Are you looking for a supportive community of funders to help you build constructive dialogue and understanding across differences? You’ll get just that with the Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort.
The Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort is a facilitated virtual learning experience meeting monthly from April 2026 until November 2026 (with an orientation in March), hosted by the Council on Foundations in partnership with the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley (GGSC). This cohort will support and help move forward the work of the Council's Building Common Ground Strategic Pillar.
The deadline to apply for the 2026 Cohort is 11:59 p.m. PT on Friday, February 20.
Learn more about the cohort and apply
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 Javier Alberto Soto, President and CEO of the Denver Foundation, the retreat will take place in-person in Denver, CO, from noon on October 8 until 2pm ET on October 9, 2026.
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-day 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 participants with an expanded network, fresh ideas, and new motivation.
Retreat objectives:
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.”
This event is the Council's annual retreat for early-tenure private foundation, corporate foundation and giving program 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 Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation, the retreat will take place in-person in Louisville, KY, from noon on June 8 until 2pm ET on June 9, 2026.
This event is intended for executive leaders (CEOs, Presidents, Executive Directors) of private foundations, corporate foundations, and giving programs who have been in their current executive role for three years or less.
Please contact Mimi Beringer for registration.
Over the two consecutive half-day 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 participants with an expanded network, fresh ideas, and new motivation.
Retreat objectives:
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.”
Building Together isn’t your typical conference — it’s a hands-on experience to help leaders at all levels build relationships and skills to connect and collaborate across difference. During the conference, you will learn, process, and practice in real time while developing the heartset, mindset, and skillset needed to build relationships across lines of difference.
You may have never experienced an event like Building Together before. That's why we're hosting this space to give an overview of what you can expect during the three days and answer any questions you may have.
Join us for a conversation to learn more about applying to and participating in the 2026-27 Career Pathways Program.
During this session we will answer questions regarding:
Details to Note
For more information about Career Pathways leadership development program, visit cof.org/careerpathways or email Careerpathways@cof.org.
Join us for a conversation to learn more about applying to and participating in the 2026-27 Career Pathways Program.
During this session we will answer questions regarding:
Details to Note
For more information about Career Pathways leadership development program, visit cof.org/careerpathways or email Careerpathways@cof.org.
PO Box 252
Evergreen, CO 80437
United States
Join the Council’s Legal Resources team for an in-depth look at the self-dealing rules applicable to private foundations under section 4941 of the Internal Revenue Code. This workshop will provide an in-depth review of the rules against self-dealing, where they come from and what they involve. Participants will hear an analysis of the relevant rules and regulations governing transactions between private foundations and disqualified persons, including situations involving payment of compensation and expense reimbursement to disqualified persons, sharing employees between foundations and related companies, grants with the potential to benefit disqualified persons, and more.
Topics Include:
This workshop will provide an in-depth review of the rules against self-dealing, where they come from and what they involve. Participants will hear an analysis of the relevant rules and regulations governing transactions between private foundations and disqualified persons, including situations involving payment of compensation and expense reimbursement to disqualified persons, sharing employees between foundations and related companies, grants with the potential to benefit disqualified persons, and more.
Topics Include:
As scholarship professionals, it can be challenging to navigate the world of complex financial aid systems and policies. The challenges increase when a student’s scholarship unintentionally reduces the amount of financial aid they receive from their college or university, resulting in a net-zero for the student; also called financial aid displacement.
Join your peers for an engaging discussion on how you can better align practices to maximize support for students. We will share examples and exchange ideas to help ensure scholarships truly make a difference. Bring your questions, insights, and curiosity as we explore:
After the session, stick around for an informal coffee chat (1:00-2:00 pm Eastern) to keep the conversation going and connect more personally with your community of scholarship professionals.
In 2026, we are launching a new virtual book club! We will be reading and discussing “Understanding the Phenomenon: A Qualitative Investigation of the McConnell Scholars Program.” Please reach out to Melissa Nolan (Engagement@cof.org) if you are interested in attending!
