2012 Annual Meeting Agenda

Wednesday, October 10

11:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m. A Bigger K-12 Tent: Expanding Choice and Improving Options Pre-Conference

10:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Registration opens for Annual Meeting (South Loggia)

Thursday, October 11

8:30 a.m.–9:15 a.m. Networking Breakfast

9:15 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Break

9:30 a.m.–9:45 a.m. Welcome & Opening Comments (Ponce de Leon IV)

Adam Meyerson, president, The Philanthropy Roundtable

9:45 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Opening Plenary Session: The Home Front: How the Fisher Family Helps Military Familes (Ponce de Leon IV)

In 1991, Zachary Fisher opened a housing complex at the naval medical center in Bethesda, Maryland. Its purpose: to provide free lodging to the families of the military personnel and veterans who were being treated at the hospital, allowing them to be near their loved ones in difficult times. Over 20 years later, there are 57 Fisher Houses nationwide, which have provided over 4 million days of free housing to nearly 160,000 military families. Today, the effort continues under the leadership of Zachary’s great-nephew, Ken. Join Ken Fisher as he describes how donors can serve those who serve. “We have these amazingly brave people in uniform, but they are massively under-appreciated,” says Fisher. “So for us, it’s an honor to be able to try to repay them for their service. It’s a privilege to do what we do.”

Kenneth Fisher, chairman and CEO, Fisher House Foundation
Margaret Hoover, political contributor, CNN (Moderator)

10:30 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Break

10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. General Sessions

1. Mount Vernon and the Legacy of George Washington (Ponce de Leon III)

There is perhaps no better example than Mount Vernon of how private, voluntary action can beautifully preserve America’s most treasured historical sites. In the mid-19th century, a group of public-spirited women formed the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association to purchase, restore, and maintain George Washington’s Potomac estate. For well over a century, the American public has enjoyed Mount Vernon thanks to the tireless work of these women. In recent years, a number of private philanthropists have worked closely with the Ladies’ Association to reinvigorate the Mount Vernon experience, bringing George Washington to life and instilling a renewed appreciation for the principles of the American founding. During this session, donors and leaders will describe philanthropy’s achievements at Mount Vernon—and its lessons for other sites of profound historical importance.

Steven Anderson, president, Donald W. Reynolds Foundation
Gay Hart Gaines, vice regent, Mount Vernon Ladies' Association
Michael C. Quinn, president and CEO, American Revolution Center
Christopher Levenick, editor-in-chief, Philanthropy, The Philanthropy Roundtable (Moderator)

2. What Is the Future of the Religious University? (Ponce de Leon I)

For centuries, American philanthropy has—uniquely in the world—created and supported hundreds of private religious colleges and universities. Today, these universities face the challenge of strengthening their spiritual identities while working within an increasingly secular academic atmosphere. Three presidents of leading religious universities—evangelical Christian, Mormon, and Roman Catholic—will explain how they are answering this challenge.

Kenneth W. Starr, president, Baylor University
Paul K. Sybrowsky, president, Southern Virginia University
H. James Towey, president, Ave Maria University
Steven G. W. Moore, executive director, M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust (Moderator)

3. “Taxmageddon”: Renegotiating the Relationship between Government and the Charitable Sector? (Ponce de Leon VI)

We have arrived at a historic moment. In the upcoming lame duck session, and in the next Congress, lawmakers will struggle with continuing fiscal problems, looming mandatory spending cuts put into place by last year’s “super committee,” and long-awaited reform of the tax code. The prominence of spending and revenue issues in national debates has the potential to reshape the role of government and its relationship with the charitable sector. What is driving this debate? Who are the players? Why is there a focus on charitable giving? What are the implications for the long-standing tradition of private philanthropy? And, most importantly, what can donors do to safeguard the nonprofit sector’s vitality and independence in the face of political forces that could profoundly change its role in society?

Cleta Mitchell, partner, Foley and Lardner
Alexander Reid, of counsel, Morgan Lewis
Sandra G. Swirski, executive director, Alliance for Charitable Reform, and co-founder, Urban Swirski & Associates
William A. Schambra, senior fellow, Hudson Institute, and director, Bradley Center for Philanthropy and Civic Renewal (Moderator)

12:00 p.m.–12:15 p.m. Break

12:15 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Luncheon: Funding the Arts in a Free Society (Ponce de Leon IV)

Shakespeare’s sonnets, the Mona Lisa, Handel’s Messiah, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim—the world’s greatest artistic achievements almost always come from private patronage and philanthropy. America is unique among developed countries in that the arts remain financed principally through commercial revenues and private giving. But the continuing economic slowdown threatens U.S. arts funding. Michael M. Kaiser will address how one of the nation’s leading performing arts centers is taking on this challenge and how private donors can continue to cultivate, commission, and celebrate the arts in communities around the country.

Michael M. Kaiser, president, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Betsy DeVos, chairman, Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation (Emcee)

1:45 p.m.–2:15 p.m. Break

2:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions

1. Preserving Donor Intent through Sunsetting (Ponce de Leon III)

Some donors may desire that the sun never set on their philanthropic giving. For others, however, spending down a foundation—either during their lives or soon after death—is a crucial element of ensuring that their giving matches their intentions. Donors considering sunsetting a foundation have many questions: Why do other donors decide to do it? How will outstanding grantees survive when my foundation closes? Whom should I select as board members? What mistakes in sunsetting can I avoid? What should my time frame be? At this panel, three spend-down experts will address practical questions about spending down as a means of protecting donor intent.

Joel L. Fleishman, professor of law and public policy, Duke University
Ingrid Gregg, president, Earhart Foundation
Frances Ostrower, professor, Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin
Tom Riley, vice president for planning, Connelly Foundation (Moderator)

2. Beyond the Quad: Post-secondary Education that Works (Ponce de Leon V)

The prolonged economic downturn has led many Americans to question the value of the traditional bachelor’s degree. At this session, three leaders in alternative post-secondary education will describe what makes their programs work—and the opportunities available to smart philanthropists. Guy Gardner will speak about how Williamson teaches the trades to low-income young men, while instilling an ethic of hard work, self-discipline, and faith. Robert Mendenhall will describe how Western Governors University is using the internet to make competency-based learning a reality for working adults. And Sandy Shugart will explain how Valencia is leading the nation with strong community college graduation rates for ethnic minorities.

Guy S. Gardner, president, Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades
Robert W. Mendenhall, president, Western Governors University
Sanford C. Shugart, president, Valencia Community College
Christopher Levenick, editor-in-chief, Philanthropy, The Philanthropy Roundtable (Moderator)

3. Protecting Religious Freedom in America: Uniting to Counter Increasing Threats (Ponce de Leon I)

The foundation of civil society rests in the strength of its diverse religious institutions to promote volunteerism, care for our neighbors, and curb government overreaching. This year, Americans have witnessed mounting attacks on the authority and liberty of religious individuals and institutions to act according to their beliefs. The recent decision by the Department of Health and Human Services to require religious organizations to cover contraception and abortifacient drugs, even if such coverage is prohibited by conscience, was just one of the most egregious attacks. This session will examine the roots of religious freedom in America, discuss today’s rising threats, and what philanthropists can do to expand religious liberty and protect free exercise of religion.

Brian W. Walsh, executive director, American Religious Freedom Program, Ethics and Public Policy Center
William P. Mumma, president, Becket Fund for Religious Liberty
Matthew J. Franck, director, William E. and Carol G. Simon Center on Religion and the Constitution, Witherspoon Institute
Sean Fieler, managing member, Equinox Partners and Kuroto Fund (Moderator)

4. Work, Assets, and Aspirations: Promoting Economic Mobility for Low-income Families (Ponce de Leon II)

Current debates about income inequality—the haves and the have nots, the 1 percent and the 99 percent—mask an important reality: most people want to have a job, earn income, and take care of themselves and their families. But for many people, including at-risk youth, ex-offenders, and single mothers with young children, securing a job is a major challenge. What strategies are effectively helping people become employable and find work? And once employed, even if at minimum wage, how can they go on to achieve greater financial security through career development, savings, and other wealth-building strategies?

Alfa Demmellash, chief executive officer, Rising Tide Capitol
Andrea Levere, president, Corporation for Enterprise Development
Eric Weinheimer, president and CEO, Cara Program
Steven R. Goodman, director, Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation (Moderator)

5. The Shifting Policy Landscape: What's Ahead for Donors and Nonprofits? (Ponce de Leon VI)

From city halls to the halls of Congress, debates over where to cut spending and how to find more revenue are changing the traditional roles and responsibilities of donors and nonprofits. Tough fiscal conditions have led lawmakers to question which charities (if any) are really deserving of tax exemptions and tax-deductible contributions, whether we need new rules to constrain board and executive compensation, and to what extent nonprofits can engage in commercial activities. This panel of policy experts will examine the latest policy developments and how philanthropy can prepare for the next big policy challenges.

Gloria Johnson-Cusack, executive director, Leadership 18
Cindy M. Lott, senior counsel, National State Attorneys General Program, Columbia Law School
Pat Read, founder, Pat Read Consulting, and fellow, Center for Nonprofit Management, Philanthropy, and Policy, George Mason University
Mason B. Rummel, president, James Graham Brown Foundation (Moderator)

3:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Break and Networking

3:45 p.m.–4:45 p.m. Special Sessions

1. Philanthropy Hall of Fame (Gold)

Who is the greatest American philanthropist? Please join us to launch the Roundtable’s new Philanthropy Hall of Fame, which will showcase America’s 50 most inspiring and influential donors. Many are well-known—John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie. Many you’ll never have heard of before. To celebrate the Hall of Fame, we invite you to vote on your favorite givers. Presenters will make the case for six philanthropic greats: Benjamin Franklin, Andrew Carnegie, John Rockefeller, Julius Rosenwald, John Olin, and Oseola McCarty. Whose legacy is the greatest?

Benjamin Franklin: Eleuthere Du Pont, president, Longwood Foundation
Andrew Carnegie: Steven G. W. Moore, executive director, M. J. Murdock Trust
John Rockefeller: Joanne Florino, executive director, Triad Foundation
Julius Rosenwald: Brent E. Christopher, president and CEO, Communities Foundation of Texas
John Olin: Janet F. Riordan, director of community programs, Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation
Oseola McCarty: Mason B. Rummel, president, James Graham Brown Foundation
Emcee: Daniel S. Peters, president, Lovett and Ruth Peters Foundation

2. K-12 STEM Discussion and Demonstration (Magnolia)

What does excellent science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education look like, and how can we ensure high caliber options reach all of our students? With such a plethora of STEM programs and strategies fighting for philanthropic dollars, how are donors to choose? At this session, two leading STEM experts will discuss how philanthropists can identify, nurture, and grow STEM models and strategies.

Michele Cahill, vice president for the national program, and program director for urban education, Carnegie Corporation of New York
Thomas W. Luce III, chairman, National Math and Science Initiative
Michael J. Petrilli, executive vice president, Thomas B. Fordham Foundation (Moderator)

Following the STEM discussion, join leaders from three of the nation’s best STEM programs for a hands-on, experiential exploration of Engineering Is Elementary, Project Lead the Way, and Reasoning Mind. Come experience these programs as students do, and learn about organizations that are working to close our nation’s STEM achievement gap.

Vince Bertram, president and CEO, Project Lead the Way
Christine M. Cunningham, vice president of research and educator resource development, Engineering Is Elementary
Alex Khachatryan, co-founder, president, and CEO, Reasoning Mind

6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Welcome Reception (Ocean Lawn)

7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Award Dinner: William E. Simon Prize for Philanthropic Leadership (Venetian)

In 1979, Bernie Marcus and his partners opened the Home Depot in Atlanta, and grew it into one of the most spectacular entrepreneurial successes in recent history. But Mr. Marcus was a philanthropist long before he was an entrepreneur. “My mother,” he says, “used to take ice cream money away from my brothers and sister and me—often against our will—and give it to charities. Her sincere belief was, ‘The more you give, the more you get.’ How right she was.” Since then, he has created the Georgia Aquarium, built a major think tank in Israel, supported medical research on autism and neurological disorders and injuries, and worked to preserve our free enterprise economy. Join us as we honor Mr. Marcus with the 2012 William E. Simon Prize for Philanthropic Leadership.

Bernie Marcus, chairman, Marcus Foundation, and co-founder, Home Depot
Jeff D. Sandefer, founder and master teacher, Acton School of Business (Interviewer)
William E. Simon Jr., co-chairman, William E. Simon Foundation (Emcee)
The Rev. William M. Steinbrook Jr., executive director, Challenge Foundation (Invocation)

8:45 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Debate Party: Vice Presidential Debate Screening (Gold)

All attendees are welcome to join in viewing the nationally televised vice presidential debate between Joe Biden and Paul Ryan. Please note that this event is nonpartisan and for the educational benefit of all attendees present.

Friday, October 12

8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Breakfast Roundtable Discussions (Ocean Lawn)

9:00 a.m.–9:15 a.m. Break

9:15 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Plenary Session: Is America Still a Land of Opportunity? (Ponce de Leon IV)

The persistent economic crisis has left many people asking: Is America still a land that rewards hard work and persistence, where people with little means or few connections can move up the socioeconomic ladder and enjoy a better life than their parents before them? Are things as dismal as they seem? What are the causes for both optimism and concern about America’s future? With an all-time high of 67.3 million Americans dependent on the federal government for housing, food, income, student aid, or other assistance that was once considered to be the responsibility of individuals, families, neighborhoods, churches, and other civil society institutions, what is the future of economic opportunity and individual initiative in America?

Arthur C. Brooks, president, American Enterprise Institute
Robert E. Litan, director of research, Bloomberg Government
Michael W. Grebe, president and CEO, Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation (Moderator)

10:30 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Break

10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions

1. Free Market Fairness (Ponce de Leon VI)

Can champions of limited government care about social justice? John Tomasi, a professor of political science at Brown University, argues that they can—and should. His theory of liberal justice, which he calls “free market fairness,” is committed to both limited government and the material betterment of the poor. Drawing simultaneously on moral insights from defenders of economic liberty such as F. A. Hayek and advocates of social justice such as John Rawls, Mr. Tomasi argues that free market fairness, with its twin commitment to economic liberty and a fair distribution of goods and opportunities, is a distinctively American ideal. At this session, Mr. Tomasi will present his argument, answer questions, and address its application to the work of philanthropy.

John Tomasi, founding director, Political Theory Project, Brown University
Ingrid Gregg, president, Earhart Foundation (Moderator)

2. Scientific Advances in Complementary Medicine (Ponce de Leon II)

Complementary medicine is becoming increasingly integrated into the practice of medicine—thanks to philanthropy. Donors have helped to raise awareness of and increase the availability of treatment options that range from spirituality to nutrition. At this session, three leading medical practitioners and complementary medicine experts will discuss how complementary medicine can help PTSD-afflicted returning veterans, cancer patients, and people of faith who are dealing with illness.

Wayne B. Jonas, chief executive officer, Samueli Institute
Daniel A. Monti, executive and medical director, Myrna Brind Center for Integrative Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital
Christina Puchalski, founder and director, George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health, George Washington University
Gerald R. Solomon, executive director, Samueli Foundation (Moderator)

3. Charting a Path from Criminality to Opportunity (Ponce de Leon I)

Imagine that you’ve been convicted of a crime, served your time in prison, and the day has come for your release. You are given only a bus ticket and $50. Now, you face the challenge of finding housing, getting a job, and rebuilding your life. The cards are stacked against you— as many as two-thirds of released inmates are re-arrested within a few years. What have donors learned about the relationship between employment and recidivism to help people beat these odds? How can we help ex-offenders find work, rebuild tattered relationships, and live meaningful lives?

Ingrid Johnson, chair, Newark Prisoner Reentry Advisory Board
Adam Gelb, director, Public Safety Performance Project, Pew Center on the States
The Rev. James Liske, chief executive officer, Prison Fellowship Ministries
David Odahowski, president and CEO, Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation (Moderator)

4. Transparency, Accountability, and Effectiveness: What Are the Connections? (Ponce de Leon V)

Private philanthropy continues to be the target of disturbing challenges. Often at the heart of the attack is the misplaced premise that the public, rather than the donor, should determine how funds are spent and has a right to know more about governance, operations and grantmaking decisions. Proponents of increased mandated transparency also draw connections between accountability, effectiveness and the role of government in private grantmaking that may not exist. And, lost in this conversation are important threshold questions, such as: What harm could be caused by a policy of “transparency at all cost?” What are foundations being asked to evaluate? Who is the arbiter of transparency and effectiveness standards? And what are the consequences for failure? This session is part of an on-going series of discussions by the Roundtable that aim to address nuances of transparency that are often overlooked. An advance version of a new Roundtable monograph on transparency by John E. Tyler III will be available for attendees.

Rick Cohen, national correspondent, Nonprofit Quarterly
Andrew Schulz, executive vice president and national director of community and legal relations, Foundation Source
John E. Tyler III, vice president and general counsel, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Sue Santa, senior vice president for public policy, The Philanthropy Roundtable (Moderator)

5. Exploring America’s Energy Future (Ponce de Leon III)

Since the gas lines of the 1970s, Americans have dreamed about achieving energy independence. Thanks to hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” that dream may be closer. From Pennsylvania to North Dakota, the United States is seeing a massive boom in pumping oil previously thought inaccessible. What public policies affect U.S. oil production and exploration? How does the expansion or contraction of energy supplies affect state, national, and global economies, including national security? What opportunities do these developments hold for philanthropists who seek to impact conservation and energy development in America?

Kenneth P. Green, resident scholar, American Enterprise Institute
Anne Korin, co-director, Institute for the Analysis of Global Security
Fred Krupp, president, Environmental Defense Fund
Gerry Ohrstrom, chairman, Vistan Corporation (Moderator)

12:00 p.m.– 2:15 p.m. Break

12:15 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Luncheon: Helping Hispanic Students Achieve (Venetian)

At 38, Cesar Conde has achieved more than most even dream about -he has been an investment banker, entrepreneur, White House Fellow, and, today, head of Univision Networks, the largest Spanish-language broadcaster in the country. His path to success: education. He credits his Peruvian-born father and Cuban-born mother for drilling into him that “an education is the one thing they can never take away from you.” At Univision, Mr. Conde drives that message home with Hispanic youth across America. The need for this work is great: although Hispanics represent more than one in five students in America’s K–12 schools, only half of Hispanic students earn their high school diplomas on time, and those who do complete high school are only half as likely as their peers to be prepared for college. Mr. Conde is working to change those statistics by providing additional options to students and raising expectations for Latino youth in order that they, too, may earn the education that will launch them toward success.

Cesar Conde, president, Univision Networks
Stefanie Sanford, director of policy and advocacy, U.S. program, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Moderator)

1:45 p.m.–2:15 p.m. Break

2:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m. General Sessions

1. From Pencils to Perseverance: Preparing Students for Lifelong Success (Ponce de Leon III)

What does it take to equip every child with the tools necessary for academic and personal achievement? One promising strategy: purposefully developing student agency—teaching students the behaviors, skills, mindsets, and learning strategies they need to persevere and thrive in challenging environments. Educators, researchers, and philanthropists are increasingly looking to these factors to improve student performance and, ultimately, to drive lifelong success. Join us as we discuss how philanthropy can best equip students to succeed in the classroom—and beyond.

Ron Berger, chief program officer, Expeditionary Learning
Carol S. Dweck, Lewis and Virginia Eaton Professor of Psychology, Stanford University
Dave Levin, co-founder, KIPP
Tricia Raikes, co-president, Raikes Foundation (Moderator)

2. Helping New Veterans Find Work in a Tough Economy (Ponce de Leon I)

Any career transition is tricky. Leaving the military for civilian life presents specific challenges—some of them overwhelming amid a persistent economic slump. But veterans—who have leadership and management experience, strong discipline, and a wide range of technical skills—often make outstanding employees, business leaders, and even entrepreneurs. At this session, three of America’s leading experts on connecting veterans to the workforce will explore how philanthropists can bridge the gap for those who have sacrificed to serve our country.

J. Michael Haynie, founder and national executive director, Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities
Kevin M. Schmiegel, executive director, Hire Our Heroes
Elise M. Wheeler, president, New Mexico Veterans Integration Center
Christian P. Anschutz, chairman, Western Development Group (Moderator)

3. Measuring Nonprofit Outcomes: Charting Effectiveness while Avoiding Exercises in Futility (Ponce de Leon VI)

How much does measuring nonprofit outcomes help philanthropists to achieve their goals—and at what point does measuring distract from mission? Panelists will include Jacob Harold who will discuss his work at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation to oversee the development of Charting Impact, a new program launched by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Guidestar, and Independent Sector to help grantmakers direct their time and funds to nonprofits that are making a difference; Tony Woodlief, who will describe his experience discerning outcomes by using Market-based Management; and Michael Hartmann, who will offer insights on the weaknesses and risks of focusing strictly on measurements and metrics.

Jacob Harold, program officer, Philanthropy, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and incoming president and CEO, Guidestar
Michael E. Hartmann, director of research and evaluation, Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation
Tony Woodlief, president, Bill of Rights Institute
Betsy Bikoff, vice president and chief grantmaking officer, Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation (Moderator)

3:30 p.m.–3:45 p.m. Break

3:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. Afternoon Special Session
Movie Screening: Little Red Wagon (Gold)

Little Red Wagon is the inspiring true story of eight-year old Florida resident, Zach Bonner, who, in the wake of Hurricane Charley, used his toy wagon to collect water, food, and clothing for families made homeless by the storm. This experience led Bonner to found the Little Red Wagon Foundation, a nonprofit committed to helping children in distressed situations.

6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Reception

7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Dinner
Cancer Research: Distinctive Contributions of Philanthropy (Venetian)

For over 30 years, Nancy G. Brinker has built the Susan G. Komen for the Cure into the world’s largest private funder of breast cancer research. Along the way, she has been an innovator in how funds are raised and given to support groundbreaking medical research and prevention; Komen funding has been a part of discoveries of genetic susceptibility to breast cancer, therapies for hormone-dependent cancer, and widespread screening for cancer. Amb. Brinker will share the Komen story and speak about private American citizens’ freedom to help people overcome intractable hardships and find solutions for previously impossible problems.

Nancy G. Brinker, founder, Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Whitney L. Ball, president and CEO, DonorsTrust (Introduction)
Adam Meyerson, president, The Philanthropy Roundtable (Emcee)

Conference Concludes

*Additional speakers and sessions will be updated as they are confirmed. Please visit the Annual Meeting page of our website again soon!