Senior Program Associate Anna Doggett didn’t expect to work in philanthropy. In conversation with GMA’s Pailey Feakes, she shares how she has grown professionally at GMA and how Exponent Philanthropy’s Next Gen Fellowship Program has furthered her interest in grantmaking.
What led you to philanthropy?
GMA offered me my first job after college. I had earned a degree in Sociology and English and wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do. I kind of stumbled into philanthropy with encouragement from my mom and sister – they both have experience in the nonprofit sector. They guided me to the Philanthropy MA job board where I found the GMA Foundation Assistant job posting. I liked the idea of getting to experience several different foundation styles all at once. I felt it would be good exposure and it has been!
What’s your experience been like at GMA Foundations?
I have been on a huge learning curve! With increasing responsibilities, I learned a lot about both philanthropy and business, advanced pretty quickly, and am now a Senior Program Associate. Along the way, I’ve also developed my strengths in project management, something I’ve come to really enjoy.
When I first joined, my role was focused mostly on administrative work. As I expressed a desire to be more involved in grantmaking, I began taking on higher-level clients. The most rewarding part of grantmaking for me is the opportunity to travel, visit nonprofits, and engage in meaningful discussions with grantees.
One of the things I’ve loved most about GMA is the culture. We have a strong sense of community, and I enjoy the close relationships I’ve built with my colleagues.
What kinds of professional development opportunities have you had?
Professional development is an important part of GMA’s culture. A staff member at GMA who is an alum of Exponent Philanthropy’s Next Gen Fellowship Program encouraged me to apply. The program is for people who already have a general understanding of philanthropy and are looking to build their careers and narrow their focus.
It’s been really rewarding to connect with peers who have diverse experiences in philanthropy and build relationships. The group included new board members of foundations and program staff from community foundations. I was definitely an anomaly, coming from a philanthropic advisory firm working with multiple foundations at once.
The program started with an intensive 8-week series of sessions on topics like trust-based philanthropy and diversity, equity, and inclusion. We had some fascinating speakers and great discussions. Our peer groups continue to meet once a month to talk about our varied work experiences. The program encouraged me to think about how I might want to direct my energy in philanthropy. Since then, I’ve been proactive about narrowing my client focus at GMA so I have the time to go a little deeper and have more of an impact.
What’s your most memorable site visit?
They aren’t exactly site visits, but in a similar vein – I’ve deeply enjoyed the grantee convening we’ve been organizing for one foundation. The trustees and several grantees attend a national behavioral health conference together and we hold time for them to socialize and discuss trends in their fields. Everyone has expressed a high level of gratitude for these growing relationships. These trips have been the most meaningful and memorable experiences I have had at GMA.
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Pailey Feakes condensed her recent conversation with Anna Doggett for GMA’s blog.