Since the beginning of my philanthropic career, I’ve been involved with BFG, initially as an observer and later as a member. It has served as an invaluable platform for learning the intricacies of effective grantmaking and philanthropy. Within BFG, I’ve encountered mentors who have guided me along the way. More significantly, it’s a community where I’ve been able to share both challenges and triumphs, learn from the impactful work of others, and expand my perspectives. I honestly attribute my continued engagement in philanthropy to my involvement with BFG, where I've found a sense of belonging and encouragement to continually strive for improvement.

The Biodiversity Funders Group is an essential resource and “homebase”; it’s where I learn about emerging issues and explore new strategies with an inspiring group of colleagues. The learning trip to Southeast Alaska was transformational in helping us develop our Alaska portfolio.

I need BFG to do my job effectively. It is where I learn about the most important trends to focus my philanthropic efforts. The friends and colleagues I know through BFG are the people I rely on to bounce ideas off of and to partner with to make the world a better place.

BFG’s convenings are educational, fun, and provide great opportunities to engage—and often collaborate—with like-minded funders. I appreciate its bold leadership in this vital space.

BFG has been an essential venue for strengthening my relationships and partnerships with philanthropic peers and helping shape and advance DDF’s strategies. Programming is grounded in biodiversity and nature conservation while elevating critical intersections like climate change, community wellbeing, and social and racial equity. BFG’s partnership with Native Americans in Philanthropy, in particular, has been important to deepening my learning, relationships, and action on Tribal and Indigenous-led conservation.

I can honestly say that I have left every BFG meeting with a contact or an idea that developed into an important funding opportunity for our foundation. The networking provided by BFG is of great importance to us as a foundation that tries to keep overhead low to maximize dollars getting to grantees.

BFG members form such a valuable cohort of peers…the best possible combination of smart, collegial, strategic, welcoming, and fun. BFG is a fantastic place to test out new ideas, find co-conspirators, and get out of our silos.

BFG is a very welcoming professional affinity group which is relevant for new and longstanding philanthropic staff. Its value lies in the rich learning engagement, the concrete collaborations and cooperation around important thematic issues often born out of the place-based programs. Overall, it has been a great way to deepen my professional friendships and relationships.