United Philanthropy Forum

Recordings from the plenary sessions are now available on our website! The plenary session videos include:
⭐ Opening Plenary featuring Héctor Sánchez-Flores
⭐ Breakfast Plenary - Advancing Racial Equity through Cohort Learning: Forum + REPG PSO Learning Exchange Initiative
⭐ Luncheon and Annual Meeting - Shifting the Tide: PSOs as Accelerators of Systems Change
⭐ Closing Plenary featuring Judith Browne Dianis

All videos include closed captions and a transcript. Learn more and check out the videos: https://www.unitedphilforum.org/events/2024-forum-annual-conference/plenary-recordings

In July, the Forum network convened in St. Louis for the 2024 Forum Annual Conference.

Together, we showed a deep commitment to fostering a courageous sector that catalyzes an equitable and just society where everyone can thrive. From plenaries to concurrent sessions and networking fun, we had a blast celebrating the transformative power of philanthropy!

Check out the conference photos and relive the excitement and energy of : https://www.flickr.com/photos/givingforum/albums/72177720319695675/

📅 Save the Date! Join us virtually on October 3rd for our annual Philanthropy + Policy Institute!

💪 is the premier opportunity for PSO leaders, staff, and their foundation members to come together, learn, and enhance their public policy and advocacy proficiency through skill-building sessions, expert analysis, and strategic planning exercises.

Don’t miss out. Registration to open soon.

bit.ly/Policy-Institute24

This year, the Forum offered eight scholarships to allow emerging leaders in the Forum network to attend our 2024 Annual Conference. This blog series highlights their insights and key takeaways in their own words. This is the first blog of the series from Darah Moore, Corporate Relations Manager at Exponent Philanthropy.

"The United Philanthropy Forum Conference was a remarkable event that provided deep insights and practical strategies for advancing equity and professional development in philanthropy. I am grateful to United Philanthropy Forum for the scholarship that made my attendance possible. The knowledge and connections gained from this conference will undoubtedly enhance my work and contribute to a more just and equitable philanthropic sector."

Read the full blog:

Reflections of #ForumCon24 From Emerging Leaders Scholarship Recipients: Darah Moore The United Philanthropy Forum Conference was a remarkable event that provided deep insights and practical strategies for advancing equity and professional development in philanthropy.

Day two of was one for the books! Conference attendees indulged in topics ranging from racial equity and accessibility to trust-based philanthropy and climate justice. The Forum network has truly been celebrating the transformative power of philanthropy this week in St. Louis. Together, we're showing a deep commitment to fostering a courageous sector that catalyzes an equitable and just society where everyone can thrive.

Take a look at some of our favorite moments from day one of ! What an amazing sense of community here with the Forum Network. The opportunity to connect with peers, colleagues, and sector leaders is always a true highlight of our annual conference. 🎉

Day 1 of is here! 🎉 We kick off the conference with our practitioner workshops on cutting-edge insights about how to evolve strategically in your work.

🧠 These robust workshops led by The Giving Practice at Philanthropy Northwest and Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy (EPIP) are designed for participants to walk away with tangible tools and practices to expand their knowledge and skills to become effective leaders in .

🥳 While attending her first in 2015, in Baltimore, our new CEO, Deborah Aubert Thomas, exclaimed, “I’ve finally found my people!” Help us welcome Deborah at – the one and ONLY convening dedicated to PSOs - in next week!

Hear about Deborah's excitement for ForumCon24 in the video linked below.

What are you looking forward to at this year’s conference?

📹 tinyurl.com/Excited4ForumCon

Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance released a statement about Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Category 4 storm ever recorded in the Atlantic that has caused widespread devastation across the Caribbean. CariPhilAlliance is deeply concerned and actively working with its partners to support relief efforts throughout the region and is committed to connecting donors with established, reputable organizations on the ground.

Read the full statement to learn more about the most impacted communities, their approved list of trusted and vetted organizations actively engaged in relief efforts, and how you can donate:

Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance Partners to Support Hurricane Beryl Relief Efforts – Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance The Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance is a dynamic network connecting international and regional funders, NGOs, multilateral organizations and regional stakeholders. By joining our vibrant network, you gain access to a global community dedicated to advancing philanthropy in the region.

