Engage Cohort: Deepen Your Commitment to Racial Equity in Education

Are you passionate about advancing racial equity in education and ready to deepen your commitment through philanthropy? Join our Engage Cohort this fall! Over seven months, you’ll engage with local leaders, participate in hands-on learning, and co-create a philanthropy project that supports community-led change in King County.

What to Expect

In this cohort of 12 – 15 people, you won’t just hear about philanthropy—you’ll experience it firsthand in a way that centers community leadership and builds authentic relationships. Education leader Maile Hadley and SVP’s Executive Director, Emiko Atherton, will facilitate in-person and virtual learning sessions, discussions, and site visits to introduce you to concepts of education equity and racial-justice-centered philanthropy. You’ll also connect with education-focused non-profit organizations led by those most impacted and closest to the challenges.

Cohort Timeline

Kick-Off: December 11th, 6 – 7:30 pm, Byrd Barr Place
Cohort runs from Jan – June, mixed of virtual and in-person evening sessions

Facilitators

Emiko Atherton, Executive Director, SVP Seattle
Maile Hadley, SVP Partner, Leader in Education Equity
Guest speakers from education equity-focused non-profit organizations in Washington State, education philanthropy, and education advocacy

Topics

How Change Happens: Understand the interconnected roles of non-profits, funders, and communities in driving social change with a focus on dismantling racial inequalities.
Volunteering for Community-Led Change: Learn how to contribute your time and expertise to support grassroots movements that prioritize the needs and leadership of BIPOC communities.
Participatory Grantmaking: Dive into SVP’s collaborative approach to funding, ensuring that decisions that centers the expertise of the community.
Advocating for Long-Term Change: Explore strategies for influencing policy to create a sustainable impact, guided by those who live and breathe these issues.
Site Visit: Step into the field with a visit to a local organization tackling education equity and see the power of community-led initiatives.
Community Connectors: Informal gatherings to network with other cohort members and leaders from non-profits, fostering deeper connections and shared learning.

Final Project

Using the information and ideas learned in the program, the cohort will create and implement a project that uses one of SVP’s philanthropic tools to support education equity. For example, the project could involve creating and organizing an advocacy day, hosting a giving circle, or planning an educational panel. The facilitators will work with the group to co-design the objectives, work plan, and implementation of the project.

Investment

We believe in the power of collective impact and want to make this experience accessible. We suggest a sliding scale contribution of $250 to $2500, which will be counted as your annual contribution to SVP. Your contributions support the cohort’s work and SVP’s overall work to uplift community-led change. Flexible monthly, quarterly, or annually donation options are available to fit you. Let us know if you’re interested in one of our limited sponsored spots—we welcome everyone to participate!

During and after the cohort, you will have access to all of SVP’s programs, including further opportunities to learn, volunteer, act, and give.

Why Apply?

This isn’t just a learning opportunity—it’s a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself. The Engage Cohort is a key part of SVP Seattle’s commitment to racial justice and equitable philanthropy, and you will help shape the future of these efforts through your involvement. By joining the Cohort, you’ll be investing in your growth as a philanthropist, building meaningful connections, and contributing to real, equitable change in our community. The cohort also embraces the principles of Community-Centric Fundraising by prioritizing the community over individual interests, fostering interdependence, and viewing philanthropy as a holistic, community-driven process centered on equity and social justice.

Who are you?

You are interested in:

Using philanthropy to advance equity and racial justice in education. At SVP we believe everyone can practice philanthropy, which is sharing meaningful gifts to create change. You do not need to be an SVP Partner to apply. However, by joining the cohort, you will become part of SVP’s community of change makers.
Building relationships with others who share similar values and want to learn how to support community change.
Learning more about our education system and opportunities to partner with community to create education equity in King County.
Sharing your time, talent, and treasure (financial donations) to support education equity.
Deepening your commitment to racial equity, using reflective practices and reflection to understand experiences and the impact of inequity.

How to apply

Apply here by December 9th. We are accepting up to 15 people on a rolling basis.

What is the time commitment?

You should expect to spend about 40 hours participating in the cohort over seven months. This includes time for learning sessions, preparatory reading, connecting and building relationships, and a final project. We ask that you practice accountability to the community and your peers, demonstrated by participating in a minimum of 80% of the program activities.