PHILOS SALON SERIES
What if we treated each other in philanthropy with the same love, care, and reciprocity we hope to nurture in the world?
The Philos Salon Series is an invitation to pause, gather, and imagine. More than just a panel or networking event, this salon series is a space for care, connection, and courageous reflection in philanthropy.
Each salon brings together 20–25 people in an intimate setting to share a meal, build relationships, and explore how we show up for one another in this work.
The name Philos comes from the Greek word for love between friends, kin, and community—a love rooted in mutual care and trust. These gatherings invite us to practice that kind of love in philanthropy, drawing from the Black radical tradition of freedom dreaming to envision and embody a more just and liberatory future.
In 2025, we are bringing Philos Salons to New York City, Detroit, Washington, DC, Seattle, and San Francisco in collaboration with foundation partners. While each gathering is unique, all share a common spirit:
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Breaking bread. A shared meal to slow down, nourish ourselves, and meet as equals.
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Deep conversations. Thoughtful dialogue about philanthropy, care, and the world we are building.
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Art, storytelling & reflection. Creative practices like poetry, music, and collage will abound to deepen our exploration.
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A ripple of reciprocity. Each salon passes forward a gift representing a practice, idea, or reflection to the next gathering.
As we move through these gatherings, we will reflect on the insights, practices, and questions that emerge with you. We will carry them forward through writing, storytelling, and conversations in spaces like our podcast Becoming the Vision. Each salon not only nurtures those in the room, but also contributes to a broader collective dialogue about how we create beloved community in philanthropy.