Plenary Sessions


Keeping the Stories Alive: The Role of Philanthropy in the Arts

Monday, February 13 - 5-6:30 p.m.

Meeting Room: Americana Salon 1-3, Second Level


There is a reason why some people believe a picture is worth a thousand words. Art, especially performance art, tells a story through powerful movement, sounds, and stirring choreography. See stories come to life during this inspirational and entertaining session and find out how integral philanthropic dollars are to keeping the arts alive. Experience the work of a videographer and watch performances from a flamenco dancer, an instrumental quartet, a chorus, and an actor.

Speaker: Jane Gilbert, Community Affairs Officer, Wells Fargo
Session Designers: Gary Lund, Director, Anchor Arts Management, Inc.; Adriana Perez, Cultural Projects Administrator, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs
Performers: Clarita Filgueiras, Seraphic Fire, Teo Castellanos D-Projects, Dinorah de Jesús Rodríguez, and New World Symphony



Education Breakfast Plenary: Getting Our Kids Unstuck

Tuesday, February 14 - 8:30-10 a.m.

Meeting Room: Americana Salon 1-3, Second Level


There are a few powerhouse individuals who have said no to the status quo and are meeting today’s many education-related challenges head-on. One of them is Ron Clark—the New York Times bestselling author of Ending Molasses Classes: Getting our Kids Unstuck and the founder of the Ron Clark Academy. Hear how he is awakening the love of learning in today’s students and offering real solutions to help parents, teachers, and communities do the same. You’ll leave this plenary session with a sense of urgency and a full to-do list.

Presenters: Ron Clark, Founder, The Ron Clark Academy

Tuesday Lunch Plenary: Capital for Impact: Broadening the Reach of Your Investments 

Tuesday, February 14 - 12:30-2 p.m.

Meeting Room: Americana Salon 1-3, Second Level


Jonathan Greenblatt brings fresh energy to his new post as Director of the Office of Social Innovation at the White House. Successful at a variety of initiatives, he co-founded Ethos Water (acquired by Starbucks), founded All for Good (acquired by Points of Light), and was founding director of the Aspen Institute’s Impact Economy Initiative, a professor at UCLA and much more.

Don’t miss Greenblatt’s remarks on philanthropy, business and government going beyond boundaries to work together. Get ready to think dynamically about driving impact through investment and partnership.

Breakfast Plenary: Revitalizing Our Work: Stewardship Principles, Family Philanthropy, and You! 

Wednesday, February 15 - 7:30-9 a.m.

Meeting Room: Americana Salon 1-3, Second Level
Breakfast will be served in Americana 4.


In 2004, the Council’s Family Philanthropy Committee published Stewardship Principles for Family Foundations—the culmination of a field-wide effort to identify principles and practice options that strengthen philanthropic performance and help families achieve lasting and positive impact through their philanthropy. Now the committee needs your help once again to ensure the principles remain relevant as a helpful roadmap on effective practices in family giving and provide guidance to navigate new, critical challenges in a rapidly changing environment. As the first step in this process, we invite you to roll up your sleeves for a lively, interactive discussion with members of the committee and the Stewardship Principles Working Group. Your input will be included as the Council rereleases the Stewardship Principles later this year.

Stewardship Principles Working Group Members: Reginald Jones, president, Steans Family Foundation; Victor DeLuca, president, Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation; Christine Elbel, executive director, Fleishhacker Foundation; Elenore Garton, trustee, Marie C. and Joseph C. Wilson Foundation; Adam Gibbons, Trustee, Rasmuson Foundation; Douglas B. Stewart, Executive Director, Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation

Lunch Plenary: The Changing Face of Family Philanthropy: A Conversation on How Cultures, Nationalities, and Communities Are Making a Difference

Wednesday, February 15 - 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Meeting Room: Americana Salon 1-3, Second Level


See what's in store at the 2013 Family Philanthropy Conference!


A conversation about diversity and how it influences the way we carry out our philanthropic giving. Family philanthropists including Alonzo and Tracy Mourning will share their successes and—equally as important—talk about the trials they have faced along the way. Fusion, the theme of the 2012 conference, will be part of the discussion as we explore how cultures, nationalities, and communities are quickly blending to change the face of family philanthropy.

Presenters: Alonzo Mourning, Founder, Alonzo Mourning Charities; Tracy Mourning, Founder, Honey Shine Mentoring Program; Carmen Castellano, President, Castellano Family Foundation; Ruth Cummings, Trustee, The Nathan Cummings Foundation; Jaimie Mayer Phinney, Associate, The Nathan Cummings Foundation
Moderator and Session Designer: Reginald Jones, President, Steans Family Foundation