Affinity Group Programs


These events are offered by Council partners and may require separate registration. Contact the individual listed with the event for more information.

Saturday, April 9

The Association of Black Foundation Executives: Opening Plenary: Strengthening Black Families: Implications for Philanthropy, Policy and Practice

10–11:45 a.m.

Over the past 40 years, ABFE (its leadership and members) have been critical to carrying out investments to support Black communities. Our conference begins with a critical look at the foundation of our community – the Black family. We’ve invited a select group of colleagues in the field of philanthropy and beyond to lead a discussion about the current social and economic landscape for Black families and to hear their forecasts for the future.
Contact: Danielle Johnson at dani@aspecialgathering.com

Meeting Room: Franklin3/4, Level 4


The Association of Black Foundation Executives’ Luncheon and Book Signing

Noon–2 p.m.

African-American communities are many, varied, and complex. In Disintegration: The Splintering of Black America, Eugene Robinson identifies four categories of African-Americans in modern America, which he contends have replaced a more unified and coherent African-American community. Join us for a lunch discussion to hear his vision for how philanthropy might serve as a catalyst for a “domestic Marshall Plan” as a response to the needs of African-American communities.
Featured Speaker: Eugene Robinson, associate editor and columnist for The Washington Post, 2009 Pulitzer Prize winner
Contact: Danielle Johnson at dani@aspecialgathering.com

Meeting Room: Grand Ballroom A/B, Level 5


Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities - Advancing a National Green and Healthy Homes Initiative

2:30-4 p.m.

Many of America's toughest challenges, such as diminished school performance, begin at home. In this workshop, you will hear about the national Green and Healthy Homes Initiative, a program model that coordinates and unites stakeholders and resources at the decision-making level, and the role of philanthropic institutions in supporting and informing this effort. You will discuss a national health-based housing standard and examine foundations’ role in advancing this cause.
Contact: Ben Starrett at ben@fundersnetwork.org

Meeting Room: Meeting Room 405, Level 4


Africa Grantmakers’ Affinity Group: Navigating the Challenges of Funding in Africa

3– 4:30 p.m.

Learn how grantmakers funding in Africa have come together to form a learning community where they can support each other in building and sharing knowledge about the opportunities for and obstacles to making a difference. Learn how you can connect to your colleagues.
Contact: Niamani Mutima at nmutima@agag.org

Meeting Room: Franklin 2, Level 4


The Association of Black Foundation Executives: The James A. Joseph Lecture Series and Awards Ceremony

6–8 p.m.

This is ABFE’s signature event that highlights philanthropic leadership in support of Black Communities. In recognition of ABFE’s 40th Anniversary, you will hear from one of ABFE founding members, Ambassador James A. Joseph, as our twentieth James A. Joseph Lecturer. Additional 40th Anniversary activities include special recognition of ABFE leaders, past and present, as well as ABFE’s traditional Emerging Leader in Philanthropy and Institutional Leader in Philanthropy Awards. A special 40th Anniversary Gala Reception for ABFE friends, supporters and guests immediately follows the lecture and awards ceremony.
Contact: Danielle Johnson at dani@aspecialgathering.com

Meeting Room: Grand Ballroom C/D, Level 5


The Association of Black Foundation Executives’ 40th Anniversary Gala Reception

8–10:30 p.m.

In recognition of ABFE’s 40th anniversary, one of ABFE’s founding members, Ambassador James A. Joseph, will announce our 20th James A. Joseph Lecturer on Philanthropy. We will also recognize ABFE leaders, past and present, and ABFE’s Emerging Leader in Philanthropy and Institutional Leader in Philanthropy award recipients. The reception, for ABFE friends, supporters, and guests, immediately follows the lecture and awards ceremony.
Contact: Danielle Johnson at dani@aspecialgathering.com

Meeting Room: Grand Ballroom A-D, Level 5


Sunday, April 10

Grantmakers in Film + Electronic Media Open Members Meeting & Funder Roundtable On The Future Of Public Media And Journalism

8–11 a.m.

A progress report and discussion of GFEM’s current strategic planning project followed by a discussion on the future of public media and journalism with special guests Laura R. Walker, President and Chief Executive Officer of New York Public Radio and Steven Waldman, Senior Advisor to the Chairman, Federal Communications Commission. Open to GFEM members and all interested funder colleagues. Breakfast will be served. Please RSVP to Barbara Halpern by April 4, 2011.
Contact: Pamela Harris at pharris@gfem.org

Meeting Room: Liberty Salon A, Level 3


Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy - AAPIP Annual Membership Meeting & Community Program

8–11:30 a.m.

