Registration is now open for TFN’s 25th Anniversary Conference: Be Bold Together, which takes place March 17-19 in Baltimore, Md.!
Below is a message from our TFN25 Conference Co-chairs, Thomasina (Tomi) Hiers of The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Danista E. Hunte of the Maryland Philanthropy Network and Kacey Wetzel of the Chesapeake Bay Trust.
We’re thrilled The Funders Network is celebrating its 25th Anniversary Conference in Baltimore on March 17-19.
Throughout its history, TFN has brought funders together to build relationships, align strategies and inspire action.
Opportunities to connect and collaborate have always been essential to our work.
But we know that in the coming months, many of us will be wrestling with how to channel philanthropic resources – and our own mental and physical energies – to best serve the people and places we care for.
How can we effectively work to address escalating climate crises, overcome barriers to opportunity and safeguard the wellbeing of vulnerable communities, while also navigating shifting political terrain?
Now, perhaps more than ever, is the time to lean into TFN’s incredible community of mission-aligned funders, partners and allies.
What We’re Excited About
TFN’s 25th Anniversary Conference will bring together hundreds of grantmakers representing a broad spectrum of place-based philanthropy, from small, rural community organizations to large urban foundations.
Our equity-centered learning agenda will offer practical skill-building sessions, thought-provoking breakouts and compelling plenary speakers.
We’ll also create space for generative conversations that unpack critical topics, including the post-election legal landscape and movement-building opportunities.
Baltimore has a rich history of resilience and innovation in the face of systemic challenges. We’re excited about the chance to learn from people driving meaningful change in neighborhoods across Baltimore during TFN’s signature Mobile Workshops.
And we can’t wait to celebrate our culinary heritage at the Eat Here! reception in Baltimore’s Remington neighborhood, a favorite destination for local artists, nonprofits and innovators.
TFN’s Anniversary Conference will also explore the power of media and the arts to create narrative change and social impact.
We’ll showcase local performers in our Artistic Interludes and Opening Plenary by Wombworks Productions, and offer a thoughtful documentary – and filmmaker Q&A – at our popular TFN @ the Movies event.
Join Us!
Our 25th Anniversary theme — Be Bold Together — is a call to all of us to embrace courageous action and meaningful collaboration that helps unlock environmental, economic and racial justice.
It’s also a reminder about the power of community, of finding your people, and knowing that no one is alone in this work.
We are all in this together.
So whether you’re a familiar face at TFN events or a newcomer curious about our network, we hope you’ll join us to share strategies, insight and motivation for the road ahead.
We look forward to being bold – together – in Baltimore!
With gratitude,
TFN 25th Anniversary Conference Co-chairs
Thomasina (Tomi) Hiers
Vice President, Center for Civic Sites and Community Change
The Annie E. Casey Foundation
Danista E. Hunte
President & CEO
Maryland Philanthropy Network
Kacey Wetzel
Vice President of Programs
Chesapeake Bay Trust
➡️ Learn nore about TFN’s 25th Anniversary Conference: Be Bold Together, including Agenda Highlights, Accessibility & Wellbeing policies and Childcare options., here.
Dear TNF Co-Chairs’,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my interest in conducting a plenary session at this year’s conference ~ on the topic of creating a comprehensive fund development plan.
This session will provide participants with a step-by-step approach to designing a strategic fund development plan that aligns with organizational goals and maximizes revenue streams. Attendees will gain insights into assessing funding needs, diversifying income sources, setting measurable objectives, and building sustainable donor relationships. The session will also cover tools for tracking progress and adapting strategies in response to changing circumstances.
Having attended the previous conference in New Orleans, I personally observed the need for a session that provides actionable strategies for developing a robust fund development plan. I believe this offering would fill a critical gap and empower participants to strengthen their organizations’ financial sustainability.
Thank you for considering this proposal. Please let me know if additional details are needed.
Thanks in advance for your time and consideration
Lupita