Philanthropy Massachusetts' 57th Annual Conference [Funders and Philanthropic Advisors]

Join us for Philanthropy Massachusetts’ 57th Annual Conference!

In a Commonwealth of Firsts: Shaping What Comes Next

Our signature event convenes funders and philanthropic advisors from across the region to learn, engage, act, and partner (LEAP).

We are the place where ideas and practices of American democracy first took shape. Democracy was not perfected here. But it was debated here, tested here, and continually expanded here. As we have been celebrating the 250th anniversary of this country's founding, that history feels less like something to commemorate and more like a responsibility we are being asked to carry forward. This is the focus of our Annual Conference.

Join us to learn about innovative, impactful national and statewide philanthropic work; engage with your peers and build meaningful connections; act by exploring collaborative opportunities to address issues affecting communities across Massachusetts; and partner with us and fellow leaders to shape what comes next. We'll also celebrate the 55th anniversary of Philanthropy Massachusetts's first pooled fund, the Summer Fund.

If you are a funder, philanthropic leader, foundation board member, individual donor, or donor advisor committed to the people and communities of Massachusetts, this conference was created for you. Join us on September 29th for a day where we help shape the future of the Commonwealth.

Watch our highlight reel of our event from last year!

CONFERENCE AGENDA (check back soon for more updates)

8:15 AM – 9:00 AM | Guest Arrival & Breakfast

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM | Poet Laureate of Massachusetts

An original reflection exploring what it means to be a Commonwealth of Firsts and how Massachusetts can continue to live up to its ideals. The reflection will consider our collective call to action and how we strengthen democracy by advancing equity and creating opportunities for all residents to thrive.

Regie Gibson, Poet Laureate of Massachusetts

9:15 AM – 9:45 AM | Welcome and Audience Polling

Mary Skelton Roberts, CEO at Philanthropy MA

Prentice Zinn, Board Chair at Philanthropy MA

9:45 AM – 10:55 AM | Keynote Speech & Fireside Chat Featuring John Palfrey

A conversation exploring philanthropy's role in this pivotal moment for democracy and civic life – shaped by the ideas and challenges surfaced in the audience poll. Panelists will reflect on why philanthropy must lead with courage, lessons from other communities, and where Massachusetts has the greatest opportunity to drive meaningful change.

John Palfrey, President at MacArthur Foundation

Ali Noorani, President and CEO at Barr Foundation

10:55 AM – 11:10 AM | Break

11:10 AM – 11:30 PM | Reflections on Democracy, Civic Life, and Economic Competitiveness

Pierre E. Joseph, Senior Manager, Working Places Regional & Community Outreach at Federal Reserve Bank

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Field Conversations

Focused, interactive conversations that explore two defining issues for Massachusetts and the role philanthropy can play in shaping their future.

Conversation 1: Massachusetts Economic Competitiveness: Philanthropy's Role and Why It Matters

JD Chesloff, President & CEO at Mass Business Roundtable

Nicole Obi, President and CEO at BECMA

Rahn Dorsey, President and CEO at Eastern Bank and Philanthropy MA Board Member

Conversation 2: Building Capacity for Democracy in Massachusetts

Adam Hinds, Fellow, Allen Lab for Democracy Restoration, Harvard University

Danielle Allen, James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University

Lisa Owens, Executive Director at The Hyams Foundation

12:30 PM | Lunch

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Summer Fund Celebration

The story and history behind the Summer Fund

1:35 PM – 2:15 PM | Philanthropy MA Business Meeting

2:15 PM – 3:30 PM| Interactive Working Session: What’s Changing in Philanthropy – and How Funders Respond

Philanthropy is operating in a rapidly shifting environment. In this session, conference participants will surface the changes to which funders most need to respond.

Three lightning talks from experts will serve as thought-starters; then participants will discuss these shifts at their tables: What are we seeing? What might we be missing? And, most importantly, what should funders do differently in response? We will bring the room’s insights back together to identify practical actions for the field.

Brian Boyles, Executive Director at Mass Humanities

Phil Buchanan, President at Center for Effective Philanthropy

3:30 – 3:45 PM | Where We Go Next

Mary Skelton Roberts, CEO at Philanthropy MA

3:45 – 4:00 PM | Closing Poem Reading

Regie Gibson, Poet Laureate of Massachusetts

4:00 – 6:00 PM | Awards Reception

Thank you to the following sponsors for supporting the 57th Annual Conference:

The ALKU Foundation

The Beveridge Family Foundation

Democracy Fund

Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston