The Emerging Philanthropists of New Orleans (EPNO) announces its new Board of Directors as well as plans to address critical needs in the greater New Orleans community during the COVID-19 crisis.
“There is no better time to introduce a new group of energetic leaders to guide EPNO through this challenging time,” says Board Chair Bradford Walker. “This year’s program will look different than years past, but the need for our organization is greater than it has ever been since our founding in 2008.”
2020 EPNO Board of Directors
- Kristen Amond | Associate, Fishman Haygood
- Jenna Burt | Development Officer, Tulane University
- Patrick Busby | Attorney Advisor, Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals
- Shani Christopher | Director of Sales and Operations, EcoLogic Solutions, Inc.
- Lizy Freudmann | Owner/Founder, One More Thing, LLC
- Elizabeth Hyman | Associate, Office of Morris H. Hyman
- Meaghan McCormack | Executive Director, St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation
- Bob Payne | Independent Consultant, RJP Consulting
- Laura Romanosky | Director of Operations, New Pathways New Orleans
- Terrance Taylor (Treasurer) | Director of Operations, FSC Interactive
- Xiaobin Tuo (Vice Chair) | Chief Information Officer, U.S. Coast Guard District Eight
- Bradford Walker (Chair) | Vice President of Finance & Operations, Levelset
- Julie Ward | Communications Director, New Orleans JCC
- Peter Young (Secretary) | Associate Director of Undergraduate Reunions, Tulane University
EPNO began as a giving circle and evolved to one of the city’s leading programs for the future generation of philanthropic leaders. Each year, EPNO accepts a class of 50 young professionals to complete a unique curriculum that teaches responsible giving while exposing members to the greatest needs of the New Orleans community.
“Expert panels, hands-on learning, and non-profit site visits are valuable opportunities for our class members,” Walker says. “Unfortunately, these impactful experiences are not possible due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions; therefore, our 2020 class will be drawn from our alumni who have previously completed our curriculum.”
Vice Chair Xiaobin Tuo says, “Alumni are uniquely positioned to carry on the organization’s mission during this bridge year. The Board of Directors has also made adjustments to participation requirements, which we hope will allow more alumni to participate.”
Alumni from all previous EPNO classes are eligible for the 2020 class. Because all programs will be virtual, even alumni who have moved away from New Orleans will be able to participate. The Board of Directors also lowered the giving threshold to $250 versus the typical $500 to make participation more accessible. Class size will be determined by the number of alumni interested and not confined to the typical 50 participant cap.
Applications for alumni participants open Wednesday, May 6 at emergingphilanthropists.org/apply and are due by Friday, May 29. The 2020 alumni cohort will address EPNO’s core focus areas: Arts & Culture, Environment & Sustainability, Housing, Health, Human Rights & Justice.
Rather than require non-profit organizations to apply for grants that specifically address COVID-19 emergency needs, EPNO will give potential grantees the opportunity to outline their organization’s greatest needs, as many traditional funding sources have been impacted.
EPNO will issue an RFP on Tuesday, July 7, with letters of intent due Wednesday, July 22. Non-profits invited to the next round of consideration must apply by Friday, August 28. Grants will be announced Friday, October, 30.
About Emerging Philanthropists of New Orleans (EPNO)
Emerging Philanthropists of New Orleans (EPNO) is a six-month young professional giving circle that invites 50 participants to give more together. Every participant contributes to a collective fund and learns how to volunteer in a team setting, make an impact, and build community. Over the past 11 years, 450 young professionals have collectively donated, with the help of sponsors, more than $650K to more than 80 local organizations. For more information about EPNO, visit emergingphilanthropists.org.