2026 Corporate Giving Conference

A three-day mixed format conference designed for nonprofits focusing on growing revenue from the for-profit sector.

Topics covered include all parts of corporate giving including philanthropy, sponsorships, cause marketing, employee volunteerism, and workplace giving. Skills needed to attract, acquire, and retain corporate funders are offered via Skills Building Workshops. Networking opportunities are available via small breakout chat rooms.

March 3 In Person
Los Angeles – Natural History Museum
Seattle – Columbia Tower Club
San Francisco – Dropbox HQ (This city’s in-person event is sold out)

March 4 & 5 Virtual

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Reasons To Attend

Professional Development

As you earn 7 CFRE points, post this accomplishment on your LinkedIn profile. Your organization knows you are committed to continuous learning and improvement which leads to increased revenue for your organization. As your knowledge grows, so does your ability to develop deeper and sustainable relationships with your donors. With added knowledge, you explore all aspects of corporate giving including cause marketing, employer matching gifts, and year-long sponsorships.

Upskilling

More than anything, this is an educational conference designed to give you practical and actionable knowledge and skills. Don’t understand a concept or idea, ask! Our conference is interactive with the opportunity to ask the presenters questions.

Networking

Meet corporate funders! Interact with your colleagues from across the country doing the same work that you do. Share best practices and resources. Ask questions about your challenges. Learn from those with multiple years experience.

March 3rd March 4th March 5th

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March 3rd | In-Person Details

11:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Los Angeles In-Person Luncheon Presentation

Location:

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Free Parking

Schedule:

11:00 am: Check-in, meet, greet, and mingle

11:45 am: Lunch served

12:15 pm: Panel discussion with corporate funders

1:30 pm: Program end

Topic:

Corporate philanthropists and funders from major companies will discuss how they meaningfully invest in nonprofits and drive measurable impact in the Greater Los Angeles Area.

Panelists:

Brittany Cruickshank – MATTEL
Leslie Gonzalez – UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
Jennifer Nickerson – CITY NATIONAL BANK

Moderator:

Shanda Vangas – COREBRIDGE FINANCIAL

Host:

Erik Zamora – NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY

11:00 AM - 1:30 PM

San Francisco In-Person Luncheon Presentation (SOLD OUT)

Location:

Dropbox Head Office
1800 Owens Street, San Francisco, CA 94158

Schedule:

11:00 am: Check-in, meet, greet, and mingle

11:45 am: Lunch served

12:15 pm: Panel discussion with corporate funders

1:30 pm: Program end

Topic:

Corporate philanthropists and funders from major companies will discuss how they meaningfully invest in nonprofits and drive measurable impact in the Bay Area.

Panelists:

Emily White – Senior Director, Philanthropy SALESFORCE
Nadine James – Social Impact | Corporate Purpose Leader CISCO
V. Lokelani Montero – Senior Vice President, Community Relations Manager BANK OF AMERICA

Moderator:

Alissa May – Vice President of Impact GOODERA

Hosts:

Tina Lee – Director, Head of Social Impact and Sustainability DROPBOX

Guests:

Erik Larsen – COLUMBIA BANK

2:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Seattle In-Person Afternoon Presentation (SOLD OUT)

Location:

Columbia Tower Club – Washington Room
701 5th Avenue, 76th Floor, Seattle, WA 98104

Schedule:

2:30pm – 3:15pm: Check-in, meet, greet, and mingle.

3:15pm – 4:15pm: Panel Discussion

4:15 pm – 5:00pm: Networking

Panelists:

David Moore Devine COLUMBIA BANK
Rachel Benner PUGET SOUND ENERGY
Stephanie Lizza KAISER PERMANENTE

Moderator:

Joy Stephens

March 4th | Virtual Conference Agenda

8:00 AM

Opening Remarks

8:10 AM PT

Socio-Economic Crosswinds: How a Year Changed Corporate Giving

In just twelve months, the ground under corporate philanthropy shifted—economically, politically, and socially. We’ll unpack the big picture: slowing-but-resilient growth amid tariff-driven uncertainty (IMF), rising yet uneven CEO confidence (PwC; The Conference Board), and a trust landscape that’s pressuring business to lead credibly on societal issues (Edelman). What does that add up to for corporate giving budgets, focus areas, and expectations of CEOs?

