EPNO’s 6-month Giving Circle Program is an initiative to engage young leaders of New Orleans in philanthropy. Members pool funds, collaborate on teams, and allocate grants impacting issues they care about while learning about their values, grantmaking essentials, and philanthropy at-large.
You Can Be a Philanthropist. Here’s How the Program Works
1
Meet your 10-person team and 50-person class.
2
Research your focus area and create a focus statement.
3
Invite applicants to submit Letters of Intent
4
Select applicants to submit full applications.
5
Conduct site visits for selected organizations.
6
Work with your team to decide where your funds will have the highest impact.
7
Present your gift recommendations to an expert panel and receive feedback before final grant decisions are made.
8
Celebrate philanthropy with your grantees and the entire class at the annual Awards Celebration.
At every step, we invite topic experts, philanthropy professionals, nonprofit leaders, and alumni to help guide you through the process.
When you complete the program, stay connected to your team, class, grantees, and EPNO as a whole!
I’m busy. What sort of commitment is this?
Each class member is expected to demonstrate a full commitment by attending each general meeting on time and for the duration. The program runs from mid-May to mid-November. Over the course of the program are eight mandatory dates that are determined in January:
May
Orientation
June
Grantmaking 101
July
Philanthropy Panel
August
Mock Site Visits
September
Recommendation Panel
November
Awards Ceremony
In addition to these eight large group meetings, you will be asked to attend approximately six small group meetings and three social events.
2019 Schedule
June 19 – Dine Around
June 22 (Saturday) – Orientation
August 3 (Saturday) – Grantmaking 101
August 27 – Philanthropy Panel
October 29 – Recommendation Panel
December 13 – Awards Celebration
Mock Site Visits will take place the week of September 16. The exact date(s) is TBD.
Alumni Profiles
George Hutter
Wealth Management Advisor
at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Economic Development, 2013
“New Orleans is my adopted home city of 14+ years and EPNO was the first organization that really gave me a concrete avenue to explore ways of improving my community in a systematic way. It helped me build connections with like-minded peers, to better understand the non-profit ecosystem, and learn about myself and others in ways that have helped me in all areas of my life. I’ll always remember and value my EPNO experience.”
Shani Christopher
Founder at
Repurpose Food Co.
Healthcare, 2017
“Participating in EPNO was a tremendous opportunity to learn about philanthropy and grantmaking as well as the work of local nonprofits in our focus area. I still volunteer extensively with one of the organizations that we funded, SPROUT NOLA, and participation in this program greatly influenced my decision to start my own company to bring affordable, nutritious baby food to New Orleans.”
Joshua Cox
Sr. Advisor & Director of Strategic Initiatives
Office of Mayor LaToya Cantrell
Workforce Development, 2015
“EPNO introduced me to a universe of nonprofits in New Orleans doing great work. This knowledge helped me figured out how to plug into nonprofits that fit my interests and for whom my skills could add value.”
Leila Gowland
Past Advisory Board Co-Chair
Principal at Gowland, LLC
Education & Youth Development, 2013
“My time as an EPNO class member was the most efficient, enjoyable, and effective use of my time in 2013. I’ve remained engaged through board service and as a volunteer because I’m ecstatic about the work the organization is doing to engage young professionals in our city through mindful philanthropy.”
Am I Eligible?
The EPNO Advisory Board will select up to 50 applicants who meet the following criteria:
Live and/or work in the Greater New Orleans area
Are between the ages of 25 and 40
Have a desire and vested interest to improve the community through philanthropy and volunteer initiatives
Are able to contribute $500 towards the grantmaking fund
(Payments can be made in 1-5 installments over a six month period. Contributions are tax-deductible, and are matched dollar for dollar by sponsors.)
Are willing to commit to the timeline and expectations of EPNO
Are open minded with a willingness to collaborate with fellow class members