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.
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 Reading
Regie Gibson, Poet Laureate of Massachusetts will start us off with an original reflection exploring what it means to be a Commonwealth of Firsts and how Massachusetts can continue to live up to its ideals.
9:15 AM – 9:40 AM | Welcome
Mary Skelton Roberts, CEO at Philanthropy MA
Prentice Zinn, Board Chair at Philanthropy MA
9:40 AM – 10:00 AM | Keynote Speaker
Democracy: The American Experiment & The Massachusetts Opportunity
John Palfrey, President at MacArthur Foundation
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Fireside Chat
Moderated by Mary Skelton Roberts, CEO at Philanthropy MA, we will have a conversation with two philanthropic giants – John Palfrey and Ali Noorani - both have deep roots in Massachusetts. They will reflect on the state of U.S. Democracy, where Massachusetts has the greatest opportunity to drive meaningful change, and how lessons from other communities can inform the Commonwealth's future. We will also take questions from the audience.
John Palfrey, President at MacArthur Foundation
Ali Noorani, President and CEO at Barr Foundation
11:00AM – 11:30 AM | Networking
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Two Tracks
Track 1: MA Economic Competitiveness: Philanthropy's Role and Why It Matters
Moderated by: Rahn Dorsey, President and CEO at Eastern Bank Foundation, and Philanthropy MA Board Member
JD Chesloff, President & CEO at Mass Business Roundtable
Nicole Obi, President and CEO at BECMA
Eric Paley, Secretary, Executive Office of Economic Development at MassDevelopment
Track 2: Building Capacity for Democracy in Massachusetts
Moderated by Adam Hinds, Fellow, Allen Lab for Democracy Restoration, Harvard University
Lisa Owens, Executive Director at The Hyams Foundation
Danielle Allen, James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University
Josh Stearns, Managing Director of Programs at Democracy Fund
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Summer Fund Celebration
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM | Philanthropy MA Business Meeting
Prentice Zinn, Board Chair at Philanthropy MA
Mary Skelton Roberts, CEO at Philanthropy MA
2:15 PM – 3:30 PM | Flash Talks: 5 Leaders, 5 Questions
Philanthropy is operating in a rapidly shifting environment, and many within the sector have conducted interesting research, addressing new technology, rethinking funding. These Flash Talks showcase 5 philanthropy leaders, who will each provide a 5 minute overview of their work, followed by 1 key question for conference participants. We will bring the room’s wisdom back together to pave the way for future conversations and explore practical actions for the field.
Moderator: Jessica Berns, Senior Vice President Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives at Philanthropy MA
Artificial Intelligence:Shin Pei Tsay, Chief Information Officer at City of Boston
Current Research on Funders Response to Challenges Facing Nonprofit Sector: Phil Buchanan, President at Center for Effective Philanthropy
Impact Investing: Max Gritzuk, Associate Director, Impact Investing at The Boston Foundation
Civic Engagement Across the State: Brian Boyles, Executive Director at Mass Humanities
Organizations Navigating Uncertainty and Evolving Landscape and Impact on Charitable Giving:Natanja Craig-Oquendo, CEO at Boston Women’s Fund
3:30 – 3:45 PM | Where We Go Next : Our Commitment to You
Mary Skelton Roberts, CEO at Philanthropy MA
3:45 – 4:00 PM | Closing Poem Reading
Regie Gibson, Poet Laureate of Massachusetts
4:00 PM | Awards Reception: Organized around the LEAP framework and we would welcome nonprofits to join us.
5:00 PM | Socializing and Dancing – let the party begin!
Thank you to the following sponsors for supporting the 57th Annual Conference:
The ALKU Foundation
The Beveridge Family Foundation
Democracy Fund
Eastern Bank Foundation
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston
Hemenway & Barnes
Howland Capital Management
Liberty Mutual
Mass Mutual
Merck Family Fund
M&T Bank
Pilot House Philanthropy
PNC Foundation
Point32Health Foundation
The Sillerman Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy
Trefler Foundation