#Leadingtogether2019 is the place to connect with leaders in philanthropy, government, and other sectors — and to create future opportunities for collaboration. While every minute at at the conference is an opportunity to network, these events are tailored for you to socialize and introduce you to new contacts. All of the networking events below are included with your Leading Together 2019 registration.

Monday, April 29

Welcome Reception - 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Kick off the Conference in style, pool-side on the Americana Lawn at Loews Miami Hotel. During the reception, attendees can enjoy the ocean views and savor the tropical flavors Miami Beach has to offer. This offers a great opportunity for networking and peer-sharing.

Keeping the Light of Philanthropy Shining: Puerto Rico Community Foundation Reception - 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

After Hurricane María’s devastating impact on the island, the network of community foundations in the US were the first to mobilize resources. This solidarity action allowed the Puerto Rico Community Foundation (PRCF) to provide immediate relief grants and supplies to community first responders (community based non-profit organizations) and to design a strategic framework to collaborate with Puerto Rico’s sustainable renovation.

In gratitude to the community of foundations who provided support and in an effort to provide accountability of the resources received and the progress of the island, the Puerto Rico Community Foundation welcomes all attendees, especially community foundation colleagues, to join them for this reception. Hear from Javier Soto, President and CEO of the Miami Foundation, and Dr. Nelson I. Colón, President of the Puerto Rico Community Foundation, as they speak to the importance of transnational and cross border giving, as well as the significance of the solidarity network that community foundations have formed to support one another. 

Organized by the Puerto Rico Community Foundation

Veterans Philanthropy Exchange Dinner for Community Foundations - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Dinner and discussion about donor engagement to increase community philanthropic support for veterans and military for community foundations. 

Global Philanthropy Dinner - 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Looming Authoritarianism in Latin America and What It Means for the World

Democracy is in retreat worldwide, with scholars identifying more than two dozen countries that have reverted to authoritarianism in this century. Recent events in Brazil, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Venezuela signal that after 40 years of democratic growth, authoritarianism could be taking root in Latin and Central America. How do authoritarian inclinations affect human rights and progress towards just, peaceful and inclusive societies (Sustainable Development Goal 16)? How can philanthropic leaders from the US and around the world play a role in preventing further backsliding in the region and globally, while driving social change?

This dinner was with four renowned guests from international and national foundations, journalistic outlets and justice institutions in Latin America to discuss these critical, inter-connected issues of justice, safety and security, human rights and democracy. 

Speakers: Vonda Brown, Division Director, Open Society Foundations; Juanita León, Founder and Director, La Silla Vacia; Claudia Paz y Paz, Director of the Mexico and Central America Program, Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL)
Moderator: Celina de Sola, Co-founder, Glasswing International

Tuesday, April 30

Networking Lunches - 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Join your peers to network over lunch and discuss critical trends facing philanthropy today. 

Community Foundations Lunch

Corporate Foundations Lunch

Private Foundations Lunch

Speed Networking - 5:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Looking for a way to quickly meet other professionals in the sector? Update your business cards, prep your elevator speech, and join us at our Speed Networking event with a bar for a few minutes of cocktails. Participants pair up and network with each other in short intervals for 25 rounds of two minutes.

First come, first serve availability.

Out @ COF: LGBTQ Funders Reception - 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Are you a grantmaker committed to LGBTQ issues? Did you know in 2017, grantmaking by U.S. foundations in support of organizations and programs addressing LGBTQ issues totaled $185.7 million, and the South became the most funded region with more than $22 million in funding, occupying the top position for the first time since we began tracking funding by region.

Come out with Funders for LGBTQ Issues for a fun reception to hear more about these developments and more exciting things happening in LGBTQ philanthropy! Catch up with old friends, and make some new connections. All LGBTQ and allied grantmakers are welcome!

Organized by Funders for LGBTQ Issues 

Celebrating the Council on Foundations' 70th Anniversary - 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

New World Center Soundscape Park

Celebrate the Council’s 70th birthday in true Miami beach style! Attendees immersed in the tropical essences and pulsing energy of South Beach, as we celebrate with the very best music, fine cuisine, and entertainment South Beach has to offer.