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1:00 - 5:00 PM

Registration

3:30 – 4:00 PM

Board of Directors Meet and Greet

4:00 - 4:30 PM

New Member/ 1^st Time Attendee Meet and Greet

4:30 - 5:00 PM

State Meet Ups/ Exhibitor Set Up

5:00 - 5:30 PM

VIP Reception

5:30 - 7:00 PM

Opening Reception & CEFL Awards

8:15 – 8:30 AM

Welcome

8:30 – 9:30 AM

Keynote Session

The Road to Impact with Outcomes
Presented By Pranav Kothari

While the role of local education foundations is fundamentally about fundraising, it remains critical for organizational leaders to be explicit about the outcomes they intend to achieve with the resources they raise. In an era of continued dynamism of K-12 education, the central focus on outcomes becomes even more important for education leaders specifically and social sector leaders more broadly. Bring your bold ideas for how you want to achieve impact with the work you do every day, and we’ll connect those ambitions with smart approaches to outcomes-based planning for the benefit for students, families, schools, and communities.

9:30 – 10:00 AM

Break

10:00 – 11:00 AM

Breakout Sessions

Topic: Resource Development
Use Donor Stewardship to Maintain Your Audience and Grow Their Support
Presented By Kiersten Hill

It is easier and less expensive to retain an existing donor than to seek out and convert a brand new one. The best way to properly care for and feed your donors is by creating and maintaining a robust donor stewardship program. Donor stewardship isn’t just for major donors—take steps to help every donor feel the love.
Join us to discover:

• 5 tips to boost donor retention.
• 7 ways you may be unknowingly driving donors away.
• How to tell the kind of stories that connect with donors.
• Why you desperately need a new donor welcome email series and how to do it well.
• Key points in a sharp donor stewardship plan.
• How to say thank you so your donors feel the love.

Topic: Programming
Transformative Potential of Broadening Program Partnerships Beyond Schools & Districts to Include Community Partners
Presented By Angela Ryan

This session that will explore the transformative potential of broadening program partnerships beyond schools and districts to include community partners. In an era defined by unprecedented disruption in education and widespread student needs, this session will empower education foundations to seek and forge meaningful connections with cross-sector partners to address the needs of the whole child.
I will share successful case studies, some nascent best practices, and some tips for getting started in building collaborations that can enrich and transform the educational experiences that Ed Foundations can foster. I can share our example of how these partnerships foster a more inclusive and resilient educational ecosystem. Key topics include building bridges with community organizations, leveraging resources, tailoring programs to community
needs, and assessing partnership impact. Attendees will leave with practical insights to initiate, nurture, and assess collaborations, contributing to the development of comprehensive and resilient educational foundations.

Topic: Other
Identify Students Experiencing Financial Challenges
Presented By Cara Anderson-Ahrens, Jodi Lunt & Kara Toone

Explore the transformative efforts of educational foundations in partnership with schools, communities, and businesses to address the pressing needs of students facing financial hardships and homelessness. Through the innovative use of school Care Team Liaisons, the Northshore Schools Foundation has effectively delivered over $310,000 in financial assistance to more than 1,500 students, ensuring their basic needs are met. Simultaneously, the Davis Education Foundation has pioneered the creation of drop-in centers within high schools, offering vital services to over 1,600 homeless students, a move that has paved the way for the establishment of a Teen Residential Center. These initiatives highlight the critical role of collaborative strategies in providing essential support and removing barriers to education, aiming to secure a brighter future for every student.

Topic: Other
Driven by Outcomes: Developing Outcomes & Performance Indicators for Local Education Foundations
Presented By Pranav Kothari

During this hands-on session, participants will develop outcomes and indicators for their local education foundation and/ or a strategic initiative they are currently planning or implementation. The session will build from the earlier keynote about emerging trends in the education sector and outcomes-based planning in the social sector. Each offering of this session is limited to 25 participants to ensure there is sufficient time for participants to develop their measurement approaches and to gather feedback from the instructor. Template materials will be provided to participants as well. Participants will leave the session with a deeper understanding of outcomes-based planning and measurement and a head start on their organization’s measurement approach.

