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To be considered as a speaker at one of our events, complete the Request to Present Form and submit it here.






Click here to read the NAEF event cancellation and refund policy.


Upcoming Events

    • Wednesday, January 01, 2025
    • Wednesday, December 31, 2025
    • National Association of Education Foundations
    Register

    Are You Looking To Fill A Vacancy?

    The National Association of Education Foundations connects job seekers and those hiring through our Career Center.

    Members can post a career placement free of charge; non-members will pay a nominal fee. Payment must be received in full before a job is posted to the Career Center.

    First, register and pay for the career placement online. Then, send the career placement to info@educationfoundations.org in an email or as an email attachment. Include relevant job information and how applicants should apply [web address, email, etc]. An attached file must be an original file [IE: Microsoft Word]. The career placement will remain online for 30-days, but can be renewed for an additional 30-days at the same rate.

    • Monday, April 21, 2025
    • Monday, November 17, 2025
    • (Online) Asynchronous
    Registration is closed

    Join the 2025 CEFL Cohort!

    The Certificate in Education Foundation Leadership, CEFL, is the professional standard and is the only certification program designed exclusively for education foundation leaders and executives. This program provides foundation leaders with specific skills and knowledge required to lead and manage an education foundation, regardless of size.

    The CEFL Certification Program is offered online in an asynchronous format that is self-paced with weekly deadlines. Optional weekly check-ins over Zoom provide a space to connect in real time with instructors and peers from across the country.

    Each course is four weeks; the certificate can be completed in about six months. There is a "Flex" week between each course. This allows students the flexibility to work ahead, catch up on any missed work, or just enjoy some time off.

    This six-course program is ideal for education foundation leaders, foundation staff, and board members who are passionate about the advancement of the industry, their foundation, and their professional growth.

    Prerequisite

    You must be a member in good standing with the NAEF and maintain active membership to retain certification.

    Registration

    Full program registration and for course CEFL 101 closes on April 21, 2025. You can also choose to register and pay by course.

    Registration Fee

    The cost for the six-course program is $3,000 and we provide two payment options:

    • Pay in full and receive a 10% or $300 discount. Payment of $2,700 must be received on or before April 21, 2025.
    • Pay by the course at $500/each. We must receive payment before the start of the course.

    We must receive payment in advance of the course start date to provide you with access to the online learning platform.

    Course Calendar

    The six-course session begins April 21 and concludes November 17, 2025. Enrolled students may access course materials beginning April 21st; courses being on April 28th.

    Access our CEFL Certification web page

    • Tuesday, November 18, 2025
    • 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    How Educational Foundations Drive Impact Through Earned Income

    Educational foundations are uniquely positioned to generate earned income through before- and after-school programs, specialty enrichment classes, and summer camps. These programs not only serve the students but also create a sustainable revenue stream that fuels impactful initiatives within the classroom. School districts benefit from these partnerships, seeing alignment between the foundation's mission and the educational goals of the district. The programs reflect shared values, reinforcing a sense of community and educational continuity. Through these opportunities, educational foundations can build a holistic ecosystem where earned income fuels meaningful programs, aligning educational experiences with community-driven values and impact.

    Featured Speaker

    Laura Pitts, CEO, CFEL

    Laura Pitts is an accomplished leader with extensive expertise in developing and managing earned income programs within educational foundations. Her focus includes before-school and after-school care, enrichment classes, and summer school programs that offer advancement credit. With a strong background in aligning these initiatives to support educational foundations’ missions, Laura builds programs that not only meet the needs of students and parents but also drive sustainable funding for impactful in-classroom initiatives. Her strategic approach fosters partnerships with school districts, delivering programs that support academic growth and reinforce community engagement.


    Registration

    Member - $35

    Non-member - $65

    • Tuesday, December 09, 2025
    Register

    Maximize Your Exposure in the NAEF Newsletter

    Stay in front of foundation leaders with an advertisement in our February  newsletter!

    Advertising opportunities include -

    • Vertical Advertisement
    • Horizontal Advertisement
    • Square Advertisement
    • Year- Round Corporate Logo and hyperlink on our website

    The deadline of purchasing February advertising is November 25, 2025.

