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Philanthropy Symposium: The State of Philanthropy in Our Region (Event Recap)

Posted by [email protected] on May. 26, 2026  /  Events  /   0

Author: Dawn Elyse Warden | AFP-GPC Board Member and Co-Chair, Marketing Committee | Director of Individual Giving at Gesu School


On March 11th, AFP-GPC hosted its Second Annual Philanthropy Symposium, formerly known as Funder’s Forum. Much like its predecessor, this inclusive and collaborative event provides an opportunity to dialogue about overall trends in philanthropy as well as challenges specific to the Greater Philadelphia region and best practices for building stronger partnerships between funders and nonprofits to drive greater impact. We are grateful to Hirtle Callaghan for hosting us once again. It is partnerships such as this that make AFP-GPC an exceptional resource for fundraising professionals and a catalyst for creating change across The City of Brotherly Love and beyond.

This year’s event featured a dynamic group of panelists (below) representing the region’s diverse nonprofit and philanthropic landscape; moderated by Tynetta Brown, who deftly navigated the engaging and forward-thinking Q+A, ensuring that all voices were elevated.

Each of these innovators lead with vision, empathy, and a commitment to community. AFP-GPC is grateful for their willingness to dialogue with frankness and transparency, and to successfully engage audience members during the three-hour event.

Attendees received expert guidance and insights on key topics including Foundation Funding, The Economy and the OBBBA, Donor Cultivation and Engaging Stakeholders, and the Role of AI; addressing questions such as:

Tynetta Brown, former Interim Executive Director of Philanthropy Network and Principal Consultant/Owner at Thumbprint Strategies, LLC; Gregory J. Allen, Ph.D., CEO, Overbrook West Neighbors, Inc.; George Matysik, Executive Director, Share Food Program; Craig Shelley, CFRE, CEO, Schultz & Williams; Julien Franklin, VP & Financial Advisor for Endowments, Foundations and Charitable, Bryn Mawr TrustJenny Snyder, President, The Nelson Foundation.

  1. How economic downturns typically influence donor giving patterns across major gifts, annual giving, and corporate support?

  2. What strategies could help diversify our revenue streams to reduce reliance on any one donor segment?

  3. What are the shifts in how foundations approach grant funding?

  4. In what ways can AI help organizations better align fundraising efforts with mission impact?

Thank you so much to all those who participated, sponsored, hosted and supported this event bringing together fundraisers and funders!


A special thank you to Becky Wainwright, Nonprofit Development Consultant at Schultz & Williams and AFP-GPC’s VP of the Industry Excellence Committee, for her leadership and invaluable guidance provided to this year’s Philanthropy Symposium Planning Committee. In her volunteer VP role, Becky supports the development of workshops, webinars, and networking events that provide professional development and training opportunities to fundraisers across the Greater Philadelphia Region.

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