Sector & Professional Growth

Through our public policy advocacy, PSW not only amplifies and represents the philanthropic sector’s voice across the Southwestern United States but also brings members together to strengthen their collective impact.

Our professional development programs offer leading-edge leadership and skill-building opportunities to our diverse membership.

Covering a wide range of topics, our professional development initiatives include strategy and evaluation, asset building, grant management. We invite industry experts to share their insights and experiences, providing our members with valuable knowledge and practical skills.

In addition to formal training sessions, we offer platforms that allow members to learn from one another, share best practices, and support each other's growth. By fostering a learning community, we help our members stay informed and adaptable in a constantly changing philanthropic landscape.

We also serve as the gathering place for our members to effectively advocate for public policies amenable to the charitable sector. Through the collective efforts of members, PSW serves as a single voice to promote and defend the philanthropic sector in the Southwest.

Leadership & Learning: Strengthening Philanthropy through Professional Development

At PSW, one of the ways we support and empower our network of members is through professional development and learning programs. In the last several years, PSW has strengthened existing programs and developed new ones to equip fellow members with specialized knowledge and skills, enabling them to create a greater impact in southwest communities.

  • The PSW Annual Conference is the cornerstone of PSW’s professional development efforts. Philanthropists, community leaders, and industry professionals gather to engage in high-level discussions, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions to pressing social issues. The conference is a platform for learning, networking, and celebrating the achievements of the philanthropic community, and includes keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and time for networking and connection.

  • In a quest to curate the best environment for leadership development and organizational growth, PSW started The Wayfarer Leadership Program. Designed for both seasoned and emerging leaders in the philanthropic sector, it’s a year-long initiative for small cohorts. Through a combination of retreats, group learning, and individual coaching, the program provides a comprehensive leadership development experience.

  • The Professional Exchange Forum, one of PSW’s newest programs, offers tailored professional learning opportunities for members, featuring virtual sessions that encourage collaborative discussions and peer interaction, allowing participants to bring their questions and share insights.

  • The CEO Fly-In program is another new PSW initiative, designed to bring together CEOs and senior leaders from philanthropic organizations for high-level convenings. As a unique platform for strategic discussions, it facilitates peer learning and networking aimed at building leadership skills and fostering collaboration among top executives in the sector.

  • We have been proud to co-present the two-day Nonprofit Organizations Institute with The University of Texas School of Law in Austin, TX, as part of our long-term partnership. Through the institute, nonprofit leaders received comprehensive training and resources to help them improve their governance and compliance, operations, and impact.

  • PSW’s annual Leadership Summit serves as an example of professional growth and leadership development opportunities within the organization. The annual invitation-only summit brings together board members, committee members, and task force participants in an in-person gathering.

  • On February 25-26, 2025, PSW will hold a two-day convening for Health Legacy and Community Foundations in Dallas, TX. The event aims to address the specific needs of health and community foundations, which have different operational requirements compared to private foundations.

Advocacy in Action: Public Policy for the Philanthropic Sector

Engaging with advocacy and public policy is not just crucial for the success and sustainability of philanthropic efforts; it is the lifeblood of impactful change. In a time where charitable giving and volunteerism are declining, PSW stands at the forefront, tackling these challenges head-on through strategic public policy initiatives and collaborative efforts. 

Powerful advocacy work undertaken by PSW members and funders through the Foundations on the Hill event and the Civic and Community Engagement Collaborative underscore how proactive engagement has the transformative potential of unified action in the philanthropic sector.

  • Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) is an annual event that provides a platform for philanthropic organizations to engage directly with lawmakers, advocating for policies that support the nonprofit sector. The 2024 event marked a significant milestone, boasting the largest delegation in eight years, with 12 foundations undertaking over 20 congressional visits. This substantial participation reveals the importance PSW members place on advocacy and the impact it can have on public policy.

  • In addition to its advocacy efforts at FOTH, PSW is also deeply committed to public awareness through its Civic and Community Engagement Collaborative (CCE). This initiative is designed to promote active participation in civic life and to support efforts that strengthen communities across the Southwest.

  • PSW keeps its members informed about critical policy issues relevant to the philanthropic sector through monthly Public Policy updates. This initiative is supported by our partnership with Integer, a leading firm in federal policy navigation.