Convening for Change
GEO holds a national biennial conference that attracts more than 500 grantmakers who are dedicated to smarter grantmaking and better results. The 2012 national conference will be held on March 12-14, 2012.
GEO also holds occasional smaller topical conferences of about 150-175 grantmakers. See information below to learn more about past and future conferences.
Upcoming Conferences
2012 GEO National Conference:
Seattle, WA: March 12–14, 2012
Planning is underway for GEO's biennial National Conference, taking place in Seattle on March 12 - 14, 2012. Please visit our new conference microsite for information on the program, special events, travel and lodging. + more
Recent Conferences
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 12–14, 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
