A day of learning, connection, and inspiration
for Northern California’s fundraising community
Monday, September 14, 2026
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
David Brower Center
2150 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
The Northern California Philanthropy Summit brings together fundraising professionals, nonprofit leaders, consultants, board members, and philanthropic partners from across the region for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration.
Through educational sessions, networking opportunities, and thought-provoking conversations, attendees will gain practical strategies and fresh perspectives to strengthen their fundraising practice and advance their missions.
Summit Highlights
- A keynote fireside chat featuring local foundation officers sharing insights on philanthropy and nonprofit partnerships.
- Nine educational sessions covering a variety of Bay Area-specific fundraising topics and best practices.
- Networking opportunities with more than 100 nonprofit fundraising professionals from across Northern California.
- Opportunities to connect with nonprofit resource vendors offering tools and services to support your work.
- A catered lunch providing additional time for networking and collaboration
Summit Program
8:45AM – 9:30AM — AFP Golden Gate Welcome + San Francisco Foundation Keynote
What Nonprofits Need to Know About AI Right Now
Artificial intelligence is reshaping philanthropy faster than many nonprofit leaders realize. From the coming AI wealth boom to the daily practices nonprofits can adopt, there is more to consider than ever before. In this candid conversation, Rehana Abbas, Chief Philanthropy Officer at The San Francisco Foundation, sits down with Justin Steele, Co-Founder and CEO of Kindora and a SFF board member, to explore what AI means for fundraising today—and what’s coming next. Drawing on experience from major campaigns, philanthropy, and technology, they’ll discuss how nonprofits can expand their capacity, strengthen donor relationships, and work more effectively with AI while preserving the authenticity, trust, and human connection at the heart of philanthropy. They’ll share practical insights and fresh perspectives to stoke your confidence and optimism about leading in an AI-enabled future.
9:45AM – 10:45PM — Session #1
Major Gifts: Everyone – Including Your Board – Has A Role to Play, presented by Theresa Nelson.
The New Rules of Fundraising: How to Build a Case That Inspires Donors to Act, presented by Jennie Winton.
Using Agency Funds to Build Long-Term Nonprofit Sustainability, presented by Karolo Aparicio & Dulce Torres-Petty.
11:00AM – 12:00PM — Session #2
The Best Fundraising Idea I Ever Stole, presented by Ken Levin.
How to Become a Generosity Guide: The Major Gifts Playbook for the OBBBA Tax Law, presented by Sari McConnell.
From Obligation to Ownership: A Framework for Effective Board Fundraising, presented by Shannon Petrello.
12:00PM – 1:00PM — Lunch break
1:15PM – 2:15PM — Session #3
Radical Collaboration: Breaking Down Silos to Advance Your Mission, presented by Maria Pappas.
SMART.AI in 60 Minutes: A Six-Step Governance Framework You Can Start Monday, presented by Gayle Roberts.
The Mutual Value Audit: Reframing Corporate Partnerships for Sustainable Impact, presented by Laksmi Lagares.
NOTE: Each Summit session, including the keynote, qualifies for one Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit.
Ticket Details
Live Broadcast Tickets:
AFP Members: $49
Non-Members: $99
Summit Sponsors