(Limited session- One individual from 25 education foundations max)

11:00 – 11:15 AM

Break

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM

Breakout Sessions

Topic: Marketing
Using CEFL Marketing Courses to Rebrand & Revitalize Their Grant Program
Presented By Kelly Falck

Utilizing strategies learned in the CEFL Marketing courses, The Lion Foundation set about to rebrand and revitalize their Grant Program. Working in collaboration with a high school Social Media Intern and the volunteer Marketing Committee, the Lion Foundation successfully transformed their grants program from a standard, numbers based, foundation-centric initiative into a creative, teacher-focused program that has become the driving force behind their social media presence and a key factor in their successful fundraising campaigns. Participants in the session will learn a simple 3-prong strategy to refocus the way they market the work of their foundation. Then, they will pair with one another to brainstorm which programs in their own foundations would most benefit from this type of makeover. Last, they will be invited to share and receive feedback on how utilizing these new strategies in their foundations will help them develop a more clear, consistent, impact-driven marketing plan.

Topic: Legal & Finance
Keeping Your Foundation Legal
Presented By Randall Hallett & Brandon Sak

While not sexy or "cool," ensuing your Foundation is legally operating is key to success.  This session will illuminate issues  in including the three basic duties of a board, best practice bylaws, ensuring IRS 990 understanding, show proper/appropriate gift acceptance policies, and legal issues with different type of events. Attendees can receive copies of basic examples of the key polices mentioned in the IRS 990 tax forms: gift acceptance policy, travel policy, document retention policy, investment policy, harassment policy, conflict of interest policy, and whistle blower policy.

Topic: Organizational Leadership & Planning
Thinking About Developing a Strategic Plan?
Presented By Dr. Eric Becoats

Thinking about developing a Strategic Plan? This is the session for you. Strategic Planning is a key factor in ensuring the success of any organization. This session will highlight how one district utilized the components of an effective strategic planning process to engage the community, School Board Directors, teachers, administrators, parents, and students. You will be able to learn about the district's challenges and successes with the development of a five year plan. This session will also share the continuous improvement process used to monitor and report on progress of the plan. Additionally, participants will leave with resources to assist with the development, implementation and
monitoring of a strategic plan.

Topic: Programming
How the Silver State Education Foundation (SSEF), Assists in Eradicating Nevada’s Teacher Shortage
Presented By Dr Jeffrey Geihs

The Nevada Association of School Administrators (NASA), a 501c6, is Nevada’s premier professional learning organization and an advocacy organization at the state and national levels. Unlike any known state association NASA launched, and provided seed money to, the Silver State Education Foundation (SSEF), a 501c3. The Purpose of the SSEF is to assist in eradicating Nevada’s teacher shortage. The Clark County School District (the 5th largest district in the United States with approximately 300,000 students) last filled every vacancy in 1995, each year hovering between approximately 800-2000 vacant classroom positions. The SSEF’s mission is to identify high school students, especially those in economically disadvantaged communities and support them in their journey to graduate high school with one year of college, be hired in a school as a para-professional and eventually a substitute teacher while completing college, and then be hired as a licensed teacher - all the time being supported by a career coach and professional learning opportunities with NASA. Participants will learn:

1. How to successfully form a foundation that is needed.
2. How to work with your state association.

12:15 – 1:15 PM

Lunch

1:15 – 2:15 PM

TED Talk Presentations

Topic: Legal & Finance 
Legal, Ethical, and Financial Compliance that Every Education Foundation Should Know
Presented By Liz Thompson, Whitney Woolf, and Sarah Birdsall

Most education foundations file an IRS Form 990 annually, but reviewing it requires more than just signing on the line. Understanding this form and its supplemental documents helps to keep foundations compliant legally and ethically. Additionally, budgets can be structured to streamline reporting. In this presentation led by CEFLs, attendees can expect to get a brief overview of the Form 990 and discuss examples of compliance concerns as well as policy solutions. Attendees will learn which policies should be in place at every education foundation.