    View digital advertising details & sizing here

    • Wednesday, March 25, 2026
    • Friday, March 27, 2026
    • Hyatt Regency Phoenix [122 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ, 85004]
    Register

    ImpactED '26 is heading to Phoenix, Arizona! Connect with foundation leaders nationwide for an energizing conference focused on advancing your professional toolkit in philanthropy, fundraising, and organizational leadership. Get ready for top-tier sessions, dynamic networking, and inspiring conversations. 

    Meet our Keynote Speakers 

    Kim Bearden

    Kim Bearden is the cofounder, executive director, and language arts teacher at the highly acclaimed Ron Clark Academy. More than 145,000 educators from around the world have visited Kim's classroom and have attended her workshops to learn better ways to engage students, promote academic excellence, build relationships, foster creativity, and create a climate and culture for success.

    Throughout her career, Kim has received numerous accolades, such as being honored at the White House for being inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. She was chosen from over 70,000 nominations to be honored as the Disney American Teacher Awards Outstanding Humanities Teacher, and the Milken Family Foundation selected her to receive the Award for Excellence in Education. She is the winner of the InfluencHer Award, the University of Georgia Outstanding Educator Award, and the Turknett Character Award for Servant Leadership. Mercedes-Benz recognized Kim in their Greatness Lives Here campaign, and Women Works Media Group named her one of Georgia's Most Powerful and Influential Women.

    With a career that has spanned thirty-nine years, Kim has been a teacher, instructional lead teacher, curriculum director, school-board member, staff-development trainer, and middle-school principal. Kim is also a bestselling author of four books: Fight Song, Talk to Me, Crash Course and The House Where We Belong. Her newest book, I Really Need You to Hear This, will be released on June 3rd.

    Barry Moline

    With 29 years as a CEO, Barry has learned a lot about successful teamwork, management, negotiation, leadership, and influence. He is an award-winning author, who tracks trends and new ideas to work better, together. His award-winning book, CONNECT! How to quickly collaborate for success in business and life, divulges the secrets to developing great company culture and engaging teams.

    There is power in sharing our personal stories as a means of connection. From his work with the U.S. Peace Corps in Guatemala to his leadership of associations, businesses, government, and non-profits, Barry has strived to solve the issues of communication stagnation, siloed information, and unfounded assumptions, to help his colleagues better relate to one another and create highly impactful organizations.

    With a vast depth and breadth of experience, Barry helps individuals and organizations accomplish their goals. While there's no precise formula for leadership and success, effective people and organizations take similar actions that position themselves for opportunity. Barry is eager to share the keys and secrets that will lead to your success.

    Education Sessions 

    Over the course of three dynamic days, ImpactED '26 will deliver impactful sessions on resource development, programming, collaboration, marketing, board growth, and organizational leadership. Attendees will network with foundation leaders from all over the country in a setting designed to spark conversation, collaboration, and new partnerships. 

    Click here to view the full ImpactED '26 Agenda


    Hotel Information and Sleep Room Accommodation 

    A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix for conference attendees. Use the link below to book your stay. 

    Registration Fees 

    Early Bird Rates [through November 30th] 
    Member - $425 
    Non-Member -$525 

    Standard Rates [December 1st - February 12th] 
    Member - $525
    Non-Member - $625

    Last Call Rates [February 12th - March 13th] 
    Member - $625

    Non-Member - $725

    Pre-Conference Education Session 

    Start your ImpactED ’26 experience early with one of our exclusive pre-conference sessions! To learn more about the sessions and to register click here. 

    Sponsorship 

    Click here to learn about sponsorship opportunities.


    • Wednesday, March 25, 2026
    • Friday, March 27, 2026
    • Hyatt Regency Phoenix [122 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ, 85004]
    Register

    In March 2026, over 300 foundation leaders will convene at ImpactED '26, our national conference, in Phoenix, Arizona to develop and enhance philanthropic, fundraising, leadership, and operational management skills. Your sponsorship of ImpactED '26 will provide knowledge and practical resources to foundation leaders from across the nation.

    National Reach: By sponsoring ImpactED’26, you will gain access to leaders from over 36 states across the nation, amplifying your brand's reach on a vast scale. These leaders collectively serve over 20 million children, representing a substantial segment of the nation's educational community.

    Influence and Impact: The foundation leaders attending ImpactED’26 are not just influencers in their organizations; they directly affect the educational landscape for millions of children. Your sponsorship puts your brand at the forefront of this influential group, allowing you to be part of the conversation that shapes the future of education in America.

