Rural and urban communities need each other. But while their interdependence plays out in their economies, cultures, and environments, prevailing narratives center on differences and divides. Meanwhile, rural communities account for close to 20 percent of the population, but they receive only 7…

The journey beyond toxic polarization and record levels of mistrust begins when we reknit the fabric of our civic lives: our places, our institutions, and, most importantly, our relationships. A critical first step is to take responsibility for harm and actively work to repair the ties that have…

How are community and place-based funders partnering with communities to build resilience?  With a commitment to righting past wrongs, responding to crises, and preparing for future challenges. Sit in on a conversation between members of the Groundbreak Coalition, a group of public, private,…

Approaching its 250th anniversary, our nation has the opportunity—and the obligation—to reflect: How can these United States truly recognize the contributions of all who live here? And how can we work together on the path toward our ultimate goal: a multiracial, multicultural democracy where…

Toxic polarization is contributing to falling engagement across civic life, with a contentious election ratcheting up tensions even further. How did we get here? And how do we get out with American democracy intact? In our closing plenary session, Amanda Ripley, author of “High Conflict: Why We Get…

What does it look like to take one small step toward navigating divides? StoryCorps Founder Dave Isay and CEO Sandra M. Clark will share their work bringing together strangers who disagree on politics for one conversation to move beyond labels and learn about each other's lives. StoryCorps research…

During periods of rapid change, humans tend to respond in one of two ways, according to the Othering and Belonging Institute: We either “break” by seeding deep fears of “other” groups, or we “bridge,” by invoking our shared humanity in service of a greater “we.” How can we, as funders, position…

Even in our professional lives, harnessing the generative power of conflict is intensely personal work. This is especially true in philanthropy, where our work is driven by a deep commitment to issues that sometimes divide us. New York Times columnist and author David Brooks will prepare us to make…

Our closing plenary is focused on love. Our communities bring our lives joy and meaning. But growing isolation and polarization can fray our connection to our communities – and to each other. In this plenary session, we ask: “How can we embody love for our neighbors and our communities?” Our…

Our second day opens with a plenary and breakfast session to answer the question: How do we build places where everyone thrives? We may not have all the answers, but by tapping into our collective wisdom and imagination, we can transform the structures and systems that no longer serve us into…

Join us for our conference kick-off and breakfast plenary as we answer the question: What does crisis response illuminate about the best of humanity and philanthropy? In the face of compounding crises, funders in Colorado are catalyzing local solutions. Learn from funders who are…

How can philanthropy meet the needs of our communities and our world with fierce urgency? What does philanthropy need from the Council to be able to shape a future that is better for everyone? The board and staff of the Council on Foundations, with generous member guidance, have created a new…

Sponsored by Walton Family Foundation How do we rebuild in the wake of a series of global crises? And what is philanthropy’s role in the work ahead? Hear compelling visions from three innovative thinkers with different perspectives on and experiences with philanthropy as they motivate and…

Sponsored by Knight Foundation How can philanthropy advance equity and inclusivity in every aspect of our work? The compounding crises of the last year prompted many foundations to commit to embedding equity across their organizations and in their funding, but many remain unsure where to start.…

Sponsored by Conrad N. Hilton Foundation This uplifting conference kickoff envisions a sector that mobilizes unlikely partnerships—especially in times of crisis—to create shared vision and real change. Philanthropic leaders are uniquely positioned to help various stakeholders find what…

As we work to create change within communities and within systems, we must also strengthen how we leverage political advocacy in order to be effective. In this plenary, public and private sector leaders will discuss tools, tactics, and strategies for building and wielding political power to support…