Registration
As the host of Philanthropy’s Vision: A Leadership Summit (The Summit), the Council on Foundations invites individuals and organizations engaged in philanthropy to join us at this historic gathering. The Summit offers a rare opportunity for eligible organizations and individuals to discuss philanthropy’s future with other leaders from around the globe and to take part in programs and activities designed to enhance collaboration and impact.
We welcome trustees and staff of U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based private, operating, and community foundations; public grantmaking charities; and corporate funders (foundations and/or giving programs). We also welcome national and regional associations of foundations (and their members); giving circles, philanthropic advisors; government officials and government agency staff.; as well as individuals who have a demonstrated record of giving.
Who Is Eligible to Attend
Conference registration is open to all Council members and qualified non-members. (If your organization is not a Council member, please read the eligibility guidelines below. After reading the guidelines, if you are still unsure about whether you are eligible to attend, please contact the Council’s Membership Services Department at membership@cof.org or 703/879-0745.)
Council members receive a special conference rate that is significantly lower than the rate for non-members. If your organization applies for Council membership—and your application is approved by December 31, 2008—the Council will apply a credit to your dues payment that equals the difference between the member and non-member rates.
Eligibility Guidelines for Non-members
The Council requires all non-member organizations and individuals to submit certain documents so we can verify eligibility. The guidelines below (broken down by category) explain the specific documents you need to submit. We ask that you send your information as early as possible. Please note that submitting the requested documents does not guarantee eligibility to attend the conference. In addition, please do not make travel arrangements until the Council confirms eligibility.
U.S.-based Community Foundations
To attend The Summit, submit a copy of your organization’s IRS determination letter or a copy of your most recent annual report.
U.S.-based Public Foundations
If you are a public foundation, you must show ongoing commitment to a significant grants program and provide documentation that you are following due diligence procedures—to ensure your grants are being used for charitable purposes. Please send a completed registration form and the information below to the Council by April 11, 2008. (On-site registration will not be available).
- A copy of your latest Form 990 complete with all schedules or a copy of your organization’s IRS determination letter.
- A copy of your latest annual report or a letter (signed by an officer of the organization) that provides a brief history of your organization’s charitable activities, your grantmaking goals, and any limitations to your grantmaking (such as geographic boundaries, grant subject matter, or other factors.
In your cover note, please confirm that you will respect the Council’s no solicitation rule, which ensures an environment where grantmakers can enhance their grantmaking skills and network with their peers and not receive grant or business requests.
Other Foundations/Corporate Giving Programs
If your organization is listed in the Foundation Directory or Guide to U.S. Foundations, Their Trustees, Officers, and Donors, you are eligible to attend The Summit.
If your organization is not listed, please submit the following:
For a non-member private, operating, or company foundation:
- A copy of your organization’s IRS determination letter, or
- A copy of your institution’s organizing documents that you have filed with your state (e.g., your by-laws and/or articles of incorporation).
For a non-member corporate giving program:
- A copy of your latest annual report, or
- A letter (signed by an officer of your organization) that provides your grantmaking goals.
Foundations Based Outside the United States
Non-member grantmaking organizations based outside the United States should submit one of the following documents:
- A copy of your organization’s latest annual report or a letter (signed by an officer of your organization) that provides a brief history of your charitable activities, including your grantmaking goals.
- Complete financial statements (preferably the English translation) for the most recent fiscal year.
Banks and Trust Companies
Non-member representatives from banks, trust companies, and organizations that manage trust funds are eligible to attend if they are sponsored by an eligible foundation or corporate funder. Representatives who wish to register under the name of a bank, trust company, or managing organization must pay the non-member rate.
Consultants or Legal Counsel
If you are an eligible foundation or corporate funder, and wish to register active consultants or legal counsel, you must register these individuals under your organization’s name. Please include a letter from your organization stating that the registrant is an active consultant with your foundation/corporation.
Media
All conference sessions are open to members of the working press and news media (print and web). Please note: Representatives of nonprofit organization newsletters that have no general circulation or paid subscription base are not considered members of the working media for summit purposes. For more information, please contact the Media Relations Department at media@cof.org or 703/879-0600.
Government Officials and Staff
The Council invites government officials and staff members (whose primary responsibilities include grantmaking activities) to attend The Summit. When you register, submit a letter or printed material that explains the nature of your job and your grantmaking activities.
Individuals and Giving Circles
Individuals and giving circles are invited to attend the Summit. Please submit a letter stating the number of years that you have been making gifts to charities, your grantmaking goals with a list of specific grantees, the charitable purpose of grants made and the amount of gifts paid out in 2007.
Council on Foundations' No Solicitation Rule
This conference is not an opportunity for solicitation of any kind, including asking for business, fund management, or grants. All types of solicitation are strictly prohibited at all Council events.