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Advancing Our Mission
Higher education is facing unprecedented challenges, including demographic headwinds, cuts in federal funding, changes in state funding models, historic changes in intercollegiate athletics, intrusions on board independence, policies that limit the ways institutions can foster inclusive student success, continued erosion of public trust in higher education’s value, and the unpredictable impacts of the AI revolution.
The challenges are real and serious, but the shared mission of public higher education remains more compelling and important than ever. Research and knowledge creation remain essential to America’s global competitiveness. Pathways to rewarding employment and economic mobility are more urgent than ever at a moment when AI is transforming the workplace and economy. Accessibility and equitable opportunities to succeed are critical in a period of growing economic inequality. And an educated, informed citizenry remains the best means of sustaining core American values.
The 2027 Forum will help your foundation advance its mission, the mission of your institution, and the mission of public higher education.
Foundation Boards Have Compelling Leadership Imperatives:
- Ensure the foundation is working as a strategic partner in close alignment with the institution.
- Provide visionary philanthropic leadership.
- Foster public trust through exemplary governance practice and stewardship.
- Be a responsive and nimble business partner, supporting entrepreneurial ventures and helping the institution navigate financial challenges.
- Deepen the engagement and support of alumni and friends.
- Optimize foundation advancement programs with an eye toward the future needs of the institution.
- Serve as advocates and champions for their institution and the value of higher education.
- Govern with integrity and ensure that the board fulfills the principles of trusteeship.
The 2027 Forum will help your board and leadership team rise to these challenges.
Five reasons to send your team to the 2027 Foundation Leadership Forum:
Build Your Team and Leave with a Plan
Unlike most professional conferences, the Forum is designed for teams including board members and professional staff of the foundation and institution with the goal of developing a shared understanding of strategic opportunities and an action plan for the year ahead.
Navigate the Changing Landscape
The Forum brings together the most experienced foundation leaders in the country to share their insights and explore strategies to address today’s challenges.
Tap the Collective Wisdom of the Sector
While no two foundations are alike, the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of peers—some very similar, others very different—provides important insights into the way your board and foundation operate, as well as new models to strengthen governance and make your foundation’s work more impactful.
Prepare for the Philanthropy of the Future
Learn from top advancement leaders about the evolving philanthropic landscape and ways foundations are elevating their stewardship, investment, engagement, fundraising, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Lead with Consequence
Today’s challenges require vision, discipline, independence, and integrity of foundation boards, and the Forum will help both staff and volunteers provide the leadership your institution needs.
Curious about the Foundation Leadership Forum program?
Browse the 2026 schedule of events to learn more about the types of sessions, speakers, and networking opportunities the forum includes, and see who attended in 2026.
Register as a group and save.
Register now to reserve your spot in Washington, DC.
Early Bird Rate
Individual Member*
$1,830
Early Bird Rate
Group**
$1,685
Regular Rate
Individual Member*
$2,035
Regular Rate
Group**
$1,930
Nonmember Rate
$3,055
*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, 2026
- Deadline for cancellation: January 6, 2027
- Deadline to receive discounted hotel rate: January 6, 2027 (provided space is available)
Registration and Cancellation Policy
This program is available only to registrants who are serving a higher education institution or foundation. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
All cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to [email protected] and will be processed after the meeting. Requests for refunds must be received by close of business on January 6, 2027, to receive a full refund minus a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued for registrants who cancel after January 6, 2027. 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 Marriott Marquis Washington, DC, for Foundation Leadership Forum attendees at a group rate of $279 per night for a single or double, plus taxes and fees. 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, January 6, 2027.
With thanks to our 2027 sponsors.
View our 2027 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, please contact the AGB Membership team.
Sponsorship
To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Steve Abbott, senior director of partnerships.