events
2025 Donors Forum
The Donors Forum of Northeast Florida works to promote and strengthen philanthropy in our region by inspiring individual philanthropists, donors and foundations to share their knowledge about philanthropy and community issues. Our fundholders, as well as representatives of private, corporate, independent and family foundations in Northeast Florida, are invited to learn about regional programs of philanthropic interest, discuss issues of mutual concern, and explore collaborative grantmaking opportunities.
Please note: Invitations to Donors Forum are non-transferable.
Four Programs this Fall
What's Next for Philanthropy in a Changing Landscape?
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26 | 5:00 – 7:30 PM
LOCATION: Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
Our August Donors Forum takes place during Black Philanthropy Month, amid a season of shifting expectations for civic and philanthropic leadership — in our state and across the country.
How are today’s philanthropic leaders navigating complexity while staying rooted in purpose? How do we build trust in communities where histories differ, needs compete, and lived experiences shape what people see as progress? What does it look like to lead from a place of authenticity — and toward a future that works for everyone?
Join us for a timely conversation hosted by Isaiah M. Oliver, President of The Community Foundation with two national philanthropic leaders:
- Joe Scantlebury, President & CEO of Living Cities, a member collaborative of leading philanthropic foundations and financial institutions committed to closing income and wealth gaps in the United States.
- Dr. Sherece Y. West-Scantlebury, President & CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation leads efforts focused on transforming systems across education, economy, and social class in Arkansas.
This gathering will explore how personal experience, public responsibility, and institutional leadership intersect — and how each of us can show up for the communities we serve with clarity, courage, and care.
This is a space for funders of all backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives to reflect on what’s next — not just for philanthropy, but for the people and places it exists to support.
Registration opens soon.
The Impact of Collective Giving
THURSDAY, APRIL 17 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
LOCATION: The River Club
According to In Abundance: An Analysis of the Thriving Landscape of Collective Giving in the U.S. (2024), a report from the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, Philanthropy Together, and Colmena Consulting, nearly 4,000 collective giving groups with more than 370,000 members mobilized $3.1 billion between 2017 and 2023. What makes collective giving such a powerful movement, and how is our community embracing this approach? The co-author of the report, Michael Layton, PhD, will join local leaders of The Community Foundation’s giving circles for a discussion about growing philanthropy by bringing people together.
Pluralism & Philanthropy
THURSDAY, SEPT 5 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
(Doors open at 11:00 AM)
LOCATION: Adam W. Herbert University Center at UNF, 12000 Alumni Dr.
In polarizing times, conversations across differences can be challenging. John Inazu is a leading expert on the First Amendment freedoms of speech, assembly, and religion whose newest book is Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect. Join us as Mr. Inazu shares insights and best practices from this work.
The Case for LGBTQ Philanthropy
WEDNESDAY, OCT 23 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
(Doors open at 11:00 AM)
LOCATION: The River Club, 1 Independent Dr. #3500
Understanding and advancing equity for LGBTQ individuals is imperative for Northeast Florida to maintain a competitive and attractive business environment and healthy economic outlook. In partnership with Funders for LGBTQ Issues, we will explore the role of philanthropy in advancing inclusion and providing resources for our LGBTQ neighbors.
A Community Approach to Health Equity
TUESDAY, AUG 13 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
(Doors open at 11:00 AM)
LOCATION: The Cummer Museum, 829 Riverside Ave.
How do our communities influence health and well-being, and why do disparities in health outcomes persist? Dr. Gail C. Christopher, an award-winning change agent widely recognized for designing holistic strategies for social change, shares her insights with us as we celebrate Black Philanthropy Month. Dr. Christopher is the former Senior Advisor and Vice President of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and past Executive Director of the Institute for Government Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Registration is closed.
Register Now for 'Driving Student Success'
Visit our Donors Forum page to learn more about the Donors Forum and view previous Donors Forum topics and events.