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.

Bridging Urban and Rural Partnerships: How Governments and Foundations Advance the SDGs.

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires collaboration across sectors, scales, and geographies. In this session, we’ll explore how local governments and community foundations are working together to advance sustainability and resilience—from the bustling urban centers of Central Florida to the rural communities of West Central Minnesota.

Through candid conversation, panelists will share how partnerships between philanthropy and government can accelerate climate action, strengthen local economies, and build more resilient communities—while highlighting what’s unique about working in urban versus rural contexts. Attendees will gain practical insights on aligning funding, policy, and community priorities to create lasting impact.

Speakers:
In partnership with the Central Florida Foundation,

• Carrie Black, Chief Sustainability and Resilience Officer, Orange County, FL
• Dr. Brittany Sellers, Assistant Director of Sustainability, Resilience, and Future-Ready Initiatives, City of Orlando
• Sandi Vidal, VP of Community Strategies and Initiatives, Central Florida Foundation

Representing the West Central Initiative (WCI),

• Cedar Walters, Director of Climate and Sustainability Programs
• Griffin Peck, Energy and Adaptation Planner
• Rebecca Lynn Peterson, Director of Development and Philanthropic Services

As we approach the end of 2025, community foundations face a range of questions related to gift acceptance and donor stewardship. Join us for an open office hours session where the Council’s Legal Resources team will be available to discuss key year-end topics and answer your questions. 

Frequently asked questions we’ll cover include: 

• Qualified charitable distributions 

• Gift timing and acknowledgement 

• Tax changes for 2026 

Whether you're wrapping up your community foundation’s activities or preparing for a strong start to 2026, this is a great opportunity to get clarity. 

Bring your questions! This session is designed to be interactive and responsive to your needs.  

During a moment in which many in the field have questions concerning the operation of their scholarship programs, this new virtual peer-led space for you to explore the unique challenges of scholarship work, how others are navigating the current environment while ensuring that they continue to meet legal obligations, the specific structures and mechanics of operating a scholarship program, and much more.

The Council on Foundations is launching a new peer space for foundation staff that manage and lead scholarship programs. These engaging peer events are designed to be informal, peer-led conversations with fellow foundation staff (of all types) to share best practices and explore common challenges in scholarship programs. Whether you are new to managing scholarships or have years of experience, you’ll gain fresh ideas and build relationships with colleagues.