Disclaimer: The presenters are not attorneys or accountants. The content reflects individual experiences and perspectives; it is not meant to be taken as legal or financial advice.

Topic: Collaboration
How Do You Say YES to a Transformational Investment
Presented By Christiane Buggs

How do you say YES to a transformational investment opportunity for your district when your staff
capacity is restrained by the demands of your day to day programming? Meet leaders from PENCIL
(Public Education Needs Community Involvement & Leadership), an education nonprofit in Nashville,
TN who will share a case study about successfully managing a $4.7 million grant to support
high-impact tutoring for 3,500+ young learners in the Metro Nashville Public School District. With an
operating budget of only $2.2 million, PENCIL struggled to manage the grant with existing staff before
hiring a dedicated grant manager. We'll share our learnings for how to recruit for the right skill set,
collaborate with district leaders to distinguish roles and responsibilities, and collect data that will help
you tell a compelling story that will attract future investment.

Topic: Board Development
A Healthy Board for Education Foundation Success
Presented By Angela Lynch

An effective, healthy board is one of the foundations of education foundation success. Is your board thriving or just surviving? Are board members engaged and actively serving in support of the organization's mission? Are their roles and responsibilities clear? Is there a sense of agreement as to overall expectations? Do they feel valued and appreciated? In this session we will discuss how intentional board recruitment, onboarding, planning and evaluation help to build a competent, high achieving board. We'll also discuss how to better engage board members to play a key role in garnering community and financial support. The presenter will discuss her experiences with a PA education foundation board over the last thirteen years as executive director. She will offer concrete examples as to how completing the Certified Education Foundation Leader course on Board Development and implementing some simple tools and suggestions were instrumental in the board
recognizing the need to strategically positioning itself for greater success. This session will be sure to be interactive and provide plenty of opportunity for discussion and participation.

2:15 – 2:45 PM

Break

2:45 – 3:45 PM

Breakout Sessions

Topic: Resource Development
Stale Employee Giving Campaigns Can Feel Defeating to Everyone Involved
Presented By Megan Paat & Ralph Hayes

Join us to learn how we re-invigorated our educators by cultivating a desire to give without an icky sales pitch. This session is great for foundations looking to start or grow a plateaued employee giving campaign. These creative steps include ways to grow your campaign while attracting and promoting new sponsors, how to market and promote your campaign for continual, organic growth, and highlighting "WHY" we do the employee giving campaigns in the first place. This formula has led Megan and Ralph to strengthen their campaigns in different cities / districts by tens of thousands of dollars and hundreds of participants in the first years for implementation.

Please only come to this session if you are comfortable being an active participant of games and engagement components. During this session you won't just "sit and get". Be prepared to play, laugh, smile, be vulnerable, and grow to benefit your employee campaign and all those it serves.

Topic: Programming
Education Foundations Address Relevant Issues: Critical Workforce Shortages, Teacher Retention, and Resiliency
Presented By Makayla Buchanan & Mary Chance

This session, "Education Foundations Address Relevant Issues: Critical Workforce Shortages, Teacher Retention, and Resiliency," leverages the Consortium's unique position as Florida's comprehensive network of local education foundations. With expertise spanning nearly every county, our session highlights transformative initiatives tackling critical workforce shortages, enhancing teacher retention, and fostering resilience among educators and students. Attendees will gain insights into successful program examples, including healthcare career pathways for students, innovative approaches to teacher recruitment and leadership development, and the impact of a substantial investment in building resilience. The session not only presents these case studies but also delves into the strategic significance and practical applications for education foundations nationwide. This presentation will be particularly valuable for attendees seeking to understand the multifaceted role of education foundations in addressing key educational challenges, transcending traditional activities like fundraising events and teacher grants, and making a substantial impact in diverse educational landscapes.

