Benefits of Forum Membership

The Forum network is a unique space in the sector and we are the only organization that gears our programming specifically to the needs of PSO staff.

We hold virtual programming throughout the year, including our popular series – Member Check-Ins, Ask the Nonprofit Lawyer and Ask an HR Professional.

Each year, we also meet in person for our annual conference to spark and strengthen new PSO connections and partnerships, share and explore new ideas for our field, and build our personal skills as effective PSO leaders.

The power of the Forum network can also be found within the partnerships and collaborations that grow from the connections made possible via the network. This can take place inside and outside official Forum channels and we’ve created some resources to help build stronger relationships between our members. The Forum also engages in special initiatives to leverage the power of our network to advance critical issues in the sector.

The Forum provides unique data and knowledge to inform the work of regional and national PSOs.

• Annual compensation and benefits report on PSO staff, benefits, and demographics
• Bi-annual key metrics report on PSO budgets, dues, services, etc.
• The Forum team is also available to help members with questions and lift up trends and themes in how PSOs do their work.

The Forum strives to be a leading connector, convener and collaborative partner for all regional and national PSOs on advancing racial equity, diversity and inclusion. We are working to help PSOs bring a racial equity lens to all aspects of their work, including their internal operations, external programming, and leadership work in the field, and to catalyze and guide greater PSO collaboration in this work. 

The Forum's public policy and advocacy work helps to strengthen relationships and partnerships between philanthropy and government. We provide a platform for members to participate in the public policy process via our District to D.C. Advocacy Network to mobilize PSOs, foundations and other sector advocates. 

We build the capacity of Forum members  to participate in public policy by holding regular virtual programming, sending bi-weekly policy updates, and creating PSO-specific resources and materials. 

Our two signature events — Foundations on the Hill in the spring and Philanthropy + Policy Institute in the fall — provide space for in-depth conversations, learnings and connections between PSO staff, board members and other policy leaders.

The Forum’s Knowledge Management (KM) Collaborative is both a transformational technology service and an invaluable learning community. The collective created, maintains and continually improves a technology platform powered by Salesforce and Drupal built specifically for the needs of PSOs. Providing a robust solution for PSOs who are looking for a membership database or a website with a full suite of member-driven functionality like member directories, event registrations, online membership applications and renewals, and online member or committee portals.

As equally important to the technology itself is the community of PSO staff who collaborate and learn from each other via an active Slack community, bi-weekly Office Hours, and annually for a few days at our Users Group. 

Members can take advantage of the Forum’s growing leadership role to lift up the voice of the Forum Network and raise awareness of the value and role of regional and national PSOs to the philanthropic sector.

All members gain access to our communications tools

• Robust website of resources, events and news
• Regular email newsletters and updates
• A national calendar for PSO events
• Free job postings

Forum members can take advantage of special rates on many products and services, including software, D&O insurance, subscriptions and more. In most cases, these discounts are also available to your member philanthropic organizations.

We also work with Forum members to identify opportunities for special rates on PSO services.