11:30 - noon
Connect with other first-time attendees at Philanthropy Forward ’26. If you're a longtime attendee, join this informal meet-and-greet to help welcome newcomers to the conference experience alongside Philanthropy Ohio staff.
noon - 1:30 p.m.
Kick off the conference experience with an energetic and informative fireside chat with Philanthropy Ohio President & CEO Meghan Cummings and Philanthropy Ohio Board Chair Ashlee Young. During lunch, you’ll hear how Philanthropy Ohio’s year of learning has informed its future and how we intend to move boldly forward.
1:30 - 1:45 p.m.
Visit with exhibitors and take a break in the conference lounge, presented by our sponsors.
1:45 - 2:45 p.m.
From Cleveland to Cincinnati, meet the foundations that bet early on creativity. Their support helped launch CreativeOhio’s Advocacy Leadership Institute – an upstream, sector-boosting pilot now catching national attention and expanding beyond Ohio.
Learn how Citizens utilizes the professional skills of its corporate colleagues to support nonprofits through structured initiatives like its Skills-Based Volunteer Day of Service and Community Service Sabbatical. Attendees will acquire actionable models to strengthen their own corporate volunteer strategies.
Explore how a strong partnership between a board and its executive director can help organizations operate more efficiently, make better decisions and lead with greater confidence. When this relationship is not aligned, even well-resourced organizations can stall. Discover practical tools to assess this partnership and maintain forward momentum.
How do you capture the community’s perception about your foundation in a simple and meaningful way? This session offers a practical approach to gathering insights from grantees about your foundation and turning them into actions that strengthen relationships and improve grantmaking practice.
Gain insights from the new Transfer of Wealth study commissioned by Philanthropy Ohio, supported by foundations throughout the state. Learn what the data reveals about who will hold resources in the future and how this knowledge can enhance your donor cultivation strategy.
2:45 - 3 p.m.
Visit with exhibitors and take a break in the conference lounge, presented by our sponsors.
2:45 - 3:15 p.m.
3 - 4 p.m.
Exchange insights into the current landscape of your work with your executive peers.
Build your connections with colleagues in development and advancement roles.
Connect with staff in grantmaking roles about current opportunities and challenges in your daily work.
Connect with board members from organizations across Ohio and discuss unique challenges in your work.
Facilitator: Kerri Mollard, Mollard Consulting
Develop your statewide network of corporate philanthropy peers and exchange insights into your work.
4 - 4:30 p.m.
Check into your hotel room before heading to the 402 Tower for the evening awards and reception.
4:30 - 6 p.m.
Celebrate the individuals and organizations making a positive impact in Ohio’s philanthropic sector. Honor this year’s Emerging Philanthropist; Michael G. Shinn Awardee for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in Philanthropy; and the Ohio Philanthropy Award honoree. Enjoy a festive cocktail hour in the Hilton’s Gina Knee Ballroom overlooking the city skyline before moving to your evening dinner plans.
6 - 6:30 p.m.
6:30 - 8 p.m.
DINE-AROUND IS FULL. Add your name to the waitlist.
Current CEOs and executive directors are invited to join this peer group dinner hosted by Clearstead at Goodale Station (77 East Nationwide Blvd). Space is limited for this dine-around, so please RSVP early to secure your space.
Sponsor:
DINE-AROUND IS FULL. Add your name to the waitlist.
Dine with colleagues at this local gastropub featuring seasonal seafood, unique shareables, handcrafted cocktails and more. Reservation for 10 at 641 N High St., Columbus, OH 43215. All dining is self-pay on-site.
DINE-AROUND IS FULL. Add your name to the waitlist.
Dine at Columbus’ oldest operating brewpub featuring award-winning ales and elevated pub fare. Reservation for 10 at 467 North High St., Columbus, OH 43215. All dining is self-pay on-site.
DINE-AROUND IS FULL. Add your name to the waitlist.
Dine at this contemporary restaurant with classic Italian influence. Reservation for 10 at 445 North High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215. All dining is self-pay on-site.
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
8 - 8:45 a.m.
Join a hosted small-group conversation on a variety of topics or choose to mingle with attendees over a casual breakfast in the ballroom.
Sign up to host a table conversation here by October 5.
Start your day with colleagues engaged in the Black Professionals in Ohio Philanthropy Affinity Group. This intimate convening is for members who identify as Black or African American to connect, learn and build community. Pick up your breakfast at the buffet and join the conversation.
9 - 10 a.m.
Beloved: Ohio Celebrates Toni Morrison is a statewide initiative honoring Nobel Prize-winning author and Ohio native Toni Morrison through literature, arts and dialogue. As Ohio celebrates America 250, this session explores how philanthropy and grassroots leaders partnered to build a community-led cultural movement and how this partnership can serve as a model for catalyzing communities toward large-scale change.
Discover how foundations can serve as intermediaries to align partners, streamline funding and reduce duplication. Explore a real-world example of this – a public-private Type I supporting organization established by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Health and administered by the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping philanthropy, but how do you use it responsibly? Explore a human-centered approach to AI use and take away real examples, practical tools and clear guardrails to support your foundation's mission.