Topic: Board Development
Replace Boring Board Committees with Meaningful Board Liaisons
Presented By Keegan Bell, CFRE

Do you struggle to prepare materials for various Board Committees and Taskforces, only to not have a quorum and have to cancel or postpone meetings? Do you feel like you're spinning your wheels, but not moving your Board engagement forward between meetings? There must be a better way, right? Oh, but there is... Learn how to assess your organization's Board Governance structure to assess which Board Committees are still productive and necessary, and those whose sole existence seems to cause you and your staff strife each and every month. Through case study examples, you will learn potential to introduce new individual Board Liaisons in place of stale Board committees to increase engagement and fulfillment among your most engaged Board members. This governance approach also helps on-board and mentor new board members to learn from veteran members as they will become future liaisons for respective areas they most enjoy (events, stewardship, marketing/community relations, programs, etc.)

Topic: Other
Driven by Outcomes: Developing Outcomes & Performance Indicators for Local Education Foundations
Presented By Pranav Kothari

During this hands-on session, participants will develop outcomes and indicators for their local education foundation and/ or a strategic initiative they are currently planning or implementation. The session will build from the earlier keynote about emerging trends in the education sector and outcomes-based planning in the social sector. Each offering of this session is limited to 25 participants to ensure there is sufficient time for participants to develop their measurement approaches and to gather feedback from the instructor. Template materials will be provided to participants as well. Participants will leave the session with a deeper understanding of outcomes-based planning and measurement and a head start on their organization’s measurement approach.

(Limited session- One individual from 25 education foundations max)

3:45 – 4:00 PM

Break

4:00 – 5:00 PM

Breakout Sessions

Topic: Resource Development
Payroll Deduction Program
Presented By Erica Keating

This presentation is based around our Flyer Family Fund - Payroll Deduction Program. This is a program where our staff can opt in, to give a small portion of their pay to our Foundation each pay period. I will share about how we run our program from start to finish:

• Advertising
• Competition/incentive based - building vs. building
• Paired with open enrollment through district
• How we thank the "winning" building, the "most improved" building, and the donors overall
• How we have improved our percentage of giving from 19% to 38%
• How $1 can turn into $15,000 with very little work/hours/effort

When I shared a bit about this during one of our sessions at last year’s conference, I had a line of people waiting to talk to me to ask about the program. I look forward to helping others begin similar programs at their schools.

Topic: Other
Developing a Relationship With the School District Communications Department
Presented By Nicole Anderson

As public schools continue to be top of mind across the nation, the need for school districts and school foundations to work hand in hand increases. During this session you will learn how developing a relationship with the superintendent and communications department can move your foundation forward. You will learn how aligning success stories can increase goodwill for the district as well as giving to the foundation.  

Topic: Collaboration
Nonprofits Rely on Annual Fund to Cover Expenses, but That's Not Ideal
Presented By Karin Cox & Dave Smith

Nonprofits may rely heavily on an annual fund to cover expenses, but this is not ideal. Annual cycles of fundraising are integral, but it only should be part of an intentionally diversified assemblage of income streams. This session will cover ways to increase annual appeal results as part of an annually updated, comprehensive plan for receiving sustainable support year round. In addition, we will discuss the importance of formulating a unified message and the use of collateral materials and social media to deepen donor relationships and attract new prospective donors. From fundraising policies to clearly defined board member roles and responsibilities, from developing a compelling case for support to creating targeted, branded materials for specific donor demographics, we will unpack the rationale and logistics. Bringing decades of real-world experience and nonprofit case studies, including those of school foundations, this session will provide easily applied and proven strategies for resource development.