    Strategic Alignment: If your company's mission aligns with educational advancement, child development, or community engagement, supporting NAEF is a strategic move. It demonstrates your commitment to these values on a platform that resonates with your corporate social responsibility goals.

    As the nationally recognized professional organization dedicated to the development of education foundations, NAEF is proud that our membership includes:

    • 630 education foundations [charter, college, magnet, private and public] of which 81% serve public education systems.
    • 1,325 professional foundation leaders, fundraisers, board members, and leaders of education systems of which 74% are decision-makers.
    • Leaders from 36 states across the nation, who serve over 20 million children

    Sponsorship Package Opportunities 

    Sponsorship Packages open until November 30th; Package inclusions become a la carte December 1st; Non-package a la carte sponsorships available now


    Presenting Sponsor [Exclusive] - $25,000 [includes 5 complimentary registrations]

    Host Sponsor [1/2 available] - $15,000 [includes 5 complimentary registrations] 

    Platinum Sponsor [4 available] - $10,000 [includes 4 complimentary registrations] 

    Gold Sponsor [5 available] - $7,500 [includes 4 complimentary registrations] 

    Silver Sponsor [6 available] - $5,000 [includes 3 complimentary registrations] 

    Bronze Sponsor [4/10 available] - $3,500 [includes 2 complimentary registrations] 

    Keynote Book Giveaway [one book] - $5,000

    WiFi Sponsor - $10,000

    Exhibitor [10/12 available] -

    • Exhibit Early Bird $2,500 [includes 1 complimentary registration] [Ends on December 31st] 
    • Exhibit Final Call - $2,875 [January 1st through March 1st] 

    Click here to view the full National Conference Sponsor Spec Sheet
    • Wednesday, March 25, 2026
    • Phoenix, Arizona
    Register

    Start your ImpactED ’26 experience early with one of our exclusive pre-conference sessions! These three engaging sessions offer the chance to see innovation in action, connect with peers in an interactive setting, and gain practical insights to take back to your foundation. Each visit offers a distinct experience, and space is limited for each session—so reserve your spot and start ImpactED with fresh ideas and lasting connections!

    Pre-Conference Session #1 

    Executive Director Boot Camp: A Roadmap for Education Foundation Leaders - led by: Robin Callahan, CFRE, CAP®, CEFL and Gail Rothman, CEFL

    Stepping into the role of an education foundation leader can feel both exciting and overwhelming — especially when you’re “new in the chair.” Whether you’re a first-time executive director, a nonprofit professional transitioning into the education foundation world, or a board member serving as an interim or unpaid ED, this fast-paced and practical boot camp is designed to help you succeed from day one.
     
    Led by two nationally recognized experts — and co-authors of Roadmap for Education Foundations: A Practical Guide to Growing an Education Foundation, Robin Callahan and Gail Rothman will guide participants through the essential knowledge and skills every education foundation leader needs.
     
    This interactive, six-hour course blends real-world insight, case examples, and peer learning to deepen your understanding of the unique role of an education foundation executive director. You’ll leave with the tools and confidence to strengthen your leadership, clarify your partnership with your board and school district, and chart a clear path toward sustainable impact.

    Key Topics Include:

    • Understanding the ED role and navigating board relationships
    • Fundraising fundamentals beyond events
    • Financial management and fiduciary oversight
    • Building authentic partnerships with your school district 
    • Fostering healthy board and staff culture
    •  Strategic storytelling and sustainability
    By the end of the day, you’ll walk away with actionable tools, templates, and a network of peers who understand your challenges — ready to lead your foundation with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

    Schedule 

    9:00 – 10:15 Training
    10:15 – 10:30 Break
    10:30 – 11:45 Training
    11:45 – 12:15 Working lunch
    12:15 – 3:00 Final training elements & wrap up

    Pre-Conference Session #2 

    Excellence & Exploration: Immersive Learning Through A+ and VR - Led by Brett Bonner, Dean, AEF Academy & Dir. of Professional Learning, Arizona Educational Foundation, Mark Paulsen, Dir. of Education, Arizona Educational Foundation

    Experience two of Arizona’s most innovative education programs in one immersive session! Spend 90 minutes with the Arizona Educational Foundation exploring the A+ School of Excellence® program, the only statewide self-assessment model in the nation designed to identify excellence in public education. Learn how AEF uses the A+ initiative to celebrate and support schools achieving exceptional outcomes through a culture of collaboration, equity, and continuous improvement. Then, step into the future of experiential learning with Act One’s Virtual Reality Field Trips, which bring arts, culture, and science destinations directly into classrooms statewide. Participants will walk away with actionable strategies for bring the A+ School of Excellence program to your state and ideas for enriching classroom instruction through technology and storytelling.