According to CECP’s Giving in Numbers research, corporate community investment typically tracks company performance (e.g., giving as a share of revenue/pre-tax profit), reinforcing a practical truth: when business is strong, companies can sustain or expand CSR/philanthropy; when margins compress, generosity tightens and portfolios rebalance.

In 2024, U.S. charitable giving grew overall—helped by market gains—creating tailwinds for many programs, including corporate gifts. But 2025’s policy volatility and mixed sentiment suggest sharper scrutiny of ROI, alignment to core strategy, and stakeholder trust. We’ll translate these macro signals into budget guidance, issue priorities, and C-suite talking points you can use now.

Speakers:
Rob Howell COLUMBIA TRUST COMPANY
Diane Yentel NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NONPROFITS

9:10 AM

BREAK

9:30 AM

Corporate Philanthropy 2026: Trust, Trends & Tough Questions

The corporate giving landscape is in flux—and funders and nonprofits alike are asking: Where is it all heading for the rest of the year?

This session dives into the latest research and practitioner insights on corporate philanthropy trends. According to T. Rowe Price’s Trust-Based Philanthropy Report, more companies are experimenting with unrestricted support and longer-term commitments. Yet at the same time, many funders are tightening access through “by invitation only” grant portals and CSR “access codes,” raising questions about equity and transparency.

Community-Centric Fundraising principles are influencing some portfolios, but traditional ROI-driven approaches still dominate. Meanwhile, companies continue to seek high-impact employee engagement opportunities—often in hybrid or virtual formats that broaden participation. Furthermore, what are the new tax laws that take effect in 2026 doing to the size and type of philanthropy?

Panel:

Laura Gallagher – Global Head, Corporate Citizenship – AIG
Nancy Molenda – Vice President, Global Corporate Events and Philanthropy – MATTEL

10:30 AM

BREAK

10:45 AM

Sponsorship 2.0: How Corporations Are Reimagining Support for Nonprofits

Sponsorships—corporate investments in a nonprofit’s events, programs, or other assets—have cycled through periods of popularity and decline and continue to evolve from logo placement to purpose-driven partnerships. Today’s funders are looking for demonstrated impact, digital engagement, and employee activation, alongside traditional event support. This session will examine current sponsorship trends, innovative activation models, and practical strategies nonprofits can use to differentiate themselves, deliver measurable results, and build durable corporate relationships.

With new tax rules taking effect in 2026, C corporations will not receive a charitable deduction for gifts to a 501(c)(3) until contributions exceed 1% of pre-tax income. Will sponsorships experience an increase in popularity? Our panelists will discuss.

Panel:

Rachel Benner – PUGET SOUND ENERGY
Erica McIntire – BANK OF AMERICA
Maria Perez – SPONSORSHIP LOUNGE

12:00 PM

Networking Breakouts: Part 1

Breakouts by geography

Choose one of the chatrooms below to join fellow corporate fundraising colleagues in a facilitated discussion about the opportunities and challenges in the city where you live, work and play. Each chatroom will be guided by a facilitator to keep the conversation engaging and on track.

Rooms:

Los Angeles
San Francisco
Seattle
Rural
Other metro city

12:45 PM

Networking Breakouts: Part 2

Breakouts by sector

Choose one of the chatrooms below to join fellow corporate fundraising colleagues in a facilitated discussion about the opportunities and challenges in the sector you work in. Each chatroom will be guided by a facilitator who is a senior fundraiser. Expect the conversation to be engaging, on track, and educational.

