ESS 2025 - Supervisor Statement of Support

The deadline for nominations is December 6th.
Thank you for supporting your colleague's application to participate in Philanthropy New York's 2025 Essential Skills and Strategies (ESS) course.

ESS is a dynamic and extensive professional development opportunity for newer program officers and directors. Visit our website to learn more about the program and the intended outcomes of participation: https://philanthropynewyork.org/essential-skills-and-strategies-program-officers

The curriculum is designed for and open to program officers and directors who have the following responsibilities:

Programmatic due diligence of potential grants (i.e., proposal review, site visits)
Communicate funding recommendations and decisions to foundation stakeholders (i.e., CEO and/or Board, grantees)
Assessment of grant performance and evaluation of grantmaking portfolio

ESS is ideal for program officers/directors who have been through a grantmaking cycle at their foundation since the curriculum relies heavily on knowing your own institution's grantmaking practices. We suggest members take PNY's Philanthropy 101 course before taking ESS.

Given the high demand for this program, ESS is only open to Philanthropy New York members. Space is limited to 25 individuals. We limit participation per organization in order to accommodate as many member organizations as we can. In addition, priority is given to individuals who have been in their roles for more time.

If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Ruff (kruff@philanthropynewyork.org).

Regards,

Philanthropy New York
register@philanthropynewyork.org

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* 1. Your Contact Information:

Full Name:

Organization:

Title:

Email:

Phone:

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* 2. ESS Candidate:

Full Name:

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* 3. Please briefly describe how this candidate will contribute to a productive group work/peer learning environment.

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* 4. Participating in ESS is a significant time commitment. Participants commit to three full-day in-person sessions and 8 half-day virtual sessions over the course of two months, along with 6 - 8 hours of pre-reading and homework.

Please share what you are able to do in your role as supervisor to support your colleague in carving out the time to participate fully in the program.