The first step to greater investment in historically under-resourced communities is making the unknown known -- identifying who is out there and where they live and work. In 2024, two place-based funders, working in partnership with the public sector and an equity-forward researcher, created a…

Solutions to challenges in our communities often require expertise and insight from many stakeholders, yet we struggle to engage with those who may be different from us, specifically intergenerationally. This session will describe a case study pairing youth with grantees to amplify voices and co-…

The goal of the philanthropic sector is to mobilize the funds that allow us to create change in the world. Layered underneath that sweeping vision are the staff and frontline fundraisers who dedicate their lives to this work. Whether they are in the trenches in conflict zones or regularly engaging…

Last year, the Chronicle of Philanthropy launched a new project, called the Commons, that examines how the charitable sector can bring Americans together in a time of hyperpolarization. The Commons explores efforts to bridge divides through reporting, opinion, essays, resources, tools, and more. In…

The Minneapolis Foundation, Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network lead one of the U.S. EPA’s Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking programs. Over three years, they will distribute $40 million in grants to build the capacity of Tribes and…

Rural America is diverse, and understanding the needs and assets of communities at a granular level is important. Bring your lived and learned experience, share your personal passion for rural funding, and discuss with other funders how philanthropy can better support rural communities. This…

The speed and complexity of change are increasing exponentially. While top-down leadership may have been effective in the past, today we need to co-create our future by unlocking the collective power of our teams and communities. In this interactive workshop, foundation executives will unpack the…

Workforce development isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Community foundations are in a unique position to strengthen an ever-evolving diverse workforce and to promote economic growth through proactive, transformative grants and comprehensive programs that tangibly connect to the needs of local…

This session focuses on how foundations can responsibly adopt AI while upholding ethical standards like equity, transparency, and explainability. Designed for foundation leaders, CIOs, program officers, and strategy directors, this dynamic session will provide practical guidance on navigating AI -…

This session will introduce “Exchange” powered by the Philanthropy Data Commons (PDC), a novel application that connects proposal data submitted to individual funders and stored in siloed grant management systems and allows grantees to reuse and update their proposal data. Designed for foundation…

Are you a smaller funder looking to navigate the complexities of impact investing? The path can feel daunting, especially when most resources are tailored to larger foundations. Join this session to discover how smaller foundations can harness the power of collaboration, gain board support, invest…

Learn how a funder, a housing agency and local community builders co-created a housing solution that tangibly impacts people’s lives in rural communities. Pathways To Homeownership helps low- to middle-income residents purchase a home, and invests in small-scale housing developers to create…

This session will highlight different communities where local foundations have effectively partnered with their municipal leaders in a specific area, leading to demonstrative outcomes. Community foundations and foundations with a civic focus will leave with learnings and a leadership model that…

Do you wonder how to stay engaged and keep moving forward while navigating the current moment? Do you worry about caring for yourself and your team while also getting the work done and rising to this moment? You aren’t alone! Let’s explore research-based practices and methods we can implement to…

This session will provide attendees a basic understanding of how community foundations can lead locally on climate. Community Foundation Climate Collaborative members will share opportunities for joint action and shared learning such as incorporating climate justice into local work, donor…

This session will discuss the role philanthropies can take in funding local solar energy projects and the benefits these projects can bring to communities. Hear from philanthropies, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and a developer--highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration…