The Leading Edge of Philanthropy Conference

Day 1: Monday, January 12, 2026

• 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

  Philanthropy in Focus: A Year of Disruption, Innovation, and Opportunity

  Philanthropy is shifting fast, and leaders can’t afford to fall behind. This session will highlight the most significant trends of the past year, from rising donor expectations to the push for greater nonprofit resiliency. We will examine how peer institutions are adapting to these pressures and share actionable insights to bolster capacity, guide resource allocation, and strengthen philanthropic pipelines. You’ll leave with a clearer view of today’s realities and the strategies to fuel future readiness.

  Speaker: Josh Birkholz, BWF

• 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

  Welcome Social at Oxbow Fort Myers

  Oxbow Fort Myers is a brief 3-minute walk from the hotel along the marina. Walking directions are available here.

• 6:00 p.m.

  Dine Arounds

  Choose one of the amazing local restaurants you want to check out, sign up, and get to know your fellow attendees while you enjoy delicious food.

Day 2: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

• 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

  From Promise to Impact: Leading Your Organization Through the AI Era of Fundraising

  AI is already reshaping how philanthropy engages donors and drives growth, but its true impact hinges on decisive leadership. In this session, we’ll cut through buzzwords and hype to show what’s actually working in fundraising today. See how leading institutions are using data and machine learning to uncover high-potential prospects, personalize donor experiences, reduce pipeline friction, and accelerate results. Gain a clear view of where AI is delivering impact, what opportunities are emerging, and how to lead your organization with confidence into an AI-driven future.

  Speaker: Alex Oftelie, BWF

• 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.

  Still Kicking: The Evolution and Power of Modern Campaigns

  The idea that comprehensive campaigns are “dead” is overstated, but they are evolving. Institutions are reshaping their approach by scaling mini-campaigns and weaving in non-financial goals like equity, engagement, and innovation. We will examine how to keep campaigns authentic, targeted, and aligned with the mission while tapping into emerging donor motivations. You’ll leave equipped to design campaigns that resonate in today’s philanthropic climate and inspire deeper, more meaningful commitments.

  Speakers: Jeff Hilperts, BWF
  Additional speakers to be announced.

• 2:15 – 3:15 p.m.

  Donor Counts CAN Go Up: Reigniting the Everyday Donor

  The myth that declining donor counts are inevitable is causing long-term damage to your pipeline. Rejecting this notion, BWF worked with annual giving teams in FY25 and increased donors by an average of 8.3%. We will look at how donor counts can go up and share examples of winning strategies to reverse the recent trend. Explore methods for forging meaningful engagement through storytelling, digital experiences, and community-centered outreach. You’ll leave equipped with concrete approaches to reverse donor attrition and nurture broader, more inclusive donor communities that reinforce your institution’s financial health.

  Speaker: James Barnard, BWF

• 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

  Dinner at The Silver King Coastal Kitchen

  The Silver King Coastal Kitchen is located on-site at the Luminary Hotel.

Day 3: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

• 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

  The Transformational Few: Unlocking the Power of Principal Gifts

  Principal gifts mark the line between incremental progress and true transformation. Aligning institutional vision with donor priorities can unlock investments that reshape your future. We will examine sharper strategies for identifying the right prospects, engaging donors through complex decision-making, and deploying creative approaches to asset transfer. We will also highlight stewardship practices that not only sustain donor commitment but also reinforce long-term institutional resilience. You’ll leave with a clearer path to securing the kind of investments that change everything.

  Speaker: Michelle Green, BWF

• 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

  Lightning Rounds

  Timely mini-topics to be announced.

  Facilitated by: Mark Marshall, BWF

Post-Conference Add-On: Edison & Ford Winter Estates Tour

Extend your conference experience with a special post-conference activity on Wednesday afternoon. Following a brief lunch, join fellow attendees for a private guided tour of the historic Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Explore the former homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, along with the research lab, expansive botanical gardens, and museum.

Your ticket includes lunch, round-trip transportation to and from the estates, a private guided tour (approximately one hour), and admission to the museum and lab, where you’ll have an additional hour to 90 minutes to explore at your own pace.

Tickets are limited. Get yours!

Learn more about the Estates.

To ensure the best possible event, the activity may be adjusted or canceled if registration numbers are low. If cancellation occurs, all registered participants will receive a refund.

Registration is closed for the 2026 BWF The Leading Edge of Philanthropy Conference. If you have questions about the event, please contact events@bwf.com.

Event Cancellation Policy

All cancellation requests must be made in writing to events@bwf.com. A full refund of the registration cost will be granted when the cancellation request is received 10 business days prior to the scheduled event. A 50% refund of the registration cost will be granted if the request is received between 9 and 5 business days prior to the scheduled event. No refunds will be granted if the request is received with fewer than 5 days prior to the scheduled event.

If the event is canceled by BWF, registrants may be extended a full refund (100%) of the registration cost. BWF accepts no responsibility for travel arrangements or any other actual or perceived loss due to the cancellation of an event.

By registering for this event, you acknowledge and accept these terms and conditions.