Join AAPIP for our annual membership breakfast meeting to learn about our national and regional work, welcome our newly elected board members and officers, and acknowledge departing board members. This year we are expanding our meeting to include a special program highlighting the inspiring civic engagement and organizing work in Philadelphia’s immigrant and refugee communities.
Contact: Kimi Mojica at kimi@aapip.org

Meeting Room: Independence 2/3, Level 3


Hispanics in Philanthropy - 28th Annual Membership Meeting: "The Latino Face of the Recession and What’s NEXT - A Conversation with Funders on the Frontlines"

8–11:30 a.m.
Across America the Great Recession has closed the doors of numerous nonprofit organizations and weakened others, while leaving unanswered questions about immigration, education and economic policies. Join HIP and fellow Latino leaders in philanthropy as experts and funders guide thoughtful analysis and discussion. Take advantage of this chance to connect with your fellow Latino leaders and share challenges and best practices that can help make a greater impact with better investments in Latinos in the U.S. and Latin America.
Contact: Irene Cedillo at irenec@hiponline.org

Meeting Room: Liberty Salon B, Level 3

International Funders for Indigenous Peoples - Sharing Wisdom and Successful Practices in Funding Indigenous Communities

9–11 a.m.

Indigenous peoples represent more than 95 percent of the world’s cultural diversity, and their territories contain more than 80 percent of the planet’s biodiversity. The session aims to raise awareness about powerful existing networks where indigenous communities and global philanthropy interact, and provide a platform for funders and community members to discuss how to address communication and cultural issues. Participants will receive a complimentary copy of the new publication, “A Grantmakers Guide: Strengthening International Indigenous Philanthropy.”
Contact: Evelyn Arce at evelyn@internationalfunders.org

Meeting Room: Grand Ballroom C, Level 5


Grantmakers for Children, Youth, and Families - The Real AAA: Access and Assets to Advance Family Economic Security

9:30–11 a.m.

Children and youth are vulnerable to specific risks when parents lack the earnings, assets, and access to services and supports to consistently meet the needs of the family. Join GCYF in an interactive session that focuses on affordable transportation and youth employment as essential to family economic security.
Contact: Bethlehem Dammlash at bdammlash@gcyf.org

Meeting Room: Liberty Salon C, Level 3


The Association of Black Foundation Executives’ Insight Forum - Valuing Regional Partnerships: Promising Philanthropic Strategies in Black Communities

9:30–10:30 a.m.

The Black Philanthropic Network is a group of regionally focused associations who have partnered with ABFE to identify trends across the United States and exchange promising strategies for addressing issues that arise from the economic uncertainty plaguing our country. This year’s Insight Forum features partners working with African-American communities in America’s Midwest, Northwest, and West Coast regions to discuss four promising programs.
Contact: Danielle Johnson at dani@aspecialgathering.com

Meeting Room: Franklin 1, Level 4


Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities - Smart Growth and Livable Communities Coffee Klatch

10–11 a.m.

Do you like the way your community is growing and changing? Are things getting better or worse? Join members and staff for coffee, healthy snacks, and conversation about the effects of growth and development decisions on your community and the role of foundations in addressing quality-of-life issues.
Contact: Ben Starrett at ben@fundersnetwork.org

Meeting Room: Meeting Room 405, Level 4


The Association of Black Foundation Executives’ Closing Ceremony - Taking A Look Back to Move Forward

10:30–11 a.m.

In the West African Akan language, sankofa means to go back to our roots in order to progress. It suggests that there is value in gathering the best of what our past has taught us so that we can realize our full potential. Whatever we may have lost or forgotten can be made relevant, again. In this spirit, join us as we close the weekend with a video presentation highlighting ABFE leaders and events.
Contact: Danielle Johnson at dani@aspecialgathering.com

Meeting Room: Franklin 2, Level 4


Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy: Leaders in Levi’s ® Reception

8-11 p.m.

Cap off the evening and join us in celebrating Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy’s 10th anniversary of strengthening the next generation of philanthropic leaders. Meet peers who share a commitment to fostering courageous, pioneering philanthropy at this reception proudly sponsored by the Levi Strauss Foundation.
Contact: Phuong Quach at phuongquach@gmail.com

Meeting Room: Grand Ballroom D, Level 5