Rooms:

1:30 PM

END OF DAY 1

March 5th | Virtual Conference Agenda

8:00 AM

OPENING REMARKS

8:05 AM

Skills Building Workshops

AI and Philanthropy: Promise, Pitfalls, and the Future for Corporate Giving

AI is changing philanthropy—but is it a game-changer or a risk? From prospecting and reporting to storytelling, funders and nonprofits are testing generative AI to save time and boost impact. Yet questions of bias, equity, and environmental cost loom large. This session unpacks the promise and pitfalls of AI in corporate giving, offering practical insights and ethical guardrails so you can harness technology responsibly without losing sight of mission and equity.

Facilitator:

Lara Jackson, Founder, GRANTS FOR ORGS

Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) on the Rise: How Companies Are Reimagining Corporate Giving Without a Foundation

DAFs don’t fit neatly into nonprofit fundraising or corporate giving strategies. And they are wildly popular with donors, financial advisors, and are definitely the hot new product on the financial market. Corporations are experimenting with DAFs to see if and how they integrate into their CGS. This session explores why DAFs are on the rise, how they fit into today’s CSR strategies, and what nonprofits need to know to effectively engage with this fast-growing funding model. Come with your questions—logistical, ethical, to explore DAFs.

Facilitator:

Chelsea Lientz, DAF Advisor CTL STRATEGY

Tools of the Trade: Tech Solutions Every Corporate Giving Professional Should Know

The right technology can accelerate your corporate giving strategy. From smart prospecting tools to effective CRMs that manage donor databases and the ‘moves management’ process, today’s platforms help nonprofits work more efficiently and strategically. In this session, vendors will showcase solutions that increase engagement, streamline operations, and drive revenue—tools you can implement now to strengthen partnerships and grow corporate support.

Facilitators:

Robert MacKinnon KINDSIGHT
Joe Mata MATA CONSULTING
Daniel LeGeek AMPLY

Crypto Philanthropy: What Corporate Giving Professionals Need to Know

Crypto is entering the corporate giving mainstream. With at least five major foundations now facilitating cryptocurrency donations, the question is no longer if but how nonprofits and funders should prepare. Timed with Crypto Week (June 14–18), this workshop explores the opportunities and risks of crypto philanthropy, from compliance and volatility to transparency and global impact. Learn how companies are experimenting with blockchain-enabled giving and what nonprofits can do now to get ready for this fast-emerging trend.

Facilitator:

Merlin Rothfeld TRADING ACADEMY Senior Director of Content Production

9:00 AM

BREAK

9:10 AM

Skills Building Workshops

AI and Philanthropy: Promise, Pitfalls, and the Future of Corporate Giving

Facilitator:

Lara Jackson, Founder, GRANTS FOR ORGS

Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) on the Rise: How Companies Are Reimagining Corporate Giving Without a Foundation

DAFs don’t fit neatly into nonprofit fundraising or corporate giving strategies. And they are wildly popular with donors, financial advisors, and are definitely the hot new product on the financial market. Corporations are experimenting with DAFs to see if and how they integrate into their philanthropic initiatives. This session explores why DAFs are on the rise, how they fit into today’s CSR strategies, and what nonprofits need to know to effectively engage with this fast-growing funding model. Come with your questions—logistical, ethical, to explore DAFs.

Facilitator:

Chelsea Lientz DAF Consultant CTL STRATEGY

Tools of the Trade: Tech Solutions Every Corporate Giving Professional Should Know

Facilitators:

Robert MacKinnon KINDSIGHT
Joe Mata MATA CONSULTING

Crypto Philanthropy: What Corporate Giving Professionals Need to Know

Facilitator:

Merlin Rothfeld TRADING ACADEMY Senior Director of Content Production

10:00 AM

BREAK

10:15 AM

How Nonprofits Can Stand Out in Corporate Partnership Selection

As nonprofits diversify revenue streams, corporate partnerships are becoming increasingly vital. According to BDO’s 2025 Nonprofit Benchmarking Survey, 49% of nonprofits are actively pursuing corporate giving as part of their funding strategy. This panel explores how BDO selects its nonprofit partners through a structured, employee-driven process—and what nonprofits can learn to better position themselves for collaboration. Attendees will gain practical insights into corporate decision-making, partnership readiness, and aligning with business values to amplify impact.

Panel:

Angie Brewer BDO USA
Chad Gabriel BDO USA
Catheryn McAleavey BDO USA

11:15 AM

BREAK

11:30 AM

Bridging the Gap - what funders wish for yet charities do not provide, and vice versa. Moving closer toward understanding each other’s perspectives.

There is a symbiotic relationship between the corporate funder/sponsor and the nonprofit entity. They need each other to achieve their goals. Yet, on many occasions, there is a disconnect between these two. What works well for one side conflicts with what works well for the other, and vice versa. Examples that come to mind include multi-year grants, trust-based philanthropy, applying for funding without alignment, and so on. This session will consist of funders and nonprofits discussing these differences, each side explaining why these issues exist and then actions that can be adopted to lessen the gap.

Panel

Garrett Dolan IMMIGRANT CONNECTION (formerly Tyson Foods & Shell Oil)
Gina Breukelman BOEING
Kevin Thompson UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
Mike Cheever COLLEGE SUCCESS FOUNDATION
Susan Bell WOODLAND PARK ZOO
Inez Maubane Jones SEATTLE ARTS AND LECTURE (formerly)
Emma Dubery MUSEUM OF FLIGHT

12:30 PM

BREAK

12:45 PM

The Future of DEI in Corporate Giving: Rethinking Language, Strategy, and Impact

Is DEI disappearing—or just changing its name? As companies face cultural pressures, some are restructuring DEI programs, shifting Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), or moving away from the acronym altogether. Yet equity-driven giving and partnerships remain powerful fundraising tools. This session explores what’s really happening in corporate DEI, how nonprofits can adapt their language and strategies, and where Community-Centric Fundraising fits in. Learn how to keep equity at the core—and your fundraising relevant—in today’s evolving landscape.

Panel:

Orlando Ashford NATIONAL BLACK MBA ASSOCIATION
Cassandra Mitchell PROVIDENCE
Blair Taylor ASU, UCLA, URBAN LEAGUE OF METROPOLITAN SEATTLE
Kim Vu ARMOIRE, CRISIS TEXT LINE, RAISE FOR GOOD

1:45 PM

CLOSING REMARKS & PRIZE GIVEAWAYS

2026 Conference Speakers

Orlando Ashford

NATIONAL BLACK MBA ASSOCIATION

Interim Chief Executive Officer
Session:
March 5, DEI: Its Future in Corporate Giving – Rethinking Language, Strategy, and Impact

Susan Bell

WOODLAND PARK ZOO

Senior Corporate Philanthropy Officer
Session:
March 5, Bridging the Gap

Rachel Benner

PUGET SOUND ENERGY

Community Giving Manager + Executive Director, Puget Sound Energy Foundation
Session:
March 3, In Person Seattle
March 4 at 10:45 AM PT
Sponsorship 2.0: How Corporations Are Reimagining Support for Nonprofits

Gina Breukelman

BOEING

Senior Manager, Boeing Global Engagement Northwest Region
Session:
March 5, Bridging the Gap.

