo.org.
Funder Type
What kind of funder are you?
The Corporate Funder Network is designed for corporate foundation staff and leadership as well as staff who lead CSR/ESG efforts, corporate giving programs, or related corporate citizenship efforts. Participants share corporate giving models and best practices, explore strategies for employee engagement and CSR/ESG, and stay current through roundtables as well as quarterly written briefings.
Staff Lead: Patrice Shumate, patrice@philmo.org
The Family Foundation & Donor-Advised Fund Network is designed for staff, board and trustees of family foundations, donor-advised fund holders, and community foundation staff who work with philanthropic families. Participants connect and share experiences unique to family philanthropy in Missouri, including interpersonal and intergenerational dynamics, and gain access to leading national resources through a special relationship with the National Center for Family Philanthropy.
Staff lead: Danielle Wallis, danielle@philmo.org
Funding Interest
What do you fund?
The Early Childhood Funders Network is designed for funders who invest in young children and their families. Participants share their work and explore best practices, learn from current research, and access advocacy tools.
Staff lead: Patrice Shumate, patrice@philmo.org
PhilMO looks forward to re-establishing an Education Funder Network for Missouri grantmakers who invest in the K-12 space, regardless of school setting. The group anticipates holding both regional and statewide roundtables with an emphasis on learning and shared action.
Staff lead: TBA
The nonpartisan MO Public Policy & Advocacy Funder Network is designed for grantmakers with an active interest in how public policy and advocacy can advance a more equitable, thriving Missouri. The Network’s Learning & Action model allows for all participants to learn while opting in or out of action efforts based on interest, capacity, and/or structure.
Staff lead: Michelle Miller, michelle@philmo.org
The Rural Funder Network is designed for Missouri grantmakers who invest in rural, or who are interested in learning more. Participants explore effective rural giving practices in and beyond Missouri, conduct site visits in rural communities, seek opportunities for collaboration, and advocate for rural philanthropy.
Staff lead: Sarah Moody, sarah@philmo.org
Geography
Where do you fund?
The Kansas City (KC) Funder Network is designed for grantmakers based in and/or investing in Greater Kansas City. Participants meet to form and deepen peer relationships, advance effective grantmaking practice, identify local opportunities and challenges, and explore collaborative philanthropic solutions.Â
Staff lead: Marchel Alverson, marchel@philmo.org
The Saint Louis (STL) Funder Network is new and designed for grantmakers based in and/or investing in Metro St. Louis. Participants meet to form and deepen peer relationships, advance effective grantmaking practice, identify local opportunities and challenges, and explore collaborative philanthropic solutions.Â
Staff lead: Patrice Shumate, patrice@philmo.org
The Southwest (SWMO) Funder Network is designed for grantmakers based in and/or investing in Southwest Missouri. Participants meet to form and deepen peer relationships, advance effective grantmaking practice, identify local opportunities and challenges, and explore collaborative philanthropic solutions.Â
Staff lead: Sarah Moody, sarah@philmo.org
Role & Identity Based
As an individual: what is your role, and who are you?
The Executive Network is designed for PhilMO Members who are executive directors, CEOs, presidents, or senior corporate funder leads. This Network gathers to support relationship-building, shared learning and communication, strategic problem-solving, and collaboration.
Staff lead: Michelle Miller, michelle@philmo.org
The Funder of Color Network is designed for grantmaking professionals at any level who identify as people of color. This group is being re-established, is intentionally open to all Missouri grantmakers, and expects to focus on relationship-building and opportunities for shared learning and collaboration. Contact Patrice Shumate, patrice@philmo.org, for additional information about the relaunch.
The Program Staff Network is designed for PhilMO Members whose roles are to design and/or deploy grantmaking programs and initiatives. This group gathers regularly to support networking, shared learning, and problem solving. New tools will be launched in 2027 to support more active information-sharing.
Staff lead: Patrice Shumate, patrice@philmo.org
The Operations Staff Network is designed for PhilMO Members who serve in an operations capacity at any level. The group creates a space to elevate best or promising practices through networking and educational programs.
Staff lead: Chelsey Banaskavich, chelsey@philmo.org