Learning Circles and Cohorts

Learning in the context of community is at the heart of what we do in PCP. Our Learning Labs foster this by reserving ample time to engage with speakers, panelists, and each other directly. We also offer Learning Communities — smaller groups that meet over 4-12 sessions to unpack, contextualize, and apply relevant content together.

Learning Circles gather around a book, video, or other resource, with members exploring together how its insights might inform or shape their grantmaking. 

Cohorts bring together small groups of PCP members who share professional characteristics (role, experience level, etc.) to sharpen skills, encourage one another, and tackle common challenges and opportunities. Experienced facilitators guide each cohort through structured discussions. This round, both cohorts were led by PCP veterans with over 20 years of grantmaking experience and deep investment in our community, including through years of board service. We're honored by their continued investment and know that these cohorts will be rich experiences for all involved.

Learning Circles

1. Shrewd Samaritan - Book 

Shrewd Samaritan considers how to live the message of the Good Samaritan in our globalized twenty-first-century world. This means learning how to love our global neighbor wisely by harnessing your time, talents, opportunities, and money on behalf of those facing injustice, disease, violence, and poverty.

Facilitator: Anna Koons, Knowledge and Learning Manager, Dovetail Impact Foundation

2. Making Numbers Count - Book

We use numbers daily, yet measuring impact, communicating with stakeholders, and capturing stories behind data remains challenging. Join us to explore Chip Heath and Kayla Starr's insights on both the art and science of numbers.  If you’d like to learn, discuss and ideate together on how to help people grasp numbers and to move them to think and act differently, join us for Making Numbers Count.

Facilitator: Todd Gorton, Impact Manager, In-N-Out Burger

3. Helping Without Hurting in Generosity - Video Series 

This online training features four half-hour videos with 21 experts and ministry practitioners covering theology, pastoral ministry, economics, transformational development, Christ-centered generosity, and program evaluation. We'll explore biblical perspectives on effective generosity, addressing questions like:  Which ministries should we support? What criteria should guide our decisions? How can we evaluate ministry effectiveness?

Facilitators: Ted Child, Executive Director, Elijah Fellowship and Jon Beighle, President, Stewardship Foundation

4. Effective Trauma Care - Video Series 

Featuring eight compelling sessions from Dr. Dan Allender (our 2024 conference speaker), this course will deepen your understanding of trauma and abuse impacts while equipping you with practical engagement tools. Peer discussions will help you apply these insights to your work and partners' contexts. We are pleased to offer a second round of this learning circle after another group completed it last year.

Facilitator: TBD

Cohorts 

1. New Executive Directors Cohort 

Designed for those recently stepping into executive director roles (regardless of title), whether transitioning from other grantmaking positions or outside the field. Covers technical, theoretical, and philosophical aspects of both grantmaking and foundation leadership.

Facilitator: Cary Paine, Legacy Member, former President of Stewardship Foundation

2. New to Philanthropy 

For anyone new to philanthropy (not participating in the New ED cohort). Covers technical, theoretical, and philosophical aspects of grantmaking.

Facilitator: Julie Sulc, Senior Officer, Pew Charitable Trusts