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Elderly woman engaged in heartfelt conversation–photography by David Rodriguez Muñoz

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?

Philos Salons are an invitation to pause, gather, and imagine as we practice beloved community. The Salons are 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 practice how we want to show up for one another as we pursue our collective liberation.

Group of diverse people engaging in heartfelt conversation & laughter

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 the Bay Area in collaboration with foundation partners. While each gathering is unique, all share a common spirit:

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  • Breaking bread. Fellowship over food and drink.

  • Heartfelt conversations. Thoughtful dialogue about who we are, where we come from, and how we shop up to and for the world we are building.

  • Art & Creativity. Creative engagement such as music and poetry to open our senses to multiple ways of knowing.

  • Call to action. Drawing on the insights of dynamic conversation, consider what we will bring forward in our daily practice.

BIPOC seated at a table engaging in conversation
Two people hugging & smiling–photography by Kade Joy

As we gather, we will reflect on the insights and questions that emerge about how we can and will practice the future we seek and deserve. We will carry these insights forward through writing, storytelling, and conversations in spaces like our podcast Becoming the Vision. Each salon both nurtures those in the room and contributes to a broader collective dialogue about how we can show up in beloved community in philanthropy in service to collective liberation.

If you’d like to host a Philos Salon in your city or explore ways to support this work, we’d love to connect.

Dream Boldly, Practice the Future

Freedom Dreams in Philanthropy © 2025. All Rights Reserved. Dreamt up by bombilla®.

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