Philanthropy Week

Philanthropy Week 2023

April 17 – April 21

The 3^rd annual Philanthropy Week is hosted by the Murray State University Nonprofit Leadership Studies program, the Nonprofit Resource Center, the Department of Organizational Communication & Leadership and the Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business.

Philanthropy Week 2023 will focus on Nonprofits and the Environment. Leaders in the nonprofit community who are making a difference on the local, state and national level will join us for an exciting week of presentations and workshops.

Complete Philanthropy Week schedule

• Monday, April 17 at 7 p.m.
  Freed Curd Auditorium, IT 231
  Featured presentation from Shelly Morris, Director of Floodplain Strategies, the Nature Conservancy of Kentucky, Murray State Alumna

• Tuesday, April 18 at 7 p.m.
  "Environmental Nonprofits Making an Impact"
  Featured presentations from Murray State students

• Wednesday, April 19 at 7 p.m.
  Wrather Auditorium
  Philanthropy Week Keynote Address, Chad Pregracke, Founder and President, Living Lands and Waters
  Chad Pregracke is the internationally named 2013 CNN Hero of the Year, founder and president of Living Lands & Waters; a nonprofit river cleanup organization, author and professional public speaker. He is proof one person can make a difference.

  Chad has been recognized by former President, George W. Bush as a national “Point of Light.” He received a standing ovation at the Kennedy Center from all four living former U.S. Presidents for his inspirational message on dreaming big, taking action, persevering, leading and collaborating. He has been the keynote speaker for college graduations, business conferences and events, classrooms, nonprofit organizations and more. Named “America’s Hardest Working Person” by Mitchum, Chad’s enthusiasm, sense of humor and passion amplifies his story and entertains audiences. Ultimately, his message inspires people to believe they can make a difference.

• Thursday, April 20
  Private Workshops facilitated by Canopy, Louisville, KY
  Canopy’s mission is to help Kentucky businesses positively impact people, our planet, and our future. Through education, certification, and connection, we help Kentucky businesses participate and succeed in the Good Business movement.

  The Canopy Certification provides a continuous improvement framework that guides Kentucky businesses towards achieving measurable social and environmental impact while operating successfully and ethically. Canopy Certified Companies are committed to operating with the best interest of Kentucky and its people in mind as they grow profit and work to solve our social, economic, and environmental problems. Join us to learn about how Canopy and the Canopy Certification can support your business.

  Visit Canopy's website

  • 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
    Workshop hosted by Paducah Beer Werks and the Nonprofit Leadership Studies Program (private event)

  • 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
    Workshop hosted by the Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business and the Nonprofit Leadership Program (private event)
    

• Thursday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m.
  Curris Center Theater
  Keynote Presentation, Canopy (open to the public)

  We recognize that employees want purpose, consumers are paying attention to who they buy from, and healthy communities and a healthy landscape are good for business. Our mission is to grow Kentucky businesses to positively impact people, our planet, and our future.

  Canopy's vision is to make Kentucky first in Good Business. We believe a localized, state-wide approach to building a strong Good Business ecosystem is more likely to succeed in KY than a national or global effort. A Kentucky-focused effort:

  • assesses localized community needs, resources, and stakeholders

  • provides much needed social, environmental, and economic solutions to local problems

  • harnesses the power of small businesses to improve local communities

  • strengthens a powerful network of stakeholders across sectors

  • positions Louisville and Kentucky as the premier ecosystems for “Good” business

  

• Friday, April 21 at 4:30 p.m.
  Donna Herndon Award for Civic Engagement Ceremony
  Dean's Conference Room, Business Building
  The Nonprofit Resource Center is proud to established the Donna Herndon Award for Civic Engagement. The award was established to recognize recipients who embody Donna’s steadfast and compelling commitment to philanthropy and civic engagement. Donna’s endeavors have impacted our community beyond measure and will forever play a role in the health & vitality of our community. This award will ensure that Donna’s inspiration and impact live on in perpetuity. More so, it will serve as a shining example to our students and community members that anything is possible when we give of ourselves to benefit others. It will serve as a shining example that when community issues are met with compassion, creativity and a sense of purpose that through philanthropy and civic engagement anything is possible. Some of the criteria for this award are being selfless with time, talents and resources, being caring and compassionate, serving above and beyond the call of duty, being a visionary leader, being enthusiastic and relentless. These are all qualities that Donna exemplifies. Again, it was an honor for the Nonprofit Resource Center to establish this award and play a small role in giving back to this community in honor of Donna Herndon.