2018 Annual Conference
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Listen. Partner. Lead. Philanthropy Leans In
October 2-4 in Boise Idaho
Our annual conference is the largest convening of grantmakers in the Northwest!
We believe philanthropy is at its best when it is collaborative, transparent and equitable. Our conference provides space to convene together to learn from peers how philanthropy can build capacity in the social sector, commit to racial equity and DEI, and advocate for issues and organizations.
This year, some of our highlights include:
Keynote Speakers Who Will Push us to Lean In:
Boise special! Blueprint for Impact Investing: This is a special full-day track to explore the nuts and bolts of impact investing. Peer foundations will discuss the tasks and decisions facing boards, program staff and endowment managers who embrace impact investing. We will also weave in strategies for activating your social capital and purchasing power. The session is fast-paced and interactive. It is led by highly-respected philanthropy leaders. Because the meeting is similar to a custom board retreat, we suggest bringing a team. The session is free for conference participants. We offer special pricing to encourage CEOs, CFOs and board members to take advantage of the high-quality information and networking. See more session details in our flyer, including presenters and information about bringing your team to Boise to create your own impact investing blueprint.
All Blueprint for Impact Investing participants can join the conference welcome reception on Tuesday night at the Basque Block and the plenary lunch on Wednesday with speaker Judy Belk, CEO of The California Wellness Foundation (Cal Wellness).
Fee for one-day attendees: members $400, non-members $600. Additional participants from the same foundation are $200.
CEO Track: SOLD OUT! Following feedback from our 2017 Annual Conference, we are designing a tailored, complementary conference experience for foundation executive directors and CEOs. At the heart of the CEO track is the peer cohort learning model. At Philanthropy Northwest, we believe in the power of cohorts. This program begins Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. and will run complementary throughout the Annual Conference. Highlights include a CEO-specific workshop on Trust-Based Philanthropy with Phil Li of the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, alongside Brenda Solórzano of the Headwaters Health Foundation of Western Montana; exclusive time with our keynote speakers; a CEO-specific session Wednesday morning during breakfast, and a cohort dinner Wednesday evening with Kiran Ahuja, our CEO. Member price: $250; Non-member Price: $350.
Conversation With U.S. Census Bureau Staff: Join us for a unique opportunity to discuss critical Census 2020 issues face-to-face with key U.S. Census Bureau staff. Presenters include Nicholas Jones, Director & Senior Advisor, Race Ethnicity Research & Outreach; Hyon Shin, Chief, Racial Statistics Branch; and Matthew Spence, Chief, Foreign-Born Population Branch. They will discuss the census questions related to race and ethnicity and how the Bureau will use that data; emerging trends in data; and how funders in the Northwest can work more closely with government partners to support an accurate count for Census 2020 in their communities. For participants who have already begun work around Census 2020 or are taking steps to do so, this session will provide some additional context to inform your efforts. This special session will be on Wednesday morning from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Closing Plenary Lunch - Philanthropy’s Role in Championing Democratic Principles and Institutions: In a prophetic monograph penned in 2016, Philanthropy and the Renewal of Democracy, Philanthropy Northwest Senior Advisor Daniel Kemmis cautioned that philanthropists should not take for granted the principles and practices undergirding our democracy. A healthy democracy allows not only philanthropy to thrive, but also calls upon and gives the opportunity for every voice in our communities – including our own – to play a role in the collective shaping of what our society stands for and should represent. Now more than ever, philanthropy is being asked to step off the sidelines and take a more active role in our democracy – to support civic participation efforts; fund policy and advocacy work that will alter or preserve systems that ultimately burden or benefit society, and particularly the most vulnerable; and to be a voice of reason, hope and purpose. With philanthropy’s ever-growing influence in our society comes more responsibility, as well as great opportunity to be champions of the democratic principles and institutions of this country. Don’t miss this closing plenary that will tie together many of the conversations we have had throughout this conference and punctuate how philanthropy is and can be more boldly “leaning in.” Moderated by Richard Liu, MSNBC Anchor, this discussion on Thursday includes speakers: Dana Arviso, University of Washington, (former Potlatch Fund Director); Sonya Campion, President, Campion Advocacy Fund & Trustee, Campion Foundation; and Vanessa Daniel, Executive Director, Groundswell Fund.