    Shuttle departs for AEF at 10:15am for an 11:00am arrival time. Half the group will begin with AEF while the other half is with Act One from 11:00am-12:30pm. At 12:30pm, lunch will be provided in the courtyard. At 1:15pm, groups will switch. Shuttle will pick up at 2:45pm to return to hotel. 

    Pre-Conference Session #3 

    Turning Data into Opportunity: Visualizing the Future of Education - Led by Danielle Gilmore, Senior Director of Strategy and Engagement, Arizona Educational Foundation, Michael Rossi, Director of Non-Profit Practice, Nashville Analytics, LLC and Helios Data Decision Center presentation led by members of the Helios team 

    Turning Data into Opportunity with Helios Decision Center and Nashville Analytics. The ASU Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence is a partnership between Arizona State University and Helios Education Foundation. The interactive real-time Decision Center crowd sources multiple points of data about the education system, the resources of ASU and Helios, and education stakeholders in order to drive positive change and better student outcomes. Partnering with ASU’s Decision Theater and other ASU researchers and thought-leaders, participants will engage with the Decision Center's Tools & Visualizations to examine the education system and model and visualize the impact of potential new policies and innovative solutions on education outcomes. More about the Helios Decision Center

    Shuttle departs for the hotel for Helios Education Foundation at 12:15pm. The session starts at 1:00pm. Beginning with a ten-minute introduction, then at 1:10pm groups split with one going to the Decision Center and the other staying in the room. At 2:00pm, groups switch. Shuttle departs Helios for hotel at 3:00pm. 

    Includes lunch & networking


    Registration


    Executive Director Boot Camp -$125


    Excellence & Exploration - $45


    Turning Data into Opportunity - $35

Past Events

Thursday, October 16, 2025 NAEF Member Group Share
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 Overcoming the Barriers
Thursday, August 21, 2025 NAEF Member Group Share
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 Employee Giving Campaigns
Thursday, June 12, 2025 Assessing Your Federal Grant Vulnerabilities After Recent Administrative Changes
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 June Digital Advertising
Thursday, May 29, 2025 Strategic Partnership Development
Thursday, April 17, 2025 NAEF Member Group Share
Tuesday, April 08, 2025 Reflections on ImpactED '25
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 ImpactED '25 Off-Site Visits
Thursday, February 20, 2025 NAEF Member Group Share
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 Digital Fundraising
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 Goal Setting and Measurement
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 Building Impactful Boards
Thursday, October 17, 2024 Boosting Alumni Engagement
Thursday, September 19, 2024 Grow With It
Thursday, July 18, 2024 Unlocking Potential
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 Building A More Just Organization
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 Unlocking Success
Friday, May 10, 2024 Chair Chat
Sunday, April 21, 2024 CEFL Certification Program Registration
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 Reflections on ImpactED '24
Thursday, April 11, 2024 ImpactED '24 - Driven by Outcomes
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 ImpactED '24
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 Sponsor ImpactED '24
Thursday, March 21, 2024 Standing Out: Education Foundations' Journey to Community Recognition
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 Motivations, Challenges, and Rewards of Becoming a CEFL
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Storytelling for Impact
Thursday, December 14, 2023 Alumni Development
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 Planning Your Foundation's Events
Tuesday, October 17, 2023 It’s Time to Think BIG!
Thursday, September 21, 2023 Timely Topics
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 Mastering Your Online Presence: An Inside Look at Firespring’s Websites
Sunday, April 23, 2023 CEFL Certification Program Registration
Friday, March 17, 2023 National Conference Hotel Rebate
Monday, March 13, 2023 Pre-Conference Bus Trip: Meet Las Vegas's Educational Best
Monday, March 13, 2023 2023 NAEF National Conference
Monday, March 13, 2023 Sponsor the 2023 National Conference
Tuesday, January 17, 2023 Financial ABCs for Nonprofit Organizations

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