Meet our members! AFN’s greatest asset is our members—a diverse network of national, regional, and community-based foundations, financial institutions, and grantmakers—investing in advancing equitable wealth building and economic mobility. Check back each month and meet your peers!
1: What’s your main interest/focus on asset building in 2021?
Similar to other AFN member organizations, Thrivent is focused on adopting better racial equity informed practices. We are active in industry, sector, and geographic coalitions to learn from others, especially BIPOC-led community organizations. After three years of investments in organizations focused on family sustaining careers and financial health, we will soon complete our first philanthropic impact report, which will inform how we adjust our philanthropy in the years to come.
2: What’s the most “ah-ha” provoking new book or research that you’ve read in the past year?
The availability of data on Parent Plus loans through the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard revealed a more complete picture of the magnitude of debt incurred by families for post-secondary education and the multi-generational impact on family financial stability and mobility.
3: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from a grantee or a colleague?
About four years ago, Thrivent adopted trust-based philanthropy principles that changed the way that we view and engage with our community partners. Moving beyond a transactional grantmaking mindset, helps us respect the expertise of our partners and the lived experience of their clients.
4: What is your favorite vacation spot or most memorable leisure trip?
About eleven years ago, I traveled to Morocco. Spending time in a majority Muslim country with rich cultural traditions of language, food, and art was incredible. The anniversary makes me realize right now, just how much I miss experiencing other cultures through travel!
About Michael Dominowski, Director, Community Affairs, Thrivent
Thrivent is a membership-owned fraternal organization and Fortune 500 financial services company. We operate nationally with a focus on helping our members and society achieve financial clarity. At Thrivent, we believe money is a tool, not a goal. Driven by a higher purpose at our core, we are committed to providing financial advice, investments, insurance, banking and generosity programs to help people make the most of all they’ve been given.
I lead the corporate responsibility function for Thrivent which includes our corporate philanthropy, workforce engagement, and social impact initiatives.
