EPIP Los Angeles is a network of early- to mid-career professionals committed to a more equitable and inclusive philanthropic sector. Established in 2003, EPIP LA provides peer support, mentoring, leadership development, skills training, and relationship-building opportunities for philanthropic professionals in the Los Angeles area. We partner with regional grantmaking associations, affinity groups, and others to complement and contribute to networks that exist throughout the community. We are committed to these core principles:
- Nurture and activate a pipeline of leaders who are committed to a just, equitable, and inclusive philanthropic sector.
- Strive to reflect Los Angeles’ changing ethnic and social demographic by actively engaging a broad base of early to mid-career philanthropic professionals through our programming, events, and membership.
- Uphold a high regard of building authentic relationships to achieve a more inclusive, engaged, and activated philanthropic sector.
- Commitment to personal and professional development to inform a practice and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusive lens in the philanthropic sector.
EPIP LA Programs and Event Series
CHANGE Philanthropy Programs: This works to strengthen relationships and collaborations across Affinity Groups in Los Angeles including Asian-Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, Funders for LGBTQ Issues, Hispanics in Philanthropy, and Southern California Blacks in Philanthropy as well as Southern California Grantmakers, and other nonprofit and university affinity groups to develop effective relationships and partnership opportunities.
Lunch with a Leader Series: These intimate, candid conversations with leaders in the field over lunch cover topics such as career pathways, navigating the dynamics of philanthropy, and equity and inclusion in the sector.
Mentorship Program: This connects emerging leaders in the philanthropic field with a seasoned leader to serve as a mentor and a cohort of like-minded peers to support them on their journey. Learn More.
EPIPhany Hour Series: With the goals of networking and shared learning, EPIPhany Hour events include casual lunches, happy hours, lunch conversations on specific issue areas, and behind-the-scenes tours at some of LA’s most unique spaces.
Mid-Career Series: These events are for professionals who are no longer in the "emerging" space, but are still looking for a network of peers in the field to connect with on topics such as career planning, leadership development opportunities, wellness, and more.
Power Hour: These events create space for peer learning to build power with the communities we serve through our grantmaking and explore ways in which we can also critically engage beyond our institutional roles to challenge social inequities.
Salon Series: These events allow for information sharing, conversations, and friendly debates on a particular theme that is relevant to our work and community.
Skill Building Series: These events range from facilitated workshops, to peer learning, to activities cross-listed with partner organizations, all designed to help participants build capacity, improve their skills, and develop relationships within the context of promoting a more equitable and inclusive philanthropic sector.