5:00 – 5:30 PM

Free Time

5:30 – 6:30 PM

Reception

8:15 – 8:30 AM

Welcome

8:30 – 9:30 AM

Keynote Session

Maximizing Impact: The Value of Data-Driven Strategic Partnerships in Education - A Helios Perspective
Presented By Paul J. Luna

Partnerships play a pivotal role in creating transformational impact in education. Discover how Helios Education Foundation develops data-driven partnerships as catalysts for advancing positive educational change. Uncover the blueprint to successful partnerships and be inspired by real-world initiatives where partnerships have shattered barriers to high-quality education.

9:30 – 9:45 AM

Break

9:45 – 10:45 AM

Breakout Sessions

Topic: Resource Development
How to Raise More Online
Presented By James Goalder

What if your nonprofit could retain just 10% more than the industry average of recurring givers? Not only would this help you raise more funds and meet your fundraising goals, but it’s possible to do simply by focusing on online giving tools and best practices. In this session, we’ll share lessons learned from our online giving study. We donated $25 to 50 Education Foundations across the U.S. and tracked the giving experience and the thank you results. We’ll share actionable tips to improve your donation experience, landing page, receipting email,
thank you process, and follow up activities. Spend less time worrying about your budget and more time on your mission!

Topic: Programming
Educator Burnout Doesn't Have to be an Inevitability
Presented By Cathy Newman & Katie LaPointe

You've seen the headlines and heard about staff shortages. However, educator burnout doesn't have to be an inevitability, and in St. Johns County, they're working to change the narrative. In the fall of 2023, Investing in Kids! (INK!) offered research-based personal development to educators across St. Johns County School District. Over the course of 7 weeks, the participants learned about, practiced with, and applied strategies empirically proven to increase well-being. In this session, you'll hear why 94% of INK!'s participants reported that the program made teaching feel more sustainable and are calling this kind of support "a game changer. Teachers need hope right now...this has allowed me to refocus and make some actionable steps to keep going at a sustainable pace.

Topic: Board Development
Boards of Directors and Nonprofit Leaders: Driving from the Passenger Seat
Presented By Kiersten Hill

Running a nonprofit organization is a challenging position for the best of leaders. The very nature and design of nonprofits makes the
leadership chain and direct lines of reporting inherently murky. It takes skill and finesse to direct the mission, strategy and day-to-day operations of an entity, while not serving as the final decision maker on many critical decisions. There are few other relationships like that of a board and its executive leader. Kiersten Hill at Firespring will share her insights and tips to achieve success for staff and board members alike. She will discuss top communications strategies for managing the relationship, helping you understand how to identify and fill in the blind spots.

• The make-up of a Board, where it all begins.
• 5 Smart Ways to Build Your Board of Directors.
• 10 Ten tips for driving from the passenger seat.
• Subtle Signs the Board is NOT engaged.
• How to get your board to make major expenditures?

10:45 – 11:15 AM

Break

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM

Breakout Sessions

Topic: Marketing
The Future is Now: AI Demystified for Foundations
Presented By Renee Oldham

This session will explore:

• Introduction to AI in Education Foundations
• Overview of AI's role in modernizing education.
• The significance of AI in enhancing educational practices.
• AI Applications and Collaborations
• Personalized learning experiences through AI.
• AI for performance analytics and administrative efficiency.
• Collaboration with technology partners in rural co-ops.
• Case Study: Mt. Vernon Ed Foundation
• AI utilization in the Mt. Vernon Ed Foundation.
• Partnership models with technology providers in rural settings.
• Expertise in AI Implementation
• Leveraging expert knowledge for effective AI integration.
• Building capacity and skills among educators and administrators.
• Outcomes and Value
• Enhanced learning outcomes and operational efficiency.
• The role of AI in fostering community engagement and collaboration.
• Benefits to attendees: insights, strategies, and practical applications
  

Topic: Programming
Science of Reading
Presented By Mike Taylor & Kathryn Starke

The science of reading is currently being added to state literacy plans around the country. The forty-year-old research has been proven to teach children how to read but requires support and fidelity. Teachers need to feel comfortable, confident, and competent in the teaching of reading and writing. This is where a combination of funding, people, and purposeful programs go hand-in-hand. Attendees will learn how the shift nationally to the science of reading will impact the initiatives they are funding. The session will also share examples of impactful literacy partnerships, how an education foundation can play a role an in supporting students in the implementation of the science of reading and how your school community can collaborate to help students and teachers achieve literacy success.

