COF15_Program_FINAL_3

HOPE AND OPPORTUNITY IN A DESTABILIZED WORLD
FOCUS AREAS
#COFAnnual #Philanthropy
NATURAL RESOURCES & ENERGY
Within the frame of “Hope of Philanthropy
in a World of Finite Resource,” this track
aims to increase foundation participation
in natural resource grant making. Sessions
will inform participants of the serious nature
of the threats to the planet and to inspire a
renewed sense of urgency and purpose to
solve them. With generous support from
the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation,
the David and Lucile Packard Foundation,
and the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.
ECONOMY & FINANCE
Foundations are driving economic growth
and providing strategic direction to key
areas of social investment. To build
stronger neighborhoods, cities, and regions
requires a strong understanding of the
current economic landscape. Sessions will
explore how foundations can set priorities
for investment and partnership.
CIVIL SOCIETY
While traditionally defined as institutions and
organizations outside of the governmental
and business sphere, civil society and the
responsibility for a successful democracy is
now becoming a collective accountability.
How can philanthropy catalyze a just
and equitable society? Programming in
this area will look at both challenges and
opportunities for civil society both here and
across the world. Session support provided
by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS
As place-based hubs for local knowledge
and resident needs, community foundations
serve as anchors to both unify and inform how
philanthropy leads a variety of stakeholders
to work together. Sessions focus on forwardlooking
issues of community foundation
sustainability, leadership, and ability to
address systemic change in the interest of
driving the future of the philanthropic field.
Reception support from the San Francisco
Foundation.
FAMILY FOUNDATIONS
The dynamic nature of family philanthropy is
informed by past legacy and forward-looking
innovation from living donors and next
generation engagement. Around the world,
family philanthropists serve as change
agents to leverage partnerships and spark
collective action. Sessions are designed to
help incorporate innovative strategies and
new giving models in your own foundation,
bringing about even greater change in your
community.
CORPORATE FOUNDATIONS
Business is a central and undeniable
influencer to effect positive social change
around the globe, often coupling traditional
grantmaking and with a range of tools and
approaches for social investment. This track
elevates examples of companies acting in
new and different ways, thereby opening
up a host of possibilities for the wider
philanthropic field. Reception support from
the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.
GLOBAL
Given the increasingly global nature of
philanthropy, the 2015 Annual Meeting
includes programming for foundation leaders
who support international activities. Sessions
will discuss a range of topics that include the
regulatory and practical challenges of global
grantmaking, as well as philanthropy’s role
in designing the Sustainable Development
Goals, and new tools that track community
philanthropy globally.
POLICY
This year’s public policy and legal sessions
will tackle emerging issues such as public
interest reporting and non-profit media
and the connection between broadband,
equity and economics, and will include
the ever-popular Washington Update to
bring members up-to-speed on legislative
and regulatory action in Washington. The
Annual Meeting will offer 10 hours of legal
programming.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Foundations have long been at the forefront
of leadership with the power to influence,
convene and affect positive transformation.
Leading effectively through today’s times of
constant change requires new thinking and
approaches. These session topics explore
emerging and evolving executive challenges
and help foundation leaders consider ways to
enhance effectiveness at the organizational
and individual level.
www.cof.org | Council on Foundations 2015 Annual Meeting 17