MCF 2024 Winter Forum

Image

Minnesota Council on Foundations is pleased to present the 2024 Winter Forum – a half-day mini-conference designed to inspire and convene Minnesota’s philanthropic community.

Building a more just and equitable society requires deep relationships across a diverse ecosystem of changemakers. When philanthropy, nonprofits, and government commit to learning with and from one another, communities thrive.  

Image

We will be joined by Dr. Akilah Watkins, President and CEO, Independent Sector who leads her team in creating a vital meeting ground to foster a sense of belonging, catalyze action, and provide policy leadership across the full breadth of the charitable sector.

Whether you're a leader of people, a changemaker of programs, or a designer of process improvements - you have an impact on the future of the philanthropic sector. This day is designed for everyone who works in philanthropy from CEOs and trustees to everyone working in grantmaking, programs, operations, finance, and communications.

This program is being offered in place of MCF’s regular annual conference. Our 2024 MCF Annual Conference will shift to autumn when we co-host the MCN-MCF Joint Annual Conference on October 10 – 11, 2024.

Don't miss out on this in-person opportunity to learn together and network with peers from across Minnesota.

Conference Agenda

9:00 Registration and Networking: Arrive early for a hot beverage, a light breakfast, and a warm welcome among your peers. We're opening registration early so you can arrive with plenty of time to connect, find old friends, and meet some new peers.

When you find a seat - please sit alongside someone new. We're hoping for just one person per table from each team.

10:00 Welcome and Opening Remarks

10:05 Keynote Conversation with Dr. Watkins: A Call to Action: Aspirational Leadership and Cross-Sector Changemakers: Join us as we consider philanthropy's role as changemakers and sector partners. How do we practice aspirational relationships in our organizations and our community engagement? Hear from Dr. Watkins as she explores national trends about cultivating aspirational leadership, expanding our concepts of traditional grantmaking, and engaging with community in the work of philanthropy. After sharing remarks, Dr. Watkins will be joined for conversation with Susie Brown, President, MCF.

11:00 Table Conversations: What does it mean to be a good partner on the path toward systems change? How is this work unfolding inside our organizations and within our communities? Engage in facilitated table conversations with peers in philanthropy, led by Flor Treviño Frey, President, Frey Foundation of Minnesota.

12:00 Panel Reflections: Learning from peers and learning in place. Hear the insights of a cross-sector plenary panel as they dig deeper with Dr. Watkins on today's important topics in philanthropy. Take a moment to share your own thoughts and ask a question in this fast-paced panel where Dr. Watkins is joined by Jennifer Ford Reedy, President, Bush Foundation and Bo Thao-Urabe, Principal, See Grow Bloom and Founder of various organizations including Coalition of Asian American Leaders, BMPP Giving Circle, and Red Green Rivers. The conversation will be moderated by Dominic Papatola, Chief Impact Officer, CommunityGiving.

12:45 Luncheon Conversations: During an unscripted plated lunch you'll have a chance to break bread, unpack today's messages, and share your own updates.

1:45 Closing Remarks: Led by Aaron Zimmerman, MCF Program Committee Chair and Executive Director, PFund Foundation. Remarks and invitation to continue the conversation at the 2024 MCF-MCN Joint Annual Conference, October 10-11 in Saint Paul.

Group Rate

Register two people at the regular price and send a third person for free. This is a great opportunity to learn in community with your colleagues or trustees. Contact Jill Chi for details, jchi@mcf.org. This opportunity is available for three people from the same organization.

If you would like to receive an auto-generated invoice to pay later, please log in to your account before registering.

_{Photo credit: creative commons, Rob Baxter}