Topic: Resource Development
Don't Close the Door on Your Donors; Intentional Inclusivity in Fundraising Events
Presented By Sarah Sebastian

One positive change that arose during the pandemic was the increased access to philanthropy for diverse donors through virtual events and engagement opportunities. But now that we're spending less time at our screens large and small, how can nonprofits ensure that access is maintained and that their fundraising strategies are inclusive? Using findings from new research, we'll explore what types of support and engagement donors of varying demographics prefer and how nonprofits can be more intentional about creating inclusive events and campaigns.

Session Objectives:

• Understand what types of involvement and support donors of varying demographics prefer.
• Hear where diverse audiences of donors found out about recent giving opportunities.
• Learn how to plan inclusive events and campaigns with intentionality.

12:15 – 1:15 PM

Lunch

1:15 – 2:15 PM

TED Talk Presentations

Topic: Resource Development
Principal for a Day
Presented By Shanda Hurla

This session will explore the program "Principal for a Day", where business and community leaders are assigned to a school (elementary, middle, or high school) based on their interests and the school’s needs. On the day of the visit, they spend time with the principal, faculty, and students, sharing ideas and learning about the school's day-to-day operations. Guest principals:

• Talk with a class,
• Meet with faculty,
• Meet with student leaders,
• Attend an assembly,
• Participate in a number of other activities.

At the end of the morning, participants from all our schools join together to enjoy a lunch hosted by the Superintendent. This program builds stronger relationships between schools, businesses, and the community. Business and community leaders better understand their complex roles and gain perspectives on the school system from within. Community leaders, in turn, share expertise and provide perspective on their business’ needs and opportunities for collaboration.

Topic: Collaboration
Build Business Partnerships That Result in Donations and Exceptional Learning Opportunities for Students
Presented By Danielle Nadler and Renee Dawson

The Loudoun Education Foundation (LEF) is one of the top fundraising education foundations in the DC metro region, out-raising foundations that support school systems twice its size. It's not luck. LEF and Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) leadership have made intentional decisions to create what they call their “recipe for success.” While LEF operates as an independent 501c3, their idea-sharing, planning and collaboration with LCPS has opened the doors for donors to invest in innovative ideas and solutions that ensure students and educators reach their full potential. They work together to bring business and organization leaders to the table, inviting them to partner to help create classroom-to-career pathways that connect student interest to their workforce needs. The result has been:

1. More funds raised to pilot innovative programs and meet student needs;
2. An engaged business community; 
3. Educators who can leverage industry experts to inform curriculum and classroom experiences.

The presentation will provide practical steps to improve foundation-school system relationships and, ultimately, raise more funds to support students.

Topic: Programming
Cultivating a Culture of Generosity: Employee Giving Campaign

Presented By Kim Crumrine

During this session, you will learn four easy steps to connect with staff that inspire generosity. When your donors can see a large number of employees or staff of a foundation giving back, it gives credibility to the organization. 

Their giving speaks to your culture! Our staff is amazing in the fact that they want to support their classrooms and give back to their peers. This is what makes our program so incredible. Their giving helps us achieve our mission while allowing them a chance to affect change in their own community. When we cultivate these relationships, it, in turn, affects our classrooms and students. There is always discussion among education foundations on the numerous ways to gain the support of district employees, with everyone having different views on that. However, the common themes we see in gaining support are appreciation, transparency, and relationships. This program does entail all of those things, as staff get excited to give, but a good T-shirt and jeans day never hurts either!