The early-bird rate has been extended for the 2024 Forum Annual Conference! From now until June 7, rates are $725 for members and $1,125 for nonmembers. Take advantage of this discounted rate before it's too late!

will be held from July 15-17 in St. Louis, MO. The conference will allow participants to spark and strengthen new PSO connections and partnerships, share and explore new ideas for our field, and build personal skills as effective PSO leaders. Register today!

2024 Forum Annual Conference Join us in St. Louis for our annual conference that sparks and strengthens new PSO connections and partnerships, shares and explores new ideas for our field, and builds our personal skills as effective PSO leaders.

The National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers (NNCG) and 21/64 have partnered to explore the ways that consultants and advisors help foundations and donors achieve their goals, and how consultants and advisors can better serve the needs of their clients.

If you are a donor, grantmaking foundation staff or trustee, consultant to grantmakers, or philanthropic advisor who works with donors, this survey is for you! It will take no longer than 15 minutes. Learn more and take the survey:

2024 Philanthropy Benchmark Survey - Insights on the role of Consultants & Advisors in Advancing Giving Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

Registration for the 2024 Forum Annual Conference is now open! is the one and ONLY conference that brings together Forum colleagues to delve into the pivotal roles of PSOs in informing, convening, mobilizing, and supporting the philanthropic sector.

attendees will:

⭐Cultivate partnership, collaboration, and peer learning.
⭐Participate in skill-building sessions.
⭐Deepen knowledge around key issues facing communities.
⭐Explore sites and activities around St. Louis.

As the Forum network has expanded in size and impact, our annual conference has become a cornerstone event, celebrating the transformative power of philanthropy. Don't miss this unique opportunity to harness the collective strength of PSOs, driving change and fostering a courageous philanthropic sector that catalyzes an equitable and just society where everyone can thrive.

Learn more and register:

2024 Forum Annual Conference Join us in St. Louis for our annual conference that sparks and strengthens new PSO connections and partnerships, shares and explores new ideas for our field, and builds our personal skills as effective PSO leaders.

We're thrilled to announce Deborah Aubert Thomas as our new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 24, 2024.

After a rigorous national search in collaboration with Axis Talent Partners, Deborah emerged as the standout candidate. With a remarkable career spanning over three decades in philanthropy and nonprofit management, she brings a rich tapestry of expertise and visionary leadership to her new role. She joins the Forum from Philanthropy Ohio, a Forum member philanthropy-serving organization (PSO), where she has served as President & CEO since 2019.

Learn more: https://www.unitedphilforum.org/news/celebrating-appointment-deborah-aubert-thomas-president-ceo-united-philanthropy-forum

It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of Janine Lee, esteemed CEO of Philanthropy Southeast. Janine’s passing has left an indelible void in our hearts and across the philanthropic sector.

On behalf of the United Philanthropy Forum, our heartfelt condolences go out to Janine's family, friends, and the entire Philanthropy Southeast community. We share in the grief of losing such an amazing leader and extend our support to all of those who knew and loved her.

Read more:

Honoring Janine Lee It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of Janine Lee, esteemed CEO of Philanthropy Southeast.

Starting this Sunday, Foundations on the Hill is kicking off another year of creating visibility for foundations and philanthropy! Over three days, we will participate in interactive programming about strategizing ways to preserve America’s long philanthropic tradition and retain a strong, civil society.

Join us as we unpack the importance of the philanthropic sector’s work in civic engagement, equity, and how public policy and advocacy efforts are essential to democracy. Follow the action and learn more: bit.ly/FOTH2024.

We’re co-sponsoring Center for Disaster Philanthropy's , “Indigenous land management: Decreasing disasters and increasing resilience,” on Nov. 9. Join us to learn more about how the conservation of land is critical to protecting the environment.

Indigenous land management: Decreasing disasters webinar - CDP CDP is hosting a webinar to discuss Indigenous land management and how funders can support tribal communities and fight climate change.

Since rural philanthropy doesn't draw quite as much attention as other funding areas, many aren't aware of the work already being done.

