2025 Pre Conference: In Real Time: A Responsive Conversation for Philanthropy

In Real Time: A Responsive Conversation for Philanthropy—and Where We Go From Here: The philanthropic sector is navigating a moment of profound uncertainty—marked by polarization, economic stress, threats to civil society, and pressure on nonprofits. This session creates space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with peers around the evolving realities facing our sector. We will begin with a national policy and sector update from Matthew L. Evans of United Philanthropy Forum, who will ground reflections in how federal changes—such as the reconciliation package—are reshaping the way grantmaking happens across the country. From there, we’ll trace a timeline of tensions and highlight where philanthropy has played a key role in pushing back against threats to the sector. Insights and joint commentary from Scholz Nonprofit Law will help us consider the most pressing challenges funders must understand today. Throughout the session, participants will examine what these shifts mean for foundations here in Wisconsin and explore how philanthropy can respond with clarity, courage, and connection.

Pre-conference sessions run concurrently – please only register for one per person.