Angie Brewer

BDO USA

Director, Social Impact Programs
Session:
March 5 How Nonprofits Can Stand Out in Corporate Partnership Selection

Brittany Cruickshank

MATTEL

Mattel Children’s Foundation & Corporate Philanthropy
Session:
March 3, In Person Los Angeles

David Moore Divine

COLUMBIA BANK

EVP, Chief Marketing Officer
Session:
March 3, In Person Seattle

Garrett Dolan

TYSON FOODS & SHELL OIL (fmr)

Corporate Funder (fmr)
Session:
March 5 – Bridging the Gap

Emma Dubery

MUSEUM OF FLIGHT

Corporate Partnerships Officer
Session:
March 5 – Bridging the Gap

Chad Gabriel

BDO USA

Senior Director, Social Impact
Session:
March 5 How Nonprofits Can Stand Out in Corporate Partnership Selection

Laura Gallagher

AIG

Global Head, Corporate Citizenship
Session:
March 4 at 9:30 AM PT
Corporate Philanthropy 2026: Trust, Trends & Tough Questions

Leslie Gonzalez

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD

Community Relations Program Specialist
Session:
March 3 In Person Los Angeles

Rob Howell

COLUMBIA TRUST COMPANY

SVP, Managing Director
Session:
March 4 at 8:00 AM PT
Geo-Political & Socio-Economic Crosswinds: How a Year Changed Corporate Giving

Lara Jackson

GRANTS FOR ORGS

Founder
Session:
March 5: Skills Building Workshop, AI and Philanthropy: Promise, Pitfalls, and the Future of Corporate Giving

Nadine James

CISCO

Senior Manager for Community Impact
Session:
March 3 In Person in San Francisco

Inez Maubane Jones

SEATTLE ARTS AND LECTURE (fmr)

Corporate & Foundation Relations Manager
Session:
March 5 Bridging the Gap

Erik Larsen

COLUMBIA BANK

Senior Vice President, Sr. Middle Market Commercial Banker
Session:
March 3 In Person San Francisco

Chelsea Lientz

CTL STRATEGY

DAF Consultant
Session:
March 5 Skills Building Workshop

Stephanie Lizza

KAISER PERMANENTE

Senior Director, Community Health – Northwest and Washington
Session:
March 3 In Person in Seattle

Robert MacKinnon

KINDSIGHT

Director of Referral Partner Relationships
Session:
March 5 Skills Building Workshop – Tools of the Trade

Alissa May

GOODERA

Vice President of Impact
Session:
March 3 In Person San Francisco

Cathryn McAleavey

BDO USA

Principal
Session:
March 5 How Nonprofits Can Stand Out in Corporate Partnership Selection

Erica McIntire

BANK OF AMERICA

Colorado Market Executive, Local Market Optimization
Session:
March 4 at 10:45 AM PT
Sponsorship 2.0: How Corporations Are Reimagining Support for Nonprofits

Cassandra Mitchell

PROVIDENCE

Director, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Session:
March 5 – The Future of DEI in Corporate Giving

Nancy Molenda

MATTEL

Vice President, Global Corporate Events & Philanthropy
Session:
March 4 at 9:30 AM PT
Corporate Philanthropy 2026: Trust, Trends & Tough Questions

Lokelani Montero

BANK OF AMERICA

Senior Vice President | Community Relations Manager
Session:
March 3, In Person San Francisco

Jennifer Nickerson

CITY NATIONAL BANK

Vice President, Community Relations
Session:
March 3 in person in Los Angeles

Maria Perez

THE SPONSORSHIP LOUNGE

CEO/Founder
Session:
March 4 at 10:45 AM PT
Sponsorship 2.0: How Corporations Are Reimagining Support for Nonprofits

Merlin Rothfeld

TRADING ACADEMY

Senior Director of Content Production
Session:
March 5 Crypto at 8 AM and 9 AM

Joy Stephens

CORPORATE GIVING NETWORK

Founder & CEO
Session:
March 3, In Person Seattle.
March 4 & 5 host.

Blair Taylor

ASU, UCLA, URBAN LEAGUE OF METROPOLITAN SEATTLE

Executive in Residence + Adjunct Professor + Board Chair
Session:
March 5, DEI: Its Future in Corporate Giving – Rethinking Language, Strategy, and Impact