Peer Forum: How Community Foundations Work Across Differences

Monday, May 4 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Invitation Only

Community foundation leaders are invited to join the Council on Foundations, in partnership with the Trust for Civic Life and Community Foundations for Civic Health for a special pre-conference at Building Together 2026 to explore how community foundations are actively working to navigate deep differences in their communities and build civic health. During this session, attendees will have the opportunity to share their own experiences, gain insights from peers to understand what’s worked and what hasn’t, and leave with practical examples and models for how to work across lines of difference and encourage vibrant civic culture in their own communities.

May the 4th Build Community: Career Pathways Alumni Outing

Monday, May 4 | Noon - 4:30 p.m. | Invitation Only

Career Pathways alumni are invited to come together to connect, build community, and gather The Force to prepare for Building Together 2026. We will build relationships, grab a meal, and explore a galaxy far, far, away... from the hotel, and step into local, rejuvenating outdoor spaces. Join us and bring your full self and maybe a rain jacket.

Career Pathways alumni can add this event during the registration process. For any questions, reach out to conferences@cof.org.

Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort Welcome Lounge

Monday, May 4 | 2 - 4 p.m. | Invitation Only

Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort members (2026) and alumni (2023, 2024, 2025) are invited to connect and relax in a casual setting. Stop by to say hello to Council staff and fellow cohort members throughout the afternoon. We will host a short program around 3:15 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. We look forward to seeing you as we prepare for Building Together, together.

Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort members and alumni can add this event during the registration process. For any questions, reach out to conferences@cof.org.

Self-Guided Seattle Outings

Monday, May 4 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Enjoy Seattle landmarks at your own pace with one of these itineraries:

Seattle Center
Make your way to Seattle Center, starting with a 1-mile walk or a quick ride on the historic Seattle Monorail from downtown. Once on campus, explore iconic attractions at your own pace, including MoPOP, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Space Needle. While you’re there, don’t miss the Gates Foundation Discovery Center, offering an engaging look at global innovation and impact, which will be opened exclusively for Building Together attendees.

Seattle Waterfront
Get your steps in with a walking tour of the Seattle Waterfront, taking in its signature sights at your own pace. Wander the piers, browse local shops, and stop at iconic “must‑dos” like Pike Place Market with its lively stalls and famous fish throwers. Continue along the waterfront to explore Waterfront Park, visit the Seattle Aquarium, enjoy views of Elliott Bay, or ride the Seattle Great Wheel. For those who’d like to venture a bit farther, a scenic walk north leads to the Olympic Sculpture Park, an outdoor art space with sweeping waterfront views. It’s a flexible way to experience the best of Seattle’s vibrant shoreline.

Bainbridge Excursion

Monday, May 4 | 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Dive into a true Seattle experience, beginning with a scenic ferry ride across Puget Sound. Enjoy lunch on the island, then join a tour of the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial guided by our friends at Trust for Public Lands highlighting the history and resilience of the Bainbridge Island community. This event is free and shuttle transportation to and from the ferry terminals is included. Ferry fares and food are not included.

Instructions for adding this excursion will be provided to registered attendees soon!

Opening Night Reception and Concert

Monday, May 4 | 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Kick off Building Together with a reception and concert, sponsored by the Gates Foundation. This one-night-only experience features RUB, a six-piece band bringing feel-good energy to Seattle’s music scene, along with KEXP’s own DJ Morgan.

The evening is curated in partnership with iconic Seattle music station, KEXP which champions curiosity, connection, and a shared love of music. While the music plays, mingle with your colleagues and sample some Seattle-inspired bites and beverages.

Sponsored by:

Coffee with Your Community

Tuesday, May 5 and Wedneday, May 6 | 1:45 - 2:30 p.m.