"'In part, the report lifts up those efforts and raises awareness about them. But on the other hand, there's a need for more investment and more effective philanthropic investment in rural communities,' said United Philanthropy Forum President and CEO Dave Biemesderfer, who was a contributing editor for the report."

Read more from Inside Philanthropy about key takeaways from their new report on giving for rural communities, in partnership with the Forum, PhilanthropywoRx, and MDC.

Five Takeaways From IP’s New Report on Giving for Rural Communities | Inside Philanthropy Our new deep dive report on rural philanthropy covers a distinct, emerging field of giving. Despite misunderstandings and a lack of good data, rural places present ample opportunity for equity-forward funding.

“Giving for Rural Communities” is the latest report published by Inside Philanthropy as part of its State of American Philanthropy series, which consists of a number of reports focused on funding for major topics and issues. The report offers important information about philanthropy’s history, issues, and leaders in rural communities.

It also serves as a primer to help spotlight philanthropic activity in rural communities that is often overlooked in the broader philanthropic sector and to hopefully spark some greater interest and understanding that can lead to more and more effective philanthropic investment in rural communities.

United Philanthropy Forum is a partner with Inside Philanthropy in producing the report, along with MDC and PhilanthropywoRx.

Learn more:

New Report Looks at the Current State of Rural Philanthropy A new report by Inside Philanthropy offers an overview of the current state of rural philanthropy in the United States today.

A few weeks ago, PSO members, foundation leaders, and guest speakers came together for the 2023 Philanthropy + Policy Institute! United Philanthropy Forum would like to express deep and sincere gratitude to all who participated.

Your commitment to this work embodies the spirit of a constant theme during : the opportunity that PSOs have to be catalysts for sector-wide advocacy efforts, and the role their foundation members can play as advocates and by supporting sector advocacy engagement.

The Forum appreciates your engagement and looks forward to working with each of you to continue to build collaborative advocacy efforts on behalf of the sector and the communities we work in and with.

The United Philanthropy Forum team enjoyed seeing our PSO members and foundation leaders virtually during the 2023 Philanthropy + Policy Institute. We appreciate attendees’ engagement and want to know about your experience.

We try to make our public policy and advocacy programming as impactful as possible. In this spirit, we’d love to hear your thoughts about this year’s Institute.

Please remember to complete the Philanthropy + Policy Institute survey before the close of business this Wednesday, October 18th. We look forward to strengthening future Forum programming based on your input.

Tirrea Billings, Senior Communications Manager at the Forum, recently attended the 2023 Communications Network Conference (ComNet23) in Atlanta, GA.

In our latest blog post, she shares her learnings and key takeaways from the dedicated community of communicators, storytellers, strategists, designers, researchers, producers, and community builders she engaged with.

"As communicators, we need to embed culture into our communication strategies, reframe and shape narratives that give hope, and never be afraid to be imaginative. Every social movement starts with a story, and it’s important that we as communicators show how our organizations are a part of a larger movement ecosystem that works co-creatively with people and communities to eradicate systems of injustice."

Read more:

What I Learned at the 2023 Communications Network Conference: Insights and Innovations Forum Senior Communications Manager, Tirrea Billings, shares insights and learnings from the 2023 Communications Network Conference.

Session Spotlight: Philanthropy's Role in Advocating for a Fair & Accurate Count

Planning for the 2030 Census is underway, and PSOs have an important role to play in addressing the Census Bureau's persistent undercounting of people of color, young children, and other underrepresented populations. This final session of will provide an opportunity for PSO staff and funders to learn about the critical issues currently facing the census and American Community Survey (ACS), the roadmap ahead, and how PSOs and their members can play a critical role as trusted leaders in their communities.

Speakers Bayoán Rosselló-Cornier (Associate Director, Power Building & Justice, Hispanics in Philanthropy), Florencia Gutierrez (Senior Research Associate, Annie E. Casey Foundation), Dr. Iheoma U. Iruka (Special Advisor for the Census, The National Urban League) and Caroline Medina (Director of Policy, Whitman-Walker Institute) will cover current key policy issues such as federal resource allocations, questions around race and ethnicity, and questions about sexual orientation and gender identity. The panel will also highlight the road ahead, including the critical role of PSOs.

