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Partners in Purpose
Public higher education’s long-standing compact with the federal government may be dissolving. Campus cultures are being buffeted by political crosswinds. Business models are under stress. States, students, investors, and donors all face a changing and profoundly uncertain economic climate. In such an environment, college and university foundations need to keep their fundamental missions front and center, be assiduous in fulfilling the highest standards of trusteeship, and work in close strategic alignment with their institutional partners.
The 30th annual Foundation Leadership Forum, taking place February 1–3, 2026, in San Diego, California, will bring together foundation board members and foundation and institution executive teams to learn from each other and develop strategies to elevate board leadership, strengthen institution-foundation partnerships, and sustain shared purposes in the years ahead.
Reasons to attend the 2026 Foundation Leadership Forum:
Connect with Colleagues and Other Foundation Trustees from across the Country
The AGB Foundation Leadership Forum, the only national convening of college and university foundation leaders, brings together more than 700 foundation board members, chief executives, other foundation and campus leaders, board professionals, and industry experts. The conference affords a unique opportunity for foundation leaders to focus on the fundamentals of foundation governance, learn about innovative practices from other foundations, build peer and professional networks, and explore emerging issues with industry experts.
Develop a Shared Governance Plan
Unlike most professional conferences, the Forum is designed to be attended by teams including both foundation board members and foundation and institution staff leaders. The collective experience helps foundation volunteers and professionals to learn about industry-standard governance practices and emerging issues, identify potential challenges and opportunities for their organizations, and develop shared strategies to elevate their foundations’ impact.
Prepare to Lead
The Forum includes workshops focused on helping board chairs and chairs-elect prepare for and fulfill their special leadership roles. Other workshops provide guidance and resources for new and prospective foundation CEOs. Plenary and concurrent sessions throughout the program address principles of trusteeship, board assessment, committee responsibilities, and other factors critical to both board engagement and leadership. Peer group meetings for board professionals provide opportunities to share strategies to enhance boards’ governance and leadership capacity.
Learn from Foundation Thought Leaders and Industry Experts
More than 30 concurrent sessions and topical workshops provide insights on the full spectrum of foundation functions. Attendees learn about the ways other foundations are working to strengthen governance, enhance endowment management, grow fundraising, and gain insights on how best to navigate rapidly evolving challenges.
Curious about the Foundation Leadership Forum program?
Browse the 2025 schedule of events to learn more about the types of sessions, speakers, and networking opportunities the forum includes, and see who attended in 2025.
Register as a group and save.
Register now to reserve your spot in San Diego, California.
Early Bird Rate
Individual Member*
$1,795
Early Bird Rate
Group**
$1,650
Regular Rate
Individual Member*
$1,995
Regular Rate
Group**
$1,895
Nonmember Rate
$2,995
*Member exclusive pricing.
**Three or more, members only. All members in the group must be registered at the same time.
Key Dates
- Early bird deadline: September 30, 2025
- Deadline for cancellation: January 8, 2026
Registration and Cancellation Policy
This program is available only to registrants who are serving a higher education institution or foundation. Please contact registrar@AGB.org with any questions.
All cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to cancellations@AGB.org and will be processed after the meeting. Requests for refunds must be received by close of business on January 8, 2026, to receive a full refund minus a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued for registrants who cancel after January 8, 2026. If you are unable to attend, a substitute is welcome in your place at no additional charge. AGB is not responsible for cancellations due to airline disruption, inclement weather, COVID-19, or schedule changes.
Group Discounts: If a cancellation causes the group to fall below the required three registrations, the refund will be issued minus the discount benefit received by the original group.
Hotel Information
AGB has secured a room block at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront in San Diego, California, for Foundation Leadership Forum attendees at a group rate of $299 per night. Once registered, attendees will receive a link to book their hotel reservations. Reservations must be made online through this link to receive the group rate.
Reservations by attendees must be received by 5:00 PM ET, Thursday, January 8, 2026.
With thanks to our 2026 sponsors.
View our 2026 sponsors and see how you can support the Foundation Leadership Forum.
Contact.
Registration
AGB is committed to excellence in member service. Should you have questions about registering for the Foundation Leadership Forum, contact the AGB registrar.
Become a Member and Save
If you currently are not an AGB member but want to take advantage of member pricing, contact Matt Stevens, director of membership outreach.
Sponsorship
To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Steve Abbott, senior director of partnerships.