Convening for Change
GEO conferences educate and inspire action. We recognize that the best learning occurs when innovative grantmakers collaborate with their peers, especially when they are tackling the problems that challenge them the most. This type of knowledge building leads to stronger ideas, changed practice and a community that is empowered to lead even broader change in their field.
GEO holds a biennial national conference that regularly attracts more than 650 grantmakers who are committed to finding more efficient and effective ways to grow their impact. GEO also holds occasional topical conferences for about 200 grantmakers or less. See information below to learn more about past and future conferences.
Upcoming Conferences
Strategic Co-Funding:
A Grantmaker Convening
Washington, D.C. | Oct. 29, 2012
Join 150 grantmakers for a convening to explore different approaches to strategic co-funding, presented by GEO as part of the Scaling What Works initiative. Priority registration opens to GEO members on July 25. Regular registration opens to all other eligible participants on August 9. + moreRecent Conferences
2012 GEO National Conference
Held in partnership with Philanthropy Northwest
Seattle | March 12 – 14
More than 650 grantmakers convened in Seattle to discuss smarter grantmaking practices that lead to stronger nonprofits and better results. Conference resources and some videos are now available. + more
Growing Social Impact in a Networked World
Hosted by GEO and the Monitor Institute
San Francisco, CA | October 17 - 18, 2011
GEO and Monitor Institute hosted an interactive convening focused on the role of networks in catalyzing social change. Conference video and resources are now available. + more
The Learning Conference 2011
Baltimore, MD | June 6 - 7, 2011
The Learning Conference 2011, held in partnership with the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers, convened more than 200 leaders in philanthropy to explore ways to improve learning and evaluation so that grantmakers and nonprofits alike have a better understanding of what works. Visit our conference blog to participate in continuing conversations on learning and evaluation. + more
2010 GEO National Conference:
Unleashing Philanthropy's Potential
Pittsburgh, PA | April 2010
GEO's 2010 national conference explored actions grantmakers can take to leverage their resources and achieve the breakthrough results they seek. Participants deliberated on philanthropy's role as a leader and innovator during changing times + more
2008 National Conference: Ideas to Action
San Francisco, CA | 2008
The nonprofit sector is built on big ideas. Turning ideas into action, however, is rarely easy–and learning how was the goal of hundreds of grantmakers who gathered at GEO's most recent National Conference, March 10–12, 2008, in San Francisco. The conference was organized in partnership with Northern California Grantmakers. Attendees engaged each other and national experts on such topics as the art of "sticky" storytelling, the power of the individuals in leading change and the importance of inclusiveness in getting results. + more
Money Matters: Exploring a New Paradigm in Grantmaking
New York, NY | 2008
Grantmakers for Effective Organization and Nonprofit Finance Fund, in partnership with New York Regional Association of Grantmakers, convened this conference to explore the grantmakers' role in improving the nonprofit capital market. + more
