Join us on March 31 for Philanthropy New York’s new Annual Learning Meeting—an energizing professional development and networking space to reconnect with your philanthropy peers.
In times of rapid change, inaction may be philanthropy’s greatest risk. Philanthropy must strengthen the muscles required to assess who and what are at risk in this moment—and respond with courage.
Even the best intentions require regular opportunities to reground in purpose and values. During our annual gathering, we will explore what courage looks like for philanthropy at the individual, organizational, and systemic levels.
Together, we will explore:
- Navigating risks for philanthropy, nonprofit partners, and communities
- Gaps between organizational intentions and real community impact
- How values can guide risk tolerance and action
Participants will leave with fresh perspectives to better assess risk, foster trust, and support bold decision-making.
Meet your Philanthropy New York community in person for a high-energy, half-day immersion in collective learning and connection through:
- Inspirational PhilTalks
- Art and experiential learning
- Skill-building workshops
- Peer exchanges
** The Annual Learning Meeting is now distinct from the Annual Business Meeting, which will be held virtually on April 30th, 2026, to allow dedicated space for member governance.
Agenda
1:00 pm | Check-in and Networking
1:30 pm | Welcome
1:45 pm | PhilTalk - Courage Through Crisis
Led by:
- Deepak Bhargava, President, Freedom Together Foundation
- Kathryn O’Neal Dunham (in conversation), Chief Executive Officer, Philanthropy New York
Without the rule of law and a stable democracy, none of our work is sustainable. We are currently navigating an authoritarian landscape that poses an existential threat to every mission-driven institution. This fireside chat will offer a candid assessment of this democratic crisis and draw upon examples of organizations demonstrating courage in this moment. By examining what "courage in practice" truly looks like, we will make the urgent case for institutions to stand together in solidarity with other pillars of society to protect our democracy.
3:00 pm | Concurrent Breakout Sessions
You will have the option to attend one of the three concurrent breakout sessions.
Session A: A Self to Systems Practice
This session is geared for programming staff and rising leaders.
Led by:
- Bianca Anderson, Cheif Executive Officer, ProInspire
- Monica Biswas, Director, ProInspire
Does assessing risk ever feel like navigating a maze of institutional constraints and uncertainty? This interactive session introduces a framework to shift focus from avoiding risk to approaching it with clarity, courage, and purpose. Participants will examine how identity, socialization, and lived experience shape individual and organizational views of risk and decision-making. Through guided reflection, small group dialogue, and practical exercises, you will also identify where you have influence in your role and practice taking courageous, values-aligned action within your sphere of control.
Session B: Scenario-Planning For Polycrisis
This session is geared for operational and legal staff, CEOs, and those focused on organizational strategy.
Led by:
- Alana Tornello, Director of Resilience, Human Services Council of New York
As the impacts of federal actions merge with everyday emergencies and inequities, services providers are in a polycrisis. In this session, we will examine the key components of a resilience strategy that has been developed by and for human service providers. Then, using a variety of plausible scenarios, we will use exercises to help discern leadership stances, build response structures, assess risk, and more. The aim is to help move past uncertainty and into decision and action by establishing practical frameworks that help organizations stay prepared rather than reactive.
Session C: Strategy in Solidarity
This session is geared for senior leaders with institutional authority, such as VPs of Programs and CEOs, and those focused on the ecosystem of organizations and networks.
Led by:
- Adaku Utah, Director of Movement Building Programs, Building Movement Project
Especially in volatile times, solidarity is more than a statement—it is a strategic practice. This session introduces Solidarity Stances, a framework designed to help organizations build deeper, more aligned forms of solidarity, while honoring their unique context and constraints. Participants will examine how organizations are positioned to move differently based on their visibility, resources, relationships, and risk tolerance. Through guided reflection and small-group dialogue, participants will assess their organization's capacity and consider the most strategic ways to respond to solidarity requests, public pressure, and internal decision-making in complex political conditions.
Solidarity Stances is a practical framework developed by Building Movement Project and Solidarity Is to support organizations and networks in making intentional, coordinated, and values-aligned solidarity decisions during periods of heightened political repression and uncertainty. Drawing from real-world movement and nonprofit experiences, the framework reframes solidarity not as a single action or statement, but as a strategic ecosystem of practices that distribute risk, protect the most vulnerable, and strengthen long-term movement infrastructure.
4:30 pm | Closing Invitation with Special Guest Performance and Singalong
Led by:
Close out this half-day of conferencing by joining your Philanthropy New York community and the Resistance Revival Chorus in breathing joy and song into resistance. Together, in song, we will reconnect and realign, feeling how each of us individually can contribute to the resilience and impact of our collective work. Leave inspired and energized to continue advancing meaningful social change.
5:00 pm | Cocktails
How to Register
Due to overwhelming demand, registration for this event is now CLOSED. To be placed on the waitlist please email register@philanthropynewyork.org.
Members: Login and click the Register Now (no fee).
The Annual Learning Meeting is open to PNY members and invited guests only. Registration is required by March 25th and an RSVP is needed for in-person attendance.
Attend with your colleagues. Team groups are encouraged.
Important Event Details
- Limited Seating: Main room seating is first-come, first-served. Overflow rooms will be available.
- Security protocols:
- Bag screening and ID check required per Ford Foundation policies
- Photo ID must match the registration name
- Allow extra time for security screening
For questions or eligibility details, contact register@philanthropynewyork.org.