See the full agenda for more details: https://bit.ly/3F9HgYJ

Session Spotlight: PSOs and State Level Advocacy - Exploring Voting Policy in the States

As the United States Congress continues to be mired in partisan gridlock, key policy developments and actions are happening at the state level more frequently. With a network of member PSOs representing areas all over the country, PSOs are uniquely positioned to make a difference on issues at the state level, like voting policy and voting access.

In this next session, speakers Rachel Orey (Senior Associate Director, Bipartisan Policy Center), Sarah C. Walker (Consultant, Bipartisan Policy Center), and Matthew L. Evans (Senior Director of Public Policy, United Philanthropy Forum) will discuss the current state legislative landscape, how to connect with legislators and advocate in a bipartisan manner, and how voting policy is crucial to long-term equitable outcomes throughout the country.

See the full agenda for more details: https://bit.ly/3F9HgYJ

In this next session, attendees will learn about the state legislative landscape, how to connect with legislators and advocate in a bipartisan manner, and how voting policy is crucial to long-term equitable outcomes across the U.S. More details: https://bit.ly/3F9HgYJ

Session Spotlight: The Power of Philanthropic Engagement in the Farm Bill

We’re kicking off day two of with a discussion about how the farm bill is developed, key drivers of the current debate over the bill's funding priorities, and why this legislation should be of primary concern to funders striving to build a more equitable future.

Speakers Reverend Dr. Heber Brown (Founder, The Black Church Food Security Network), Traci Bruckner (Senior Director, Public Policy, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders), Jonathan Coppess (Assistant Professor and Director, Gardner Agriculture Policy Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), and Maggie Mascarenhas (Policy Associate, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders) will provide a landscape overview of the bill and explore advocacy strategies – including direct engagement with policymakers – that PSOs and their members can employ to influence legislation like the farm bill this year and every year.

See the full agenda for more details: https://bit.ly/3F9HgYJ

More than 90% of taxpayers don’t itemize their returns, meaning they don’t receive a charitable deduction. The would create a universal charitable deduction, incentivizing millions more Americans to give to nonprofits and foundations supporting vital community services.

As part of the , United Philanthropy Forum urges Members of Congress to co-sponsor the Charitable Act!

The charitable deduction works and is good tax policy. When Congress enacted a temporary universal charitable deduction in 2020, it generated $10.9 billion in giving that year.

As part of the , United Philanthropy Forum urges Members of Congress to co-sponsor the and help strengthen charitable giving!

Session Spotlight: Expanding the Benefits of a Universal Charitable Incentive

In this third session at , speakers from Philanthropy Northwest, Marc Moshcatel (Public Policy and Research Analyst) and Afomeia Tesfai (Senior Manager, Public Policy and Advocacy), will provide a detailed overview of the importance of advocating in favor of a universal incentive that more equitably increases giving.

Existing research outlines tax designs that may work best to expand the charitable deduction into a universal incentive in a way that is more efficient and more effective at reaching more donors. Philanthropy Northwest will provide an overview of this research to inform other PSOs advocating for a universal incentive.

is taking place today and tomorrow, Oct. 4th and 5th, virtually.

See the full agenda for more details: https://bit.ly/3F9HgYJ

Session Spotlight: Everything You Need To Know About Lobbying But Were Afraid To Ask

During this session, attendees will hear from Natalie Roetzel Ossenfort (Program Director, Bolder Advocacy, Alliance for Justice), Dwayne S. Marsh (President & CEO, Northern California Grantmakers), and Pat Smith (President and CEO, The Funders Network) regarding what public charities and private foundations can and cannot do when it comes to influencing policymaking decisions.

As we continue to grapple with headline-churning developments impacting the state of our democracy, this session will answer questions about what sort of advocacy PSOs and foundations can pursue without running afoul of the law by engaging in public policy advocacy and funding others to advocate for systemic changes.

is taking place today and tomorrow, Oct. 4th and 5th, virtually.

See the full agenda for more details: https://bit.ly/3F9HgYJ