Chicago, IL – The Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG) announced today that Chantal Forster, Executive Director, will step down on December 31, 2023.
Chantal joined TAG in 2018 and has led the organization for nearly six years. During that time, she has transformed TAG into the leading voice in philanthropy tech. Chantal and TAG’s Staff and Board of Directors have been working together on this planned transition, centering on the success and strength of TAG as it continues to lead the future of technology in advancing the mission of philanthropy.
During her tenure, Chantal led TAG through tremendous growth and transformation. Highlights include tripling TAG’s membership, expanding the organization’s reach through partnerships with NetHope, NTEN, TechSoup, TechImpact, Resilia, PEAK Grantmaking, Grantbook, GrantAdvisor, Candid, Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, FAOG, and many more. Chantal’s leadership also saw the development of several key initiatives, including the following:
The Emerging Leaders Initiative (ELI): Designed to help cultivate the next generation of leaders in the philanthropic technology field, what began in 2016 as a mentoring program has become the premiere leadership development program for technology and operations leaders in philanthropy under Chantal’s leadership. Learn more about the Emerging Leaders Program.
The State of Philanthropy Tech Survey: As the only technology survey in philanthropy, the State of Philanthropy Tech survey was launched in 2018 and is used by organizations worldwide to better understand the technology needs and challenges of the philanthropic sector.
Unique Research on Commonality in Grant Applications: In 2021, TAG conducted a series of data analyses on over 130 funder-provided grant applications to determine that 39% of all questions are duplicative between funders. Subsequently, TAG analyzed these shared form fields resulting in thirteen groups of common questions considered a baseline “common application.” Learn more here.
Customer Experience in Grantmaking: To bring the practice of customer experience to philanthropy, in 2022, TAG launched a yearlong learning series in partnership with Grantbook on journey mapping, listening systems, and user experience for philanthropy. Learn more at philanthropycx.org.
Equity Essentials for Philanthropy Tech: Launched in 2022, this first-of-its-kind six-month learning and support series was funded by a grant from the Kresge Foundation and designed with tech teams in mind, recognizing the often pivotal role that technology systems and staff play in advancing equity. Learn more here.
Trust-Based Grants Management Systems: After a sector wide listening tour with grants management providers, in 2023 TAG published “Enabling Trust-Based Practices: 4 Tips for Grants Management Systems” to provide a set of concrete features, integrations, and accessibility standards to advance equity and trust. Learn more here.
A Trusted Source of Knowledge: Over the past six years alone, TAG has conducted over 200 learning sessions and authored over 20 publications on topics such as data and tech infrastructure for impact, funding nonprofit tech, cybersecurity essentials, managing tech, customer experience, taskforce on digital infrastructure, IT strategy, and community foundation systems integration.
Building Capacity: Over the past six years, TAG has moved from an organization led by a part-time Executive Director to a team of four full-time staff devoted to our members and our mission. Led by a robust Board of Directors, the organization is committed to innovation, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Mark Walker, Chair of the TAG Board of Directors, praised Chantal’s contributions to the organization and the wider philanthropy tech community:
“Chantal has been a visionary leader who has transformed TAG into a powerhouse in the philanthropy tech world. Her dedication to listening, collaboration, and inclusivity has shaped the organization and the programs she has led, making them all more impactful and meaningful. We are grateful for her leadership and contributions to TAG and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
In response to the announcement, Chantal expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead TAG and work with its members:
“I am proud of what we have accomplished at TAG over the past six years. The work we have done together has been transformative and always rooted in purpose. I am grateful to the Board of Directors, our members, and all our partners for their support and collaboration during my tenure. While I will miss TAG and its mission dearly, I am excited for the next chapter of my career and look forward to seeing TAG continue to thrive.”
Chantal will continue to serve as Executive Director until December 31, 2023.
Search Launched for New Executive Director
The Board of Directors has initiated a search for Chantal’s successor, retaining the firm NPAG.
Transition Town Hall on June 20, 2023
The Technology Association of Grantmakers is thrilled to announce an upcoming public town hall webinar that is specifically designed to update members and partners on our Executive Director transition. We are eager to share our progress and plans.
During the webinar, our board of directors and other key stakeholders will provide essential details about the timeline for the transition, the criteria being used to select our next Executive Director and plans to ensure a strong succession. The webinar will also include a moderated open discussion, giving attendees the chance to ask questions directly to the existing Executive Director, staff, and transition team.
Our town hall event is an excellent opportunity to promote transparency and open communication about the future of TAG leadership, and we are excited to engage with participants. We hope to provide everyone with a chance to ask questions, share in our enthusiasm for the future, and keep everyone informed about our progress.