Gather during our afternoon break to connect with your peers. We'll have specific meet-up locations for:

• Tuesday: Community Foundations and Corporate Grantmakers
• Wednesday: Programs, Donor Services, and Global Philanthropy

The People’s Supper

Tuesday, May 5 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Join us for a People’s Supper Experience, hosted by Trust Labs, where we'll have the chance to reflect together on the themes of Building Together, and the stories and experiences we each bring to the table. Since 2017, more than 20,000 people have sat down for People's Suppers in over 100 cities and towns nationwide, in partnership with dozens of local government and civic groups, faith-based organizations and communities, colleges and universities, workplaces, and more.

Sponsored by:

Dine-Arounds

Wednesday, May 6 | 6 - 8 p.m.

Want to explore the city and get to know fellow attendees over delicious food and great conversation? Join a dine-around! These small group gatherings offer opportunities to connect over dinner at local restaurants.

The list of dine-arounds with the ability to RSVP will be available to attendees in the event app.

Learn about hosting a dine-around

CEO and Trustee Reception

Wednesday, May 6 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. | Invitation Only

Join the Council’s CEO and Board for light refreshments and good conversation during this invite-only event.

Sponsored by:

Evening Activities

Wednesday, May 6 | 7 - 8:45 p.m.

Stop by our conference living room lounge to enjoy some relaxed time with fellow attendees. Essential Partners will host a poetry activity, and there will be games available. Want to get artistic? You can work on our paint-by-number mural (a Council conference favorite!) or bring your own craft. Down the hall, we’ll host a screening of Prime Minister. Light snacks will be available.

Connection Breakfast

Wednesday, May 6 | 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.

The decline in connection and trust is perhaps the greatest danger in the world today. To reverse it, we’ll learn how to connect again as we “break bread.”

During breakfast, Aaron Hurst, Founder and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Connection, will facilitate table conversations to reconnect us to one another and begin developing a shared vision for reconnecting humanity.

Together, each table will explore:

• Our own experiences building connection and community in our lives.
• The role we play in building connection in the lives of our teams (inside and outside of work).
• How the decline in connection is impacting the communities we fund, and how we can help.

By the end of breakfast, you will have made new friends and gained insight and inspiration into how to build connection in your life, leadership, and impact strategy.

Federal Policy Brief

Wednesday, May 6 | 8 - 8:45 a.m.

With shifts and pivots coming almost daily, we’ve been keeping an eye on the news out of Washington, D.C. and its impact on the charitable sector. This policy briefing will provide a space for the Council and foundation leaders to brief attendees on the latest policy changes and what they're hearing on the ground.

Breakfast Conversation: Investing Effectively in Connection Across Difference

Thursday, May 7 | 7:30 - 8:45 a.m.

Join the funder collaborative New Pluralists (a Building Together 2026 Bridging Sponsor) in an interactive session discussing what the collaborative has learned about how to effectively fund connection across difference at the local, regional, and national levels. New Pluralists will provide brief context and landscape data from its five years of investing in strategies that foster belonging, cooperation, and social trust, including sharing emergent threats to these efforts.

Ask Me Anything Breakfast Roundtables

Thursday, May 7 | 7:30 - 8:45 a.m.

Bring your questions to continue and deepen conversations with our partners over breakfast. Chat with The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Colossian Forum, Othering and Belonging Institute, Over Zero, Resetting the Table, and Trust for Public Land.

Nature Wellness Walk

Tuesday, May 5 | 7:45 - 8:45 a.m.

Start your day on the right foot and join us for a morning walk designed to help you connect with nature. Hosted by Trust for Public Land.

Morning Run

Wednesday, May 6 | 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.

Get your cardio in while enjoying the beauty of Seattle. All levels are welcome for this three-mile loop.

Take a Puppy "Paws"

Tuesday, May 5 and Wednesday, May 6 | 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

We are partnering with local rescue Motley Zoo Animal Rescue to bring loveable, huggable (and adoptable!) puppies to Building Together 2026. Stop by for a snuggle!

Paint-by-Number Mural

Throughout the Conference

Grab a paint brush, pick a color, and join us in completing our annual paint by number mural. Sponsored by Paintable Pictures, this is a fool-proof way to get creative.

Brain Break Room

Throughout the Conference

Need a space to recharge, reset, and return refreshed? This is a quiet, work-free, food-free zone, where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the conference.