2009 Fall Conference for Community Foundations

21st Century Public/Private Partnerships and Community Foundations in Action

A culmination of world-changing events—from the economy to climate change—has driven leaders from all sectors to re-think the ways they do business. While it has always been understood that there is strength in numbers, that adage rings even more true today. Join leaders from across sectors—philanthropy, business, and government—who are committed to putting their heads together to identify solutions to systemic issues that impact communities of all sizes. You won’t want to miss the plenary events on all three days. Learn how to build your own 21st century partnerships in your community.

Opening Breakfast Plenary

An Interim Report on the Recovery Act
Monday, October 5, 7:30am-9:00am

The economic downturn has led foundations across the country to contend with reduced or flat grantmaking levels as well as refocus where and how they spend their grantmaking dollars. Local governments and community-based organizations are also facing significant financial challenges.

Following the plenary session, foundation leaders, government officials, and other partners will come together in a workshop, where they will identify key problems affecting communities and then design solutions, share ideas, and discuss ways to build sustainable partnerships to resolve them. Participants will come away with tips on how to implement successful strategies in their own communities.

Speakers: Edward DeSeve, Senior Advisor, OMB, Recovery Act Implementation/Advisor to the President Office of Management and Budget; Michael A. Nutter, Mayor, City of Philadelphia, PA, Julián Castro, Mayor, City of San Antonio, TX; Manuel A. Diaz, Mayor, City of Miami, FL

Community Information in Today's Technology World

A city without a city paper!
Monday, October 5, Noon-1:30pm

Call it the information paradox. Despite today’s high information flow, people around the globe still struggle to find the news and information they need to make basic decisions about their lives.

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is defining and meeting the information needs of communities in a democracy. In just three years, the foundation has invested $100 million in its Media Innovation Initiative. The effort includes funding for broadband access and the Knight Community Information Challenge, which helps community foundations nationwide fund local news and information projects.

Participants will understand why it is in their own self-interest to focus on information needs and will provide cutting edge examples of community foundations involved in the issue.

Speakers: Paula Lynn Ellis, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, John S. & James L. Knight Foundation; Rey Ramsey, Chief Executive Officer, One Economy; Terry Mazany, President and CEO, The Chicago Community Trust; Joaquin Alvarado, Vice President for Diversity and Innovation, Corporation for Public Broadcasting; John Kania, Managing Director, FSG Social Impact Advisors

Education Reform

From reform to real progress–what is working
Tuesday, October 6, 7:30am-9:00am

Education is vital to a successful future, particularly in this economy. President Obama has made education one of his administration’s top priorities, with the stated goal of having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020. Following the plenary, sector leaders will convene to discuss issues and challenges affecting education in the U.S., including reform, attainment, and talent retention.

Speaker: Elizabeth Garza, Superintendent, Edgewood Independent School District School District

The Emerging Green City

The design, infrastructure, jobs, jobs training, and economy related to the green economy
Tuesday, October 6, 11:30am-1:30pm

The Emerging Green Cities conversation will focus on the emerging green initiatives and projects impacting communities across the country. Hear from leaders from communities and philanthropy who will share successful case studies, best practices, and address questions such as: What resources can community foundations draw upon to protect their communities? How do we build sustainable partnerships to support these initiatives?

CFLT Plenary: The Power and Potential of Community Foundations

A Conversation with the Field
Wednesday, October 7, 8:00am–9:30am

Diverse tools, strategies and concepts have been developed through the Leadership Team’s Plan of Action 2007-2010 to help community foundations deal with day-to-day challenges and consider new ways to serve their communities. Are you aware of these tools? 

The Leadership Team will share a summary of accomplishments at this plenary as a springboard for discussion of where we go from here. As the Leadership Team embarks on strategic planning for the next four years, join us with your input from the field on community foundation needs, challenges and opportunities.  Bring your vision, expertise and perspective to this important plenary as we look to the future. 

What the 2010 Census means for Philanthropy

Wednesday, October 7, Noon-1:30pm

Did you know that U.S. Census figures are used to determine over $400 billion of federal allocations each year to U.S. states and localities? This amounts to over $1,300 per person per year; or over $13,000 for a decade for each person counted in the census. Historically, minority and low-income communities have been undercounted in the Census resulting in fewer public dollars and less political representation than needy communities deserve. The 2010 Census provides an important opportunity to rectify the current undercount and ensure that low-income and minority communities receive their fair share of federal and state resources and political power. We have gathered a panel of Census experts to identify the challenges for reaching hard-to-count communities, discuss opportunities for effective engagement, provide foundation leaders with practical ideas, and share innovative low to no-cost strategies that can be implemented to increase 2010 Census awareness and promotion in your community. Please join us in this important endeavor to find out what community foundations can do to ensure everyone is counted in 2010!