2:15 – 2:45 PM

Break

2:45 – 3:45 PM

Breakout Sessions

Topic: Resource Development
Give Day Fundraising Campaign
Presented By Shanda Hurla

For smaller education foundations we will delve into the strategic planning and execution of a successful community-wide, Give Day. This 24-hour fundraising campaign has become a pivotal moment for community engagement in supporting Eudora Schools.  Using ESF's Give Day as a case study, the presentation will explore the dynamics of mobilizing community support and maximizing impact in a limited timeframe. Attendees will leave with practical insights into:

1. Designing and implementing a focused, high-impact, 24-hour fundraising event;
2. Implementing successful fundraising strategies in small communities;
3. Effective methods for building and maintaining trust in small communities.

This session will provide valuable insights and practical tools for education foundations  aiming to create a focused, effective, and community-driven fundraising event, demonstrating  how even small foundations can achieve significant results with well-planned, concentrated efforts.

Topic: Other
Succession Planning
Presented By Robin Callahan

Leadership changes can rock an organization, present unexpected challenges, and slow your hard-earned momentum.  One hallmark of a good leader is that they have developed a sustainable organization with strong foundational systems that will not falter when they depart. Ensure that your foundation is ready for both a planned and unplanned leadership turnover by tackling succession planning. In this practical session, learn from an experienced foundation executive about how their foundation handled leadership change. You’ll leave with an understanding of the critical elements of a good succession plan and a sample that you can utilize in building your own succession plan. One way to help ensure that all the good work you’ve done does not end up on the ash heap of change is to ensure your successor has the tools they need to successfully jump in where you left off.

Topic: Other
Are Boys Falling Behind? Findings from a Landscape Analysis Exploring the Gender Achievement Gap
Presented By Stacy Baier & Kimberly Lent-Morales
With Panelists Rachael Tutwiler Fortune & Lisa Fasting

In Florida and across the country, girls typically outperform boys in reading and writing, have higher high school graduation rates, and are more likely to enroll in college. In 2021, the Florida legislature created the Task Force on Closing the Achievement Gap for Boys to identify strategies to close gender achievement gaps in Florida. In support of and response to the Task Force's call to action, Helios Education Foundation commissioned research to identify trends in achievement and practices to support our male students. In this session, join Helios to learn about the findings from this report and hear from a panel of leaders across the education continuum who are working to ensure male students do not fall behind. In addition to the research, this session will demonstrate how philanthropy can impact change beyond traditional investments by leveraging influence in research, policy, and strategic communications.

3:45 – 4:00 PM

Break

4:00 – 5:00 PM

Breakout Sessions

Topic: Resource Development
Campaign Success Like a Small College
Presented By Randall Hallett & Brandon Sak

How to build out campaigns that raise MILLIONS  of dollars - Are school districts actually going to move into campaign modes like private high schools or small colleges? They already have...  Based on case studies of successful multi-million-dollar capital campaigns, delve into the details of the critical partnership between the school district and the foundation. Key aspects will include the getting to the "need," how to plan for what is possible, engaging volunteer leadership, building "the case," developing the steps/timeline for a campaign, and executing a campaign successfully.

Topic: Organizational Leadership & Planning
Navigating Local School Board Politics in a Contentious Political Environment
Presented By Mary Chance, David Moore, and Rachael Tutwiler Fortune

This frank fireside chat style conversation will share experiences and lessons learned from the challenges of leading an education foundation in Florida during a time when local and state politics have made education issues a battle ground in the culture wars. A local CEO and the CEO of the statewide Consortium of Florida Education Foundations will examine everyday challenges faced by foundation leaders, how they handled it, and lessons learned. Topics will include:

• How do you respond to board pressure to speak out on state political issues?
• How do you navigate your role when partisan conflict erupts on a local school board?
• What should you do when former employees are entangled in controversy from previous employment activities?

Attendees will get tools and strategies for messaging and preserving relationships, while navigating pressure from
multiple perspectives.

5:00 – 5:30 PM

Free time