Post-Conference Excursion to Minidoka Internment National Monument: When we say we honor 'place' as a core value, we mean including past and present histories of the places in our region. In 1942, almost 13,000 people of Japanese ancestry, many of whom were American citizens, were removed from their homes and sent to a desolate incarceration camp near Twin Falls, Idaho. Minidoka Internment National Monument was established in 2001 to commemorate the hardships and sacrifices of Japanese Americans interned there during World War II. Formerly incarcerated people spent nearly three years detained at Minidoka and other camps during WWII. Today, the site continues to hold a mixture of memories and strong emotions – feelings of denial, distrust, shame, and joy. The intent of the excursion and visit is to understand the full history of Idaho. This includes honoring the first generations of Japanese Americans who suffered most under institutionalized racist laws, to deliver the message of “Never Again,” and to pass on the legacy to anyone who will listen.
Logistics: This excursion departs Boise Thursday afternoon, returns Friday afternoon. Maximum 15 participants. Cost = $200, all inclusive (meals, transportation, hotel) Questions? Contact Elyse Gordon directly.
Morning Yoga and Wellness Hour: Husband-and-wife team, Vajra Romano and Christina Lagdameo, join us from Olympia, Washington where they established True Self Yoga with a mission to serve your highest good. They award scholarships to young adults (ages 15-24) so they can learn the practical application of yoga and meditation for physical and mental health in their formative years. During the conference enjoy gentle yoga and guided meditation sessions with Vajra and Christina to help bring a sense of ease and relaxation to your days. Through the practice, you will reveal your physical, mental and emotional potential to step into your power and find inner peace.
Find all the agenda details for our 2018 Annual Conference in our program. |
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Tuesday, 10/2 |
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6:00 - 7:00 a.m. and 7:15 - 8:15 a.m. |
Morning Yoga |
9:30-11:30 a.m. |
CEO Track Kick-Off: Trust-Based Practice |
10:00-11:00 a.m. |
First-Time Conference Attendee Reception |
12:00-1:30 p.m. | Invocation by Lori Edmo, Editor of Shoshone-Bannock News Welcome Lunch & Opening Plenary Anand Giridharadas and Kevin Walker |
1:45-3:15 p.m. |
Session Block 1 (A-F) |
A. Embodying Trust-Based Practice Phillip Li, Brenda Solarzano |
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B. In it for the Long Haul: Philanthropy's Growing Role in Strengthening Democracy Remy Trupin, Kirsten Harris-Talley, Liz Dupee, Lauren McLean |
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C. The Art of Social Change: KNOW Native America! Lulani Arquette, Crystal Echohawk, Ryan Feddersen |
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D. Designing and Facilitating Powerhouse Convenings Ted Lord |
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E. Pushing Equity Further: Disability Justice as a Tool to Work With Those Most Impacted Michael Reyes Andrillon,Waddah Khaled Sofan, Myrlaviana Perez-Rivier, Tonisha Toler |
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F. CEO Track – Special Conversation With Anand Giridharadas, Facilitated by Richard Woo - SOLD OUT! Anand Giridharadas, Richard Woo |
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3:15 - 3:45 p.m. |
Break With Optional Meditation |
3:45 - 5:15 p.m. |
Session Block 2 (G-M) |
G. Counting Change: Strategic Collaborations to Promote a Fair and Accurate 2020 Census 2020 Erin Dysart, Jessica Houseman-Whitehawk, Gabe Layman, Laurie Wolf |
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H. What's Leadership Got to Do With it? Investing in Capacity Building in Changing Times Susan Dobkins, Mozart Guerrier, Uma Rao |
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I. The Role of Networks in Creating Stronger Communities Peter Bloch Garcia, Lyn Hunter (moderator), Marie Sauter, Allison Warren-Barbour |
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J. Catalytic Investments for Rural Communities Roque Barros, Martin Jennings, Kiki Tidwell |
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K. Community Voice: Addressing Health Equity Through Philanthropic Partnerships Diane Oakes, Elizabeth Ripley, Brenda Anibarro, Kendra Witt-Doyle |
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L. Put Your Money Where Your DEI Statement Is: Equitable Grantmaking in Practice Mijo Lee, Sarah Tran |
