Leading Locally 2027 - Pre-Conference Sessions
Pre-Conference Sessions
These pre-conference sessions will be held prior to the conference kick-off. Enhance your conference experience by adding on a pre-conference for an additional price. These sessions are open to all, unless otherwise noted.
Pre-conference sessions can be added to your registration during the registration process. To add a pre-conference session after you have completed registration, please reach out to conferences@cof.org.
Building a Culture of Dialogue Across Differences Workshop
Tuesday, May 4
9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Participants in this half-day workshop will be introduced to Resetting the Table’s celebrated approach to developing the tools to build a culture of productive dialogue on charged issues — even in the face of strong differences. Participants exchange views and experiences, learn two core skills for difficult conversations across diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, and leave with increased capacity and confidence to discuss charged issues. The methodology is practice-based and experiential, walking through road-tested exercises participants can replicate in their own philanthropic institutions. This workshop is facilitated by Council staff members who have been trained in Resetting the Table's methodology.
Cost:
- Council Member: $375
- Nonmember: $500
Career Pathways Gathering: Building and Sustaining Community
Tuesday, May 4
12-3:30 p.m.
In leadership, community is central. Both in who how we serve, as well as the community that we intentionally surround ourselves with toward our individual and collective growth. During our Career Pathways pre-conference gathering, we will continue to expand and deepen our community through building cross-cohort relationships and engaging in conversation about resilience, leading in unpredictable times, and transformation.
We will start with a brief group activity at noon, followed by lunch. After lunch, we will engage in a world café activity to spark conversations and new connections. This includes two rounds of small group discussions on relevant topics chosen by registrants. We will close with a whole group activity.
Cost: $120
Invite only: This event is open to current members of Career Pathways and Career Pathways Alumni
Community Foundation Communicators Connect
Tuesday, May 4
1-3:30 p.m.
Join CommA for interactive networking while considering timely topics impacting communications at community foundations.
Cost:
- Council Member: $200
- Nonmember: $265
Legal Matters for Community Foundations Training
Tuesday, May 4
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Led by the Council on Foundations’ Legal Team, this training is flexibly organized to ensure that your broad legal questions for administering funds, grants, and community foundation activities are addressed. The legal team will provide technical and practical understanding of complex rules and key regulations. Topics will include donor-advised funds, scholarships, giving circles, agency funds, and geographic affiliates.
This training is open to any board or staff member from any community foundation that is eager to dive into the legalities of a foundation’s business model and unlock effective management approaches.
Cost:
- Council Member: $375
- Nonmember: $500
The Summit, part of Shaping the Future: Philanthropy & Public Policy
Tuesday, May 4
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Summit is a highly participatory, one-day gathering where attendees will explore fresh ideas together, debate recommendations, and chart a path toward a more modern philanthropic sector. Together, we will shape a shared vision for philanthropy’s future—one participants can bring back to their colleagues and peers to keep the conversation moving forward.
This event requires a separate registration from Leading Locally 2027.