events
2026 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.
Food Insecurity in Focus: Policy, Practice, and Philanthropy
THURSDAY, APRIL 30 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
(Doors open at 11:00 AM)
LOCATION: The River Club, 1 Independent Dr. #3500
Food insecurity is a pressing and complex challenge facing our community — one which intersects with poverty, education, health outcomes, and racial disparities.
This Donors Forum will offer expert insights on the issue of hunger to help you gain a deeper understanding of the needs and the solutions. We’ll discuss how public policy, community-based services, and philanthropy can come together to meet short-term needs and realize long-term progress.
Robin Safley, CEO of Feeding Florida, will share a statewide perspective on the role of food banks as well as the policy environment affecting the need for food.
Following her talk, Lauren Rueger, chair of the Program & Initiatives committee of the Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees, will lead a conversation about food security on the local level, drawing on insights from the Foundation’s recent grantmaking to address hunger with panelists, Katie Ensign, Vice President of Community Impact at Baptist Health and Josh Martino, past chair of the board of Feeding Northeast Florida and fundholder at The Community Foundation.
Registration opens soon.
Investing for the Future: How Early Learning Shapes Young Minds
THURSDAY, MARCH 26 | 11:30 – 1:00 PM
(Doors open at 11:00 AM)
LOCATION: The River Club, 1 Independent Dr. #3500
The earliest years of a child’s life lay the foundation for educational outcomes, well-being, and long-term success. In this program, you’ll have an opportunity to take part in an engaging conversation about how early learning and literacy instruction shape brain development, school readiness, and lifelong outcomes for children.
Dr. Dan Wuori, author of The Daycare Myth, will share data on progress and challenges as well as proven strategies to help ensure children enter kindergarten ready to learn and thrive. Then, a panel of state and local leaders will offer their insights on the landscape of early learning.
Speakers: Dan Wuori, Ph.D., Author, The Daycare Myth; Stacy Baier, Ph.D., Helios Education Foundation; Makayla Buchanan, The Children’s Movement of Florida; and Rachael Tutwiler Fortune, Jacksonville Public Education Fund.
Registration closed.
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.
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.