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M. Reimagining the Future Workforce: A Multi-Sector Approach Laurie Anderson, Mark Dederer, Bert Glandon, Mark Mitsui, Drew Petty |
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5:30 - 6:30 p.m. | Yoga Nidra |
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Welcome Reception at the Basque Block |
Wednesday, 10/3 |
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6:00 - 7:00 a.m. and 7:15 - 8:15 a.m. |
Morning Yoga |
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
Blueprint for Impact Investing: Full-Day Worshop for Teams of CFOs and Trustees |
8:30 - 9:45 a.m. |
CEO Track: Breakfast and Peer Cohort Session |
8:30 - 9:45 a.m. |
Networking Breakfast and Special Sessions |
8:30 - 9:45 a.m. | Conversation With the U.S. Census Bureau Nicholas Jones, Hyon Shin, Matthew Spence Community Foundation Breakfast Discussion Breakfast for Foundations Interested in Philanthropy Northwest's Momentum Fellowship Program |
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Session Block 3 (N-T) |
N. Funding Real News for Real Impact: Four Case Studies on Community-Funded Journalism Joaquin Alvarado, Jonathan Martin LaMonte Guillory, Venice Buhain |
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O. How to Move Toward a More Diverse Philanthropic Sector Crystal Jackson, Erin Thomas |
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P. Partnering Across Generations: Journeys in Action in Family Philanthropy Elaine Chu, Andrea Hernandez, Ariana Snowden, Kim Wright |
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Q. What is Capacity Building, Really, and How Do We Support It? Amy Little, Laura Pierce, Jim White, Laurie Wolf |
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R. What Gives? Breaking Through Management-Staff Disconnects to Enhance Effectiveness and Advance Equity Erin Kahn, Paul Kim, Tamir Novotny, Liz Posey |
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S. From Extraction to Action: How Philanthropy Can Strengthen Results in Indian Country Christine Dupres, Se-ah-dom Edmo |
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T. Honoring the Past, Re-Imagining the Future in Idaho Natalie Camacho Mendoza, Humberto Fuentes, Idaho Purce |
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11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. |
Lunch Plenary: Judy Belk |
12:45 - 1:15 p.m. | Break with Optional Meditation |
1:15 - 2:45 p.m. |
Session Block 4 (U-AA) |
U. Achieving the Big Social Change We Seek: Why Philanthropy Must Support Policy Advocacy Jesse Beason, Karen Bilowith, Sam Byrd, Lauren Necochea, Misha Werschkul |
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V. Successes and Setbacks in Capacity Building - Case Studies from Nonprofits' Perspectives Presented by the Statewide Capacity Collaborative Mary Campbell, Rick Johnson, Dila Perera, Mike Quinn (moderator) |
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W. Strategic Employee Engagement - How Employee Resource Groups and Employee Giving Can Support Corporate Goals Maryann Fiala, Susi Collins, Russ Stoddard, Cassandra Mitchell |
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X. Moving the Needle on Youth Homelessness Raphael Hartmann, Holly Bamford, Nick Bayard |
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Y. Not Your Mother's Scholarship Program: Emerging Trends for Scholarship Providers Gunner Scott, Susan Anderson, Shelby Weitzel |
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Z. Supporting Veterans |
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AA. Trustee Salon Ted Lord |
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2:45 - 3:00 p.m. | Groups gather for Learning Tours |
3:00 - 5:30/6:00 p.m. |
Learning Tours |
Introspective Learning Journey: Talk Story Workshop Richard Woo |
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Building and Supporting Transformative Community-Led Campaigns Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence |
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Education Innovations and Human-Centered Design One Stone School |
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Addressing Homelessness through Diverse Collaborations Home Partnership Foundation, City of Boise |
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Wraparound Services for Refugee Communities Jannus, Idaho Office of Refugees |
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3:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Walking Tour: Local Art Karen Bubb, City of Boise |
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. | Statewide Capacity Collaborative Hosted Happy Hour |
6:30 - 8:00 p.m. |