Learn how The Cleveland Foundation and the George Gund Foundation partnered with a social-impact consultancy to pilot an innovative board development cohort for five Cleveland arts organizations. Through structured peer learning and targeted facilitation, hear how participating organizations strengthened board-executive alignment.
Explore how foundations can strengthen their community leadership by connecting local priorities to broader frameworks for impact. Hear from experts in Ohio and beyond about how they've leveraged frameworks, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as practical tools for addressing interconnected challenges. Learn how resource partners can support and accelerate this work and leave with actionable ideas you can adapt to your own context.
10 - 10:30 a.m.
Visit with exhibitors and take a break in the conference lounge, presented by our sponsors.
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Explore new research and effective strategies that funders can use to improve economic mobility for families in Ohio. Families striving for self-sufficiency often face challenging benefits cliffs that can impede their progress. This session will discuss impactful approaches to promote systems alignment and address these gaps, helping families achieve stability and success.
Current and interested Foundant users are invited to join this sponsored user group meeting. Share your feedback and hear more about Foundant’s offerings and updates.
Sponsor:
Learn how a regional community foundation leverages “hope science” to drive flourishing communities in Appalachian Ohio. Leave with frameworks and tools you can apply to your grantmaking, scholarship and leadership programs. Additionally, explore measurable results and the evidence supporting this approach.
Learn how youth voices and equity-centered insights can guide strategy and investments. Too often, communities make decisions about youth without youth. HEY! Cincinnati collaborated with young people, philanthropy and Surgo Health to gather data on youth well-being in the region, highlighting important factors such as a sense of belonging and agency.
Explore how to engage donor advised fund and agency fund holders through education on investment stewardship through your foundation. This is a unique opportunity to learn how a community foundation leverages its investment advisor to instill confidence in its donors to solicit more gifts to its endowment.
11:30 - 1 p.m.
Hear bestselling author and negotiation expert Kwame Christian outline how leaders must dive headfirst into productive conflict and build human-centered tools to lead equitable and sustainable organizations into the future. He will share how bridging divides – of values, philosophy and approach – is central to the future work of the social sector and community leadership. Kwame is the author of two bestselling books, Finding Confidence in Conflict and How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race, and the host of Negotiate Anything, which was the #1 negotiation podcast globally for almost a decade.
1 - 1:30 p.m.
Take a pause with puppy paws! Visit with therapy dogs from Best Friends Assisted Pet Therapy to raise your spirits as you move into afternoon sessions and activities.
1:45 - 2:45 p.m.
Hear how Ohio public education is at a critical juncture due to financial pressures, declining enrollment and policy uncertainties. This session will highlight the real impact of school district cuts on teaching and learning, as well as the potential consequences of proposed changes to property tax policy. Attendees will explore how philanthropy can play an essential role during these disruptions by supporting not only educational programs but also the broader conditions necessary for their success.
Learn about the exceptional work of nonprofits in our community and, equally important, celebrate the collective efforts that can strengthen Central Ohio when we come together. This session will then take a broader perspective, discussing how our region's nonprofits are addressing increasing needs amid uncertain support, particularly as public funding and policies continue to change.
Explore a comprehensive guide to building an effective investment committee for nonprofit organizations. This session emphasizes the need for diverse expertise and strong governance, outlines different consulting engagement models and highlights the qualities of effective committee members and chairs.
Philanthropy can more powerfully support narrative change when doing so alongside grantees. Learn how philanthropy can convene partners to develop shared messaging that improves public understanding, strengthens collaboration and builds momentum for community solutions.
What if funders weren’t behind the wheel – or even setting the destination? Discover how Interact for Health’s Community-Led Solutions portfolio uses a “rest stop” framework to center safety, build community power and strengthen trust-based relationships along a multi-year systems change journey. Learn how this approach reimagines accountability, shifting the focus from funder-driven outcomes to community-defined progress and lasting change.
3 - 5 p.m.
Tour the Crittenton Community Center, a 20,000 square foot social service hub in Columbus aiming to transform the community’s east side. Providing healthcare, nutrition support, digital skills classes, community gardens and youth programming, Directions for Youth & Families utilizes a community restoration model to advance youth and family well-being and provide a platform for self-advocacy in communities. Gain insight on how philanthropy engages public-private investment to improve youth mental health and support communities.
Visit a thriving seven-acre urban farm that is harnessing cutting-edge technology to grow healthy food for the community. Understand how the state’s largest food bank, Mid-Ohio Food Collective, is leveraging unique growing methods and creative land use through Mid-Ohio Farm to provide food to the region’s pantry systems while also building pathways to STEM careers and education.
In this interactive session, Community Heart & Soul and the Findlay-Hancock Community Foundation explore how philanthropy can unite residents, organizations and local leaders to build trust, strengthen partnerships and advance community-driven priorities. Learn how the community of Arlington, Ohio, successfully engaged residents and partners to identify shared values and transform those insights into collective action. Grounded in the Heart & Soul principle of Involve Everyone, this session will provide practical tools, including the Community Network Analysis and Demographics at the Door to help communities engage diverse voices, strengthen partnerships and build broad community ownership. Participants will leave with actionable strategies for fostering collaboration and advancing initiatives that reflect what matters most to residents.
