CFUnited Pop-Up Series: Conversations with Leaders

Pop-Up Conversation #2

Community foundations foster the connections among residents to create change that matters. Yet, what remains is unprecedented disruption from a global pandemic and reckoning of a nation with its past and present systemic racism that still contributes to today’s racial disparities.

Andy Stoll of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation provides a compelling case for the future of prosperity in America by exploring important trends and global shifts influencing local economies from small towns to major cities. Hear directly from executives who are adapting the strategies and approach of their foundations to rethink the essentials of community philanthropy at a time of significant change and uncertainty. Explore how community philanthropy can candidly foster inclusive economies, unlock latent local talent to address our communities biggest challenges, and foster vibrant and resilient communities that are reflective of all people.

Panel

• James Head, President and CEO, East Bay Community Foundation, CA
• Deana James, President, St. Croix Foundation, USVI
• Sarah Owen, President and CEO, Southwest Florida Community Foundation, FL
• Andy Stoll, Senior Program Officer, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation (moderator)
• Jay Williams, President, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, CT

Opening and Closing Remarks

• Eric Hozempa, Longmont Community Foundation; AdNet, CFUnited Chair
• Brad Ward, Council on Foundations

Key Topics

• Acknowledge seismic technological and demographic shifts happening in our society and the disparities and economic shortcomings in our communities, exposed by COVID-19.
• Explore aspects of systems leadership, entrepreneurship, and participatory philanthropy.
• Explore ways community foundations can create pathways for all people to achieve their own potential and to enable and empower community members to take ownership in the future of their community.
• Remind ourselves of the power of community philanthropy, power of place and “love of community” to cultivate a range of local philanthropic capital.

Desired Outcomes

• The audience will better understand aspects of the emerging “connected age” and explore ways to undertake activities that stretch beyond asset development and traditional grant making to build more inclusive and resilient economies and communities.
• Embrace the root of philanthropy—love of humanity—in times of great distress for the entire global community and our most marginalized populations.
• Hear examples of pioneering community foundation programs that have enabling transformation change by looking at the bigger picture, taking a stand, building collaborative platforms and engaging and unlocking the energy of local community members to “be the change they wish to see.”