Optional: Dine-Arounds |
6:30 - 8:00 p.m. |
CEO Cohort Dinner |
8:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Reception Hosted by CHANGE Philanthropy |
Thursday, 10/4 |
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6:00 - 7:00 a.m. |
Morning Yoga |
8:30 - 10:00 a.m. | Breakfast Plenary and Membership Meeting: Women's Leadership Across the Region Kiran Ahuja, Karen Bilowith, Aleesha Towns-Bain, Mary Rutherford, Luz Vega-Marquis, Mychal Cherry |
10:15 - 11:15 a.m. |
Pretty Good Tools With The Giving Practice |
Transformational Governance via Generative Conversations Lisa Fisher |
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When Pictures Are Truly Worth 1,000 Words Jan Jaffe |
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De-Clutter Your Grantmaking Process Anne Katahira, Leslie Silverman |
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Talking About Evolutions Mark Sedway |
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Impact Investing Rosalie Sheehy Cates |
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10:15 - 11:15 a.m. |
Tax Reform Impact on Tax-Exempt Organizations Wendy Campos, Colleen Ramires - Moss Adams, LLP |
11:30 - 12:40 |
Philanthropy Interrupted Talks |
Topics Will Include Opioid Crisis/Response, Real-Time Policy Conversations, Decolonizing Wealth, Philanthropy as a "Big Tent", Establishing a 501c4 for Advocacy |
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12:40 - 2:00 |
Closing Lunch Plenary: Philanthropy's Role in Championing |
Conversation moderated by Richard Lui, MSNBC Anchor |
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Dana Arviso Director, Unite:Ed, University of Washington (formerly Potlatch Fund) |
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Sonya Campion President, Campion Advocacy Fund; Trustee, Campion Foundation |
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Vanessa Daniel Executive Director, Groundswell Fund |
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Keynote Speakers:
Anand Giridharadas (Tuesday) and Judy Belk (Wednesday)
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Anand Giridharadas is the author of The True American (soon to be a feature film), India Calling, and the forthcoming Winners Take All, which will be published in August 2018. He was a foreign correspondent and columnist for The New York Times from 2005 to 2016 and has also written for The Atlantic, The New Yorker, and The New Republic. He is a former McKinsey analyst, an Aspen Institute fellow, a visiting scholar at New York University, an on-air political analyst for NBC News, and has spoken on the main stage of TED. His writing has been honored by the Society of Publishers in Asia, the Poynter Fellowship at Yale and the New York Public Library’s Helen Bernstein Award. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo Credit: Mackenzie Stroh)
Judy Belk is president and chief executive officer of The California Wellness Foundation (Cal Wellness), a private independent foundation created in 1992 with a mission to protect and improve the health and wellness of the people of California by increasing access to health care, quality education, good jobs, healthy environments and safe neighborhoods. Throughout her career, Belk has been a strong advocate in promoting diversity, inclusion and equity both within and outside of the philanthropic sector. She has been a passionate voice in raising awareness of the needs of women and girls, as well as communities of color. She has been actively involved in the D5 Initiative, a national coalition of philanthropic leaders committed to increasing philanthropic resources for women, for LGBTQ communities and people of color.
We are also featuring a morning panel of new and seasoned women leaders in philanthropy from across the region:
Moderated by Kiran Ahuja: Philanthropy Northwest. Featuring: Karen Bilowith: Idaho Community Foundation (ID), Mychal Cherry: Spirit Mountain Community Fund (OR), Mary Rutherford: Montana Community Foundation (MT), Aleesha Towns-Bain: Bristol Bay Native Corporation Foundation (AK), Luz Vega-Marquis: Marguerite Casey Foundation (WA).
Some of our other highlighted speakers include:
Philip Li is the President & CEO of the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, where he oversees all aspects of the Foundation management, including finance, program development, grantmaking, and relationships with peer organizations. Phil currently serves as the board of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations and is the immediate past chair of Philanthropy New York, the regional association of grantmakers in New York City.
