Save the Date!

Leading Locally 2027

May 4-6 | Los Angeles

To be among the first to hear about Leading Locally updates, including when registration opens at the end of 2026, fill out this form:

This webinar will help you use stories and data to communicate the value of philanthropy and charitable giving. It builds on research from “Philanthropy’s New Voice,” the largest study of narratives in philanthropy, which examined what types of stories are more likely to build trust, what policymakers want to know from foundations, and how to describe the work foundations do clearly and transparently.

Join us for this peer-led event dedicated specifically to foundations working on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or are open to learning more about how the SDGs can fit within their work.

Connect with foundation peers to learn about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The group meets monthly via Zoom to discuss SDG hot topics including education, local implementation, community alignment and communication, professional development, data, grantmaking, and more. This community is primarily focused on expanding the SDGs in the United States through community foundation action, but all nationalities are welcome.

By registering, you agree to share some identifying information with the hosts of the event.

This event is the Council's annual retreat for early-tenure community foundation chief executives who want to step away from the challenges of their day-to-day and find renewed energy and motivation in fellowship with other new CEOs.  Hosted by Julie Diaz and the Dallas Foundation, it will take place in-person from noon CT on November 6 until 2:00 pm CT on November 7, 2025. 

This retreat is intended for executive leaders (CEOs, Presidents, Executive Directors) of community foundations who have been in their current executive role for three years or less.   

Over the two consecutive half-days sessions, attendees will delve into both the practical and existential issues facing foundation executives new to their role, such as navigating change, transforming operations, and building institutions for the future. Through peer support and coaching we will also explore the collective wisdom of our fellow leaders, and equip you with an expanded network, fresh ideas, and new motivation.   

 Retreat objectives:  

• Raise and discuss key challenges for early-tenure foundation executives;   
• Provide peer coaching on top-of-mind leadership challenges;   
• Build peer relationships and exchange tips/resources. 

Past retreat attendees have told us how valuable it is to have this time to step away:

“Thank you so much for organizing such a fantastic retreat. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow leaders and learn from each other. The peer coaching sessions were invaluable, and I feel inspired and motivated to implement new strategies in my own organization.”

What are DEI Peer Learning Circles?

DEI Peer learning circles provide a unique opportunity for all Council members who are newer or in earlier stages of implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across their organizations to come together and embark on their DEI journeys. In the dynamic landscape of today's philanthropy, our circles not only provide a unique opportunity for growth but also address the pressing issues and differing views on diversity, equity, and inclusion among key stakeholders in philanthropy and beyond. 

Who are DEI Peer Learning Circles for?

DEI Peer Learning Circles are a members-only space for any member who is implementing, strategizing, or executing diversity, equity, and inclusion work. This space is especially tailored to practitioners who are newer or in the earlier stages of implementing DEI work within their organizations. You do not need to have a formal DEI title or role to join us! 

When do we meet?

Our meetings are 60 minutes with 30 minutes buffer time for community conversation and relationship-building. Please join us whenever you can, even if you have to join late. We meet monthly on the last Thursdays of the month (unless otherwise noted), from 3:00pm-4:30 pm EST. We will have a hiatus in July & December. While you are welcome to attend one or a few sessions, it is our hope that this space will be an opportunity to meet and connect with peers. Please consider attending regularly and registering for the monthly series!

Meeting Format:

1. Welcomes & Check-ins - 3:00 pm- 3:15 pm
2. Announcements and updates - 3:15 pm- 3:20 pm
3. Speaker/ Guided Conversation - 3:20 pm-3:5pm
4. Next steps, questions, requests - 3:50-4:00 pm
5. Optional community time - 4:00 pm-4:30 pm

What are DEI Peer Learning Circles?

DEI Peer learning circles provide a unique opportunity for all Council members who are newer or in earlier stages of implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across their organizations to come together and embark on their DEI journeys. In the dynamic landscape of today's philanthropy, our circles not only provide a unique opportunity for growth but also address the pressing issues and differing views on diversity, equity, and inclusion among key stakeholders in philanthropy and beyond. 

Who are DEI Peer Learning Circles for?

DEI Peer Learning Circles are a members-only space for any member who is implementing, strategizing, or executing diversity, equity, and inclusion work. This space is especially tailored to practitioners who are newer or in the earlier stages of implementing DEI work within their organizations. You do not need to have a formal DEI title or role to join us! 

When do we meet?

Our meetings are 60 minutes with 30 minutes buffer time for community conversation and relationship-building. Please join us whenever you can, even if you have to join late. We meet monthly on the last Thursdays of the month (unless otherwise noted), from 3:00pm-4:30 pm EST. We will have a hiatus in July & December. While you are welcome to attend one or a few sessions, it is our hope that this space will be an opportunity to meet and connect with peers. Please consider attending regularly and registering for the monthly series!

Meeting Format:

1. Welcomes & Check-ins - 3:00 pm- 3:15 pm
2. Announcements and updates - 3:15 pm- 3:20 pm
3. Speaker/ Guided Conversation - 3:20 pm-3:5pm
4. Next steps, questions, requests - 3:50-4:00 pm
5. Optional community time - 4:00 pm-4:30 pm