10th Annual Learning & Action Forum 

Supporting & Strengthening Communities

May 19-20, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Featured Guest Speakers

Araba Sapara-Grant

Senior Manager of Community Activation, Weave: The Social Fabric Project, Aspen Institute

 

Amy McIsaac

Managing Director, Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE)

AJ Herrmann

Director, Policy & Program Innovation, Accelerator for America

 

DeAmon Harges

Founder, The Learning Tree

Conference Venues

Kimpton Hotel Monaco, in downtown Pittsburgh: 620 William Penn Place

The Pittsburgh Foundation: 912 Fort Duquesne Blvd,

Both locations are a 20-30 minute drive from Pittsburgh Airport.

Conference Schedule and Agenda Highlights

Monday May 18:  5:30-7pm at Hotel Monaco

  • Welcome reception (Rialto Suite, Rooftop)
  • Dinner on your own

Tuesday May 19:  8:30am – 4:45pm at Hotel Monaco, Sofia Ballroom

  • Breakfast buffet from 7:30-8:30am
  • Conference Kick Off & Welcome to Pittsburgh!
  • Anchoring Communities: Community Foundations Strategies & Support Amid Federal Policy Shifts
    • Immigration Focus:  Minneapolis Foundation and Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
    • Federal Funding Gaps: Hawaii Community Foundation, Marin Community Foundation, St. Louis Foundation, and San Diego Foundation
  • CFON Housing Cohort: Learning & Innovations
    • Moderated by AJ Herrmann, Director, Policy & Program Innovation, Accelerator for America
  • Equity & Authentic Community and Neighborhood Building
  • Offsite event and dinner

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 Wednesday May 20: 8:30am – 3:30pm at The Pittsburgh Foundation

  • Breakfast buffet from 8:00-8:30am
  • Community Foundations and Civic Health
    • Strategies for Bridging Divides, Amy McIsaac, Managing Director, PACE
  • Interest Area Breakout Groups
    • Climate & Environment
    • Early Childhood
    • Donor Engagement
    • Operations & Support
  • Economic Mobility in Pittsburgh, A Panel Discussion
  • Call to Action and Closing Remarks
  • Box Lunches at 1:00
  • Optional Site Visit; register in advance  (depart 1:30, return by 3:30)

Registration

Registration is free for CFON members and we encourage you to come as a group – you may bring up to 3 representatives from your foundation (staff, board members, key partners).