Brenda Solarzano is the CEO of the Headwaters Foundation. Brenda has spent her career working for good in the philanthropic world on issues related to health policy, the health care safety net and community health issues affecting vulnerable populations. She is a strategy, evaluation, program and grantmaking guru with an eye toward local collaboration and a keen sense that change happens when communities come together to engage in good work.
Members:
Full Conference: $795
CEO track (add-on): $250
Blueprint for Impact Investing (only): $400
Non-members:
Full Conference: $1,195
CEO track (add-on): $350
Blueprint for Impact Investing (only): $600
NOTES:
Optional Post-Conference Excursion to Minidoka Internment National Monument:
This trip departs following the closing plenary on Thursday, October 4 and returns Friday, October 5 by 3 pm. Costs include $200 for all trip-related expenses.
The CEO track option is only available to CEOs or Executive Directors of foundations or grantmaking organizations who are already attending the Annual Conference.
There is no extra fee for conference participants who sign up for the Blueprint for Impact Investing. The rates above are one-day rates to encourage CEOs, CFOs, trustees and other foundation staff to attend as teams.
Questions? Contact Elyse Gordon at 206-267-9955 or egordon@philanthropynw.org
The conference program takes place at the East Wing of the Boise Centre
850 West Front Street, Boise ID 83702.
Lodging
The Inn at 500 is two blocks from the Boise Centre. Conference participants will receive a discounted rate of $229.00 per night. To book, call Jessie Meldrum at 208-391-2056 or email jmeldrum@innat500.com and reference that you're using the Philanthropy Northwest Group Code. Inn at 500: 500 South Capitol Street, Boise, ID 83702. The hotel has on-site parking available and a free shuttle.
Hyatt Place is 5 blocks from the Boise Centre. Conference participants will receive a discounted rate of $149.00 per night. You can book your reservation at the Hyatt Place through this link (please note, works in Chrome only). The Hyatt Place is at 1024 West Bannock Street, Boise ID 83702. The hotel has on-site parking. Philanthropy Northwest will offer a shuttle to the Boise Centre.
Hampton Inn is 2 blocks from the Boise Centre. Conference participants will receive a discounted rate of $179.00 per night. You can book your reservation at the Hampton Inn through this link. Hampton Inn is at 495 S Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702. The hotel has on-site parking and a free shuttle to/from the airport.
Airfare
All conference registrants will receive a discount code to put towards airfare with our sponsor, Alaska Airlines. The discount code will reduce your fare by 7% and will be available to you via your registration confirmation.
Directions to Boise Centre
From the Airport
- Boise Centre is just seven minutes from the airport and getting there is easy and convenient.
- Upon exiting the airport, proceed straight through the intersection and continue traveling north on Vista Avenue for approximately two miles.
- Continue traveling past the historic Boise Train Depot (on the left), Vista Avenue turns into Capitol Boulevard.
- In approximately one mile, turn left onto Front Street. Boise Centre is on the right, just past The Grove Hotel and Century Link Arena. Boise Centre is on the corner of 9th and Front Street. Public garage parking is plentiful around the facility.
From I-84 West (Traveling East)
- From I-84 take exit 1A-49 on the left for I-184/Franklin Rd – 0.6 mi
- Merge onto I-184 E – 4.2 mi
- Continue onto W. Myrtle St – 0.4 mi
- Turn left onto S. Capitol Blvd – 0.1 mi
- Take the second left onto W. Front St.
- Boise Centre is on the right, just past The Grove Hotel and Century Link Arena. Boise Centre is on the corner of 9th and Front Street. Public garage parking is plentiful around the facility.
From I-84 East (Traveling West)
- From I-84 take exit 53 for Vista Avenue toward Boise Airport – 0.2 mi
- Turn right onto Vista Avenue – 2.1 mi
- Continue onto S. Capitol Blvd. – 1.0 mi
- Turn left onto W. Front St.
- Boise Centre is on the right, just past The Grove Hotel and Century Link Arena. Boise Centre is on the corner of 9th and Front Street. Public garage parking is plentiful around the facility.
Public Transit
Valley Regional Transit operates bus service throughout the Boise area. Route 3 departs the Boise Airport and arrives at Main Street Station underneath Boise Centre East in less than 20 minutes. The fare is $2.00 one-way.
