Innovations in International Philanthropy Symposium

8:00 - 8:30 am

8:30 - 9:00 am

9:00 - 10:30 am
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Arrival & Registration

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Breakfast & Networking

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Workshop Series 1

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Track 1: Building Trust in Institutions

A paramount challenge in so many societies today is renewing our social contract with government and society. This session will explore lessons learned globally on how to effectively rebuild civic trust, elevate inclusive participation, and strengthen democratic resilience.

• Dr. Cecilia Conrad, CEO, Lever for Change

• Yordanos Eyoel, Founder and CEO, Keseb

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Track 2: Applying a Blended Finance Approach to Livelihoods​​

What does it look like to invest in a way that shifts power and centers equity? This session unpacks how foundations and individual funders are aligning their portfolios with social justice values – and the returns that matter most.

• Lauren Sercu, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Sorenson Impact Advisory

• Jesse Simmons, Managing Director, Research & Advisory, CapShift

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Track 3: Trends and the Role of Philanthropy Support Organizations in the Future of
the Sector​

The global development ecosystem is undergoing rapid change this year.  This session will explore how organizations (large and small), governments and other involved actors are adjusting to this changed funding landscape and what new priorities, opportunities, and challenges there are.

• Cheri-Leigh Erasmus, Co-CEO Chief Learning and Agility Officer, Accountability Lab

• Mosun Layode, CEO, African Philanthropy Forum

Track 4: Applying Power and Equity Practices to Your International Philanthropy​

Shifting power and changing one’s relationship with grantees in an effort to create more equity takes practice and commitment. This session will feature practical recommendations from global funders who have adopted equity approaches and share both successes and lessons learned from the journey.

• Jessie Cronan, Co-Founder, Daraja Partners

• Solomon Makuza, Co-Founder, Daraja Partners

• Beatrice Onyango, Senior Equitable Giving Manager, Segal Family Foundation​​

Refreshments & Networking

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Workshop Series 2

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Track 1: Rebuilding the Future of Media​

The media is a cornerstone of democratic society – but it's under siege globally. Join leaders in philanthropy funding media around the world to learn about funding strategies that help to safeguard truth, rebuild public trust, and ensure impact in a fractured media landscape.

• Liz Baker, Senior Director of Public Engagement, Humanity United

• Lynette Clemeston, Director, Wallace House Center for Journalists

• Kathy Im, Director, Journalism and Media, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation (moderator)

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Track 2: How to Find the Right Values-Based Advisor​

Choosing an advisor is one of the most consequential decisions an impact-oriented funder can make. Get practical tools and tips for vetting advisors, asking the right questions, and building a values-aligned investment relationship.

• ​Ellen Remmer, Senior Partner, The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI), and Co-Founder, Invest for Better

• Lisa Renstrom, Co-Founder and President, ValuesAdvisor

• Kate Simpson, Co-Founder and Head of Outreach, ValuesAdvisor

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Track 3: Supporting Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship in the Global South​

In the post USAID development environment, supporting innovation and social entrepreneurship takes on renewed priority for global funders. Learn from three leaders in this space how they are engaging diaspora funders and supporting innovation (as opposed to extending charity) to create change globally.

• Brigit Helms, Executive Director, Miller Center for Global Impact

• Cheryl Kiser, Founding Executive Director, The Institute for Social Innovation at Babson College (moderator)

• Almaz Negash, CEO, African Diaspora Network

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Track 4: Protecting the Vulnerable – How to Mainstream Marginalized Causes

Around the world, marginalized communities face disproportionate harm. Too often, their experiences are only heard by others who share the same identity or challenge. Hear from funders who are shifting resources and narratives to elevate lived experience and support movements that center justice and protection.

• Adam-Michael Royston, Founder, The Queer Livelihoods Project

• Lisa Spalding, Senior Partner, The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI) (moderator)

• Steve Williams, Co-Founder and CEO, Kyaninga Child Development Centre

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Lunch & Networking​

Afternoon Keynote: Standing Together to Fight Global Authoritarianism

More than 70% of the world today is under an authoritarian government or fighting major authoritarian movements.  How do we stand together to reverse this trend and what are the movements and institutions that are instrumental in bringing us together?

• Annie Boyajian, Co-President, Freedom House (moderator)

• Branko Brkic, Founder, Project Kontinuum

• Leopoldo López, Co-Founder & Secretary General, World Liberty Congress 

• Félix Maradiaga, Director, World Liberty Congress Academy

Workshop Series 3

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Track 1: Protecting Civil Society Globally​

In many countries, civil society organizations face increasing restrictions. Learn how funders are navigating this trend, partnering with local actors, and using creative approaches to keep civic space open and vibrant.

• Nick Deychakiwsky, Senior Program Officer, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

• Lily Liu, Legal Advisor, International Center for Not-for-Profit Law

• Mandeep Tiwana, Secretary General, CIVICUS

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Track 2: Investing in Climate Solutions​

Climate change demands bold financial strategies. This session will provide an overview of how to use impact investment strategies to support cutting-edge climate innovations that are driving measurable change.

• Dana François, Program Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

• Matthew Patsky, CEO & Portfolio Manager, Trillium Asset Management 

• Dipti Pratt, Managing Director of Americas, Toniic

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Track 3: How to be an Effective International Donor in the New Global Ecosystem​

The global aid landscape is changing rapidly, with rising calls for localization and more equitable funding flows. Discover new models and best practices from three different innovative funders that are testing new approaches, how to work collaboratively and lessons learned to support a rapidly changing social landscape globally.

• Marie Dageville, Co-Founder, The Patchwork Collective

• Kate Moger, Consultant, Resilio Fund

• Carol Karutu, Vice President of Programs, The End Fund

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Track 4: Supporting Women and Girls as Leaders in Communities

Globally sustainable change is more guaranteed when women and girls are leaders of transformative change. Explore powerful models of funding that invest in female leadership, amplify their impact, and drive systemic progress.

• PeiYao Chen, President and CEO, Global Fund for Women

• Myriam Narcisse, Executive Director, Haiti Adolescent Girls Network

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Refreshments & Networking

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Closing Keynote: Philanthropy’s Agency to Transform Systems and Meet the Moment​

Our world is witnessing a breakdown in values, accountability, and order. Democratic systems, multilateral institutions, and public trust are under attack and strained, with long-trusted champions of progress now in disarray. At the same time, philanthropy has largely settled into predictable patterns, often seeking known actors and measurable projects. This unique moment demands something more ambitious. Join us to explore the role of philanthropy in meeting this moment of systemic crisis.

• Heba Aly, Director, Article 109 (formerly the UN Charter Reform Coalition)

• Brian Kagoro, Managing Director of Programs, Open Society Foundations

• Rakesh Rajani, President, Just Systems