Schedule

Schedule-at-a-Glance

*Subject to change

Philanthropy Exchange, the Council on Foundations’ 2014 Annual Conference, is the premier opportunity for grantmaking organizations and foundations from across the country and around the globe to elevate issues critically important to the philanthropic sector while networking with leadership from across the field, all amid the backdrop of the nation’s capital.

This June, we will examine the Role of Philanthropy in an Increasingly Polarized Society. The type of programming Philanthropy Exchange aims to provide will not only identify the social issues that fracture our nation, but highlight solutions, models, practices and conversations that have been and continue to occur in the philanthropic sector to help bridge these divides. Philanthropy strives to conquer the most pressing issues we face and we are seeking ideas that address timely topics that are important to grantmakers of all asset sizes and giving areas. 

Though the philanthropic sector seeks to address and solve an endless variety of concerns, the 2014 Philanthropy Exchange will focus on five topical pillars that tend to have polarized view points. They include:

Democratic Practice - Political partisanship has dominated headlines and divided policymakers, making it difficult to find common ground on critical issues like immigration, inequality, and government transparency. With the 2014 Midterm Elections around the corner, Philanthropy Exchange will host a dialogue on how foundations and grantmakers can help bridge ideological divides by facilitating community discourse, strengthening social ties, and promoting broad civic engagement. In breakout sessions and plenary activities, we’ll discuss the various roles of youth, journalism, policymakers, and community leaders in developing effective campaigns.

Poverty - In the last three decades, over a billion people across the globe rose out of extreme poverty. Despite this progress, the divide between the rich and poor continues to grow exponentially. At Philanthropy Exchange, participants will examine the changing geographies and perceptions of poverty. In plenary and breakout sessions, we will look to emerging trends and innovative approaches that offer new avenues for philanthropy to connect resources and increase impact.

Health - Millions around the world lack access to basic medical treatments, and in the United States the debate over healthcare remains one of the most divisive we face. Philanthropy, however, has a long history of promoting health equity. From the drive to eradicate polio to promoting community health services, philanthropy has long sought to improve standards and practices in health. At Philanthropy Exchange, we will examine the ongoing role of foundations through various lenses, exploring disparities in health and healthcare in disparate communities and socioeconomic groups, and the greater implications for society.

Environmental Sustainability - Global awareness of environmental degradation has never been higher. Deforestation, desertification, and over-reliance on fossil fuels present threats to ecosystems across the world. While massive threats require coordinated effort from government, private sector, and individual agents, philanthropy is uniquely positioned to spur action and lead innovation. Philanthropy Exchange will examine how foundations are promoting sustainable development and forward thinking strategies to improve sustainability.

Education - Access to a quality education lies at the heart of every strong society. However, unequal access and increasing costs have threatened to stratify society and take valuable education opportunities from those who would benefit the most. Philanthropy Exchange will examine how foundations can support effective education reform efforts and equal opportunity for advancement.