Thank You to Our Sponsors for Making This Conference Possible!
LEADING:
PLATINUM:
GOLD:
SILVER:
BRONZE:
Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Please contact Anjana Pandey or Elyse Gordon
Are you still thinking about PNW18 in Boise?
From mind-expanding, inspiring speakers to remarkable conversations that we will continue to carry into 2019, the conference is still fresh in our minds. We hope you took the conference home with you, too. We are so glad you joined us in Boise to Listen. Partner. Lead. and Lean In to philanthropy with heart and soul.
- Would you like copies of presentations or documents for the sessions you attended? Did you miss out on something at the conference? Just check the app for the sessions you are interested in and view the documents there. You can also reach out to the speakers via the app for more resources.
- If there’s a topic you want to continue talking about or exploring with your peers, you can suggest a member briefing for 2019!
- We'll be sharing conference reflections, insights and photos in the weeks to come - so stay tuned.
Who should go to the Philanthropy Northwest Annual Conference?
Participants include corporate giving offices, private and public foundations, community foundations, tribal grantmaking entities, nonprofit grantmaking organizations, government grantmaking offices and impact investors. Because this is a peer-to-peer learning opportunity for funders, it is not appropriate for nonprofit organizations to participate. Please contact Elyse Gordon if you are uncertain of your eligibility.
What time does the conference begin and end? The conference begins Tuesday, October 2 at 12:00 p.m. and ends Thursday, October 4 at 2:00 p.m.
Who is on the conference committee? Co-chairs include Karen Bilowith (Idaho Community Foundation); Kris Hermanns (Pride Foundation); Antony Chiang (Empire Health Foundation) - Committee Members. Zeeba Khalili (Marguerite Casey Foundation); Jesse Beason (Northwest Health Foundation); Alex McKay (Rasmuson Foundation); Deanna Ward (Home Partnership Foundation); Nicole Bascomb-Aaron (HomeStreet Bank); Amy Little (Idaho Nonprofit Center); and Tara Dowd (United Way Spokane County).
What does it mean that Philanthropy Northwest members need to be in good standing to get the member rates? We are delighted to offer member rates and early bird discounts to current members of Philanthropy Northwest. To be in good standing, your 2018 membership dues should be up to date. A non-member rate will apply if dues are not paid by May 15. Paul Kim or Danielle Crystal can help you with dues and membership questions and payment.
Is there an early bird price for the Annual Conference? Yes! An early purchase price is available for Philanthropy Northwest members. It offers a $100 discount off our Member pricing of $795. This pricing option is in effect until 6:00 p.m. May 15, 2018.
Are there early bird discounts for non-members? No, early bird discounts are a benefit of Philanthropy Northwest membership.
Are there group discounts? No, group discounts are not available but as a Philanthropy Northwest member, we encourage you to register by May 15 to get $100 off your registration.
Can I pay by check? Sorry, no checks, please. We are using an online registration system which only accepts credit card payments.
Can I update my registration information? Yes, you can edit your registration information very easily.
Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable? Yes, you can transfer your ticket to another person at your organization. Please make all transfers by 1:00 p.m. September 26, 2018.
Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends? Please make all transfers by 1:00 p.m. September 26, 2018.
Are there sponsorship opportunities? Yes! Please contact Anjana Pandey for more details or see the Sponsorship tab on this page.
Will there be a Request for Proposals for conference sessions? The Request for Proposals is now closed. If you wish to submit additional topics, stay tuned for our Philanthropy Interrupted talks on Thursday, October 4.
When do you expect to have the full agenda available? We expect to have the full agenda available mid-summer, with information about keynotes and plenaries as they become available.
Is there a cancellation policy?
Please notify us of cancellation by email at info@philanthropynw.org.
- On or before September 5 - Full Refund minus $50 processing fee
- On or before September 14 - Refund of 50% of the registration fee
- On or before September 21 - Refund of 25% of the registration fee
- On or after Sept 22 - No refund available
Forfeited registration fees may not be applied to future Philanthropy Northwest programming. Individuals who need to cancel are encouraged to transfer their registration to another eligible attendee.