Beyond the Check Course Begins on October 31st

"Beyond the Check: The Patterson Foundation's Approach to Innovative Philanthropy" is being offered for the second time beginning on October 31, 2023. Through a collaboration between The Patterson Foundation (TPF) and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (LFSOP), this one-credit course is taught over Zoom by Debra Jacobs and consists of six 90-minute class sessions. While the 2020/2021 session of Beyond the Check looked at the different roles a foundation could have in philanthropy, the 2023 session will explore TPF's unique approaches and how they may be used professionally and personally.

Additionally, Beyond the Check lessons will be amplified by TPF staff and consultants, including Michael Corley, Beth Duda, and Cheri Coryea, who will serve as guest lecturers.

Topics over the six weeks will build on one another and consist of:

• Week 1: Values-Driven Work
• Week 2: Leadership = Building a Culture of Trust to Effectuate Change with Michael Corley
• Week 3: The Importance of Words – Strategic Communications
• Week 4: External Partnerships and LWRCC with Beth Duda
• Week 5: Community Engagement and Aligning Aspirations with Cheri Coryea
• Week 6: Creating New Realities

Students will be asked to thoughtfully consider presented materials and engage in live class discussion using previous experience to identify where and how these approaches may be applicable in their personal and professional lives. Several unique assignments are also focused on reflection and connecting. Ending in early December, this course will bring TPF's approaches to life for up to ten LFSOP graduate students and encourage propelling new realities in the field of philanthropy.

As I serve in a lead program management role for Beyond the Check, I'm grateful to the Beyond the Check Team of Debra Jacobs (Lecturer, President and CEO), Donna Puhalovich (TPF Consultant and Logistics Coordinator), and Andrew Spector (TPF Fellow and Beyond the Check Assistant Manager).