On December 30, 2021, the Marshall Fire burned over 1,000 homes in Boulder County, CO. As Boulder County’s trusted philanthropic partner for over 30 years, The Community Foundation Boulder County (CFBC) quickly opened a disaster fund, raising over $43 million. CFBC’s trauma-informed, people-first…

The National Center for Family Philanthropy, Ideas42, and Arabella Advisors recently released a report that explores top psychological barriers to giving in family philanthropy. Reasons included too many choices, fear of uncomfortable family dynamics, and lack of urgency. The research draws on…

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…

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…

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…

Community foundations are increasingly serving as local leaders working toward systems change--vital work that requires a strong business model to sustain it. How have community foundations successfully resourced these efforts, and what challenges have they navigated to make it possible to do so?…

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 is for place-based funders seeking innovative ways to deepen engagement and ignite generosity in their communities. Foundation leaders will discuss the tangible benefits and outcomes of Community Heart & Soul, a proven, resident-driven engagement process. Panelists will highlight…

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 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…

Place-based funders remain committed to serving their communities, including through periods of political and cultural turmoil. For staff to perform at their best, they must also care for themselves. How can executive leaders make sure that happens while practicing their own self-care and…

You’re already doing the work of helping your communities thrive. Now let’s make sure you can talk about it in a way that builds buy-in and trust with a key audience: policymakers. This workshop will help you use stories and data to communicate the value of philanthropy and charitable giving. It…

Across the nation, communities are facing a crisis of connection, with a 2023 survey revealing that 74% of Americans feel a sense of non-belonging in their local communities. In 2022-23, the Walmart Foundation funded the Belonging Innovation Lab, a program providing subgrants, training, and…