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.
What Equity Means in Philanthropy
TUESDAY, AUG 25 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
(Doors open at 5:00 PM; Refreshments will be served)
LOCATION: The Cummer Museum, 829 Riverside Ave.
Join The Community Foundation for an engaging Donors Forum exploring “What Equity Means in Philanthropy.” This thought-provoking conversation will examine how equity shapes charitable giving, influences funding decisions, and strengthens communities. Through this conversation, attendees will gain insights into how philanthropy can move beyond traditional models of giving to foster trust, expand opportunity, and support long-term community impact. Additionally, this forum will encourage meaningful dialogue around the evolving role of philanthropy in addressing disparities, sharing power with communities, and investing in solutions that help everyone thrive.
Registration opens soon.
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 closed.
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.
Visit our Donors Forum page to learn more about the Donors Forum and view previous Donors Forum topics and events.