Sponsor:
Build your baseline knowledge of financial due diligence concepts to gain practical skills that advance your work. This introductory session is for staff and trustees with little to no finance background and will provide an overview of how to interpret revenue and expenses, assets and liabilities and introduce basic review philosophies for 990s and budgets.
5:15 - 6:15 p.m.
Visit Columbus’ tallest rooftop restaurant and lounge, towering 28 stories above High Street with 360-degree views. Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres and drinks with your colleagues before moving to your evening dinner plans or heading to see the Columbus Crew take on Charlotte FC.
Sponsor:
7 - 9:30 p.m.
Join a group of Philanthropy Forward ’26 attendees to watch Columbus’ professional soccer team, the Columbus Crew, take on Charlotte FC at 7:30 p.m. This add-on includes a ticket in a block of seats in the Lower Endline section of Scotts Miracle-Gro Field. Transportation will be provided, with departure from the Hilton at 6:45 p.m. and a return trip from the stadium area departing at 9:30 p.m. Additional cost: $55
8 - 8:45 a.m.
Enjoy a casual breakfast with colleagues before moving into your final day of learning.
8:45 - 9:15 a.m.
Start your day with an inspiring keynote on how investments in our state’s natural resources and assets are integral to building the just, vibrant Ohio we envision. This is your final opportunity to come together as a collective before transitioning to deep-dive cohorts for the rest of the day.
9:15 - 9:30 a.m.
Take a moment to transition into your deep dive for the remainder of your time at Philanthropy Forward ’26.
9:30 - 1 p.m.
Build your capacity to craft rural community narratives that are rooted in hope, prosperity and collective opportunity. Engage with colleagues from around the state as you learn the power and potential of a place-based approach to storytelling and how it can move your work – and region – forward.
Agenda Overview:
9:30 a.m. Welcome + The Story We Carry
9:45 a.m. The Power of Story – Who Gets to Define a Place?
10:45 a.m. The Narrative Audit
11:00 a.m. Break
11:15 a.m. Rural Narrative Action Lab – From Story to Strategy
12:15 p.m. Imagine Success
12:35 p.m. From Conversation to Commitment
1:00 p.m. Program Close
Learn about the fundamental shifts in Medicaid at both the local and state levels following the passage of H.R. 1. Gain insights into the implications of these changes and how philanthropy can promote equitable access to health care in Ohio. Discuss practical solutions and examine the policy landscape of the post H.R.-1 environment.
Agenda Overview:
9:30 a.m. Context Setting & Introductions (Rick Kellar, Peg’s Foundation)
9:45 a.m. Implications of H.R.1 on Medicaid in Ohio (Amy Rohling McGee, HPIO)
10:15 a.m. Potential Compounding & Downstream Policy Impacts in Ohio (Emily Campbell, Center for Community Solutions)
10:45 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Discussion on Philanthropic Strategies to Support Communities
11:15 a.m. Tabletop Scenario Planning
12:30 p.m. Group Debrief & Discussion
1:00 p.m. Program Close
Enhance your understanding of the practical and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in this workshop led by seasoned AI expert Coco Forster. Establish a shared baseline for how AI is impacting our sector, and learn about the 360° AI Strategy Framework, which helps you translate strategy into operational choices. You will leave with a 30-day action plan and a personal intentional-use charter to guide your decisions on when and how to leverage AI technology.
Agenda Overview:
9:30 a.m. Welcome + What Is Actually Happening with AI in Philanthropy
10:00 a.m. From Individual Use to Organizational Capability - The 360° AI Strategy Frame
10:30 a.m. Working Session: Where Are You Now + What Is Your “Why AI”?
11:00 a.m. Break
11:15 a.m. Intentional AI Use: Evidence-based Ways to Align AI Use with Values
12:00 p.m. AI & Programs: Reexamining Your Theory of Change in Light of AI
12:35 p.m. Take It Home: A 30-Day AI Action Plan for Your Organization
1:00 p.m. Reflections and Close
Gain valuable insight on how philanthropy can advance civic and community health. Dive into how perceptions of language can help – or hinder – our goals for connecting across difference and understand effective models of how communities are engaging partners to advance civic health through policy and practice. Then apply concepts of bridging to Census 2030 work as a fundamental and universal community engagement opportunity.
Agenda Overview:
9:30 a.m. Context Setting & Introductions
9:45 a.m. Talking Bridgey (Amy McIssaac, Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement)
11:00 a.m. Break
11:15 a.m. Community Engagement for 2030 and Beyond
12:00 p.m. Action Planning
12:45 p.m. Closing Commitments
1:00 p.m. Program Close
1 - 1:30 p.m.
Grab a boxed lunch as you wrap up your deep-dive session and enjoy informal conversation with peers or head out for your journey home.