Hello fellow Giving Institute members,
As June arrives, there is one topic that rises above all others: our 2026 Summer Symposium in Kansas City is now just weeks away! Registration is tracking strongly – ahead of last year at this time, which is fantastic to see – and excitement is continuing to build for what promises to be an outstanding few days together. If you have not yet registered, please note that the early bird deadline is June 12!
Under the leadership of Co-Chairs Janell Johnson and Erik Tomalis, this year’s theme – Show Me Generosity: Inspiring, Sustaining, and Renewing a Culture of Giving – could not be more timely. Among the many excellent sessions planned, I am especially excited for two keynote conversations recently announced: Laura MacDonald and Rick Dunham on the unprecedented wealth transfer now underway, and Cherian Koshy on the conditions that inspire generosity. Both speak directly to the opportunities and headwinds facing philanthropy today, while offering practical insights we can bring back to our firms and clients. Thanks to all involved in planning and presenting!
And, of course, beyond the content itself, I am most looking forward to the opportunity to be together as a community. The networking, conversations and shared learning that happen between sessions are always among the most valuable parts of our time together. I can’t wait to see everyone in Kansas City!
I also wanted to provide a brief update on our strategic planning process. Since our discussion in Charlotte, the Strategic Planning Committee has continued its work, supported by extensive member and stakeholder input, thoughtful dialogue, and a tremendous amount of effort behind the scenes. The group is now nearing the finish line as we bring the various threads together into a cohesive direction for the future of the Giving Institute and Giving USA.
My sincere thanks once again to Lee Ernst and the full Strategic Planning Committee for their leadership and commitment throughout this process. I am excited about where the work is heading and look forward to sharing and discussing the resulting plan with members when we are together in Kansas City.
Another important piece of work underway behind the scenes relates to leadership succession planning. Just as the Giving Institute spent time over the past couple of years thoughtfully evolving areas such as financial management, we are also taking a fresh look at our framework for leadership development and succession. As GI continues to grow in both size and complexity, it is important that our governance processes evolve alongside it.
Working in partnership with Dr. Chance, Brenda Asare, Deb Taft, and I have been exploring enhancements to our approach. Our objective is to build on the strong foundation already in place, further strengthening how future leaders are identified, developed, and supported, while ensuring the process remains aligned with the values and culture that make the Giving Institute such a special organization. We anticipate bringing a proposed framework to the Board for discussion in July. My thanks to Brenda for taking the lead on this important work.
Finally, I am very pleased to share that Curley & Pynn Public Relations Management has officially joined the Giving Institute since my last Chair letter. We are delighted to welcome Dan Ward, Kacie Escobar and team to our community. The Giving Institute is stronger with you as members…welcome!
Our momentum continues. I look forward to seeing many (all!) of you very soon in Kansas City.
Regards,
PK