2022 National Forum on Family Philanthropy

These optional, no-cost events are opportunities outside of the Forum's regular programming to connect with peers and dive deeper into topics like disaster grantmaking and impact investing. Space is limited and advanced registration is required.  

Equity at the Table
Hosted by Hispanics in Philanthropy, the Castellano Family Foundation, and the Donors of Color Network
Wednesday, October 19 | 6:30 pm Pacific
Sens
The health and racial injustices of the past few years ignited outrage and a wealth of lessons for how we make philanthropy faster, easier, and more equitable, today and for the long term. Join Hispanics in Philanthropy, the Castellano Family Foundation, and the Donors of Color Network to explore how we can build multi-racial collaborations through equity-focused grantmaking and practices that center trust and learning. We invite leaders of color and allies to share dinner, drinks and dream big with us. To attend, please RSVP to Karen Cabarga at karen.cabarga@hiponline.org.

A Unique Experience: Mission-Driven Investing @Bouche
Hosted by Mission Investors Exchange
Wednesday, October 19 | 7:00–9:00 pm Pacific
Bouche
Are you tired of making decisions? Do you wish someone would provide answers? Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere at Bouche with an already chef-curated menu based on the freshest local ingredients. Chat with your peers who have or are planning to do impact investing in any of its varieties. Melanie Audette of Mission Investors Exchange is gathering graduates of NCFP/MIE/Philanthropy California’s Mission Investing Institute, alongside long-time members of Mission Investors Exchange—and YOU! Come with lots of questions, a light heart, and a hearty appetite. Expect a special, collegial evening. For those wishing to join earlier for a brief happy hour around 6:30, Tunnel Bar right next door offers a full bar.

A Conversation on International, Cross-Border, and Disaster Grantmaking
Hosted by CAF America
Wednesday, October 19 | 6:30–8:00 pm Pacific
The Fairmont | Garden Room
Regardless of a family's/grantmaker’s core focus area, when natural or man-made disasters occur throughout the globe, people’s immediate instincts are to assist those directly affected by such events. CAF America will provide some best practices in its approach to cross-border and disaster grantmaking, based upon its engagement with some of the largest companies, private and community foundations, commercial DAFs and families/individuals. We will share our approach to effective and compliant cross-border grantmaking as well as how those practices can be utilized to best support those affected when disasters occur.

On the Frontlines During the Pandemic: How Crisis Sparked Innovation and What’s Next
Hosted by the Samantha and Darren Bechtel Family Foundation
Wednesday, October 19 | 6:30–8:30 pm Pacific
Izzy's, transportation from the Fairmont
At the height of the pandemic, new grantmaking that supported frontline workers took off, and how work was done or services provided shifted. What are the lessons we learned over the past two years and how will those lessons inform where we go next? San Francisco philanthropist and restaurant owner Samantha Bechtel will host conference attendees at her family’s iconic Izzy’s restaurant sharing how her business made critical pivots during the pandemic, including delivering meals to ER and ICU staff at local hospitals and developing one of the Bay Area’s first award-winning parklets.

Samantha works closely with Hourglass winemaker Jeff Smith whose ability to meet adversity with innovation has been a guiding principle of his business for over two decades. Following his father’s lost battle to cancer, Jeff cut short his music career in San Francisco and returned home to Napa Valley. Taking a small, insect-ravaged, four-acre family vineyard in St. Helena, Jeff salvaged the land by replanting it to Cabernet, and launched Hourglass Vineyards. After rising to prominence as one of Napa's esteemed Cabernets, Hourglass faced formidable challenges during COVID-19 and the 2021 Glass Fire, but is now bigger and more successful after rebuilding.

Philanthropy advisor Berit Ashla who launched the Brooklyn for Life Fund with actor Jeffery Wright that provided meals to Brooklyn-based hospital workers, will facilitate a conversation focused on how we take the hard won lessons of the pandemic and examine opportunities where hospitality and philanthropy join forces and improve our communities.

We will be eating al fresco in the parklet replete with beautiful plants and many heaters. We encourage guests to dress warmly and bring layers.