Attending the 2025 Statewide Conference on Philanthropy conference? Join GEO President and CEO Marcus Walton as he delivers the opening keynote remarks.
Marcus Walton, President & CEO of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, will open the 2025 Statewide Conference on Philanthropy with a powerful reflection on the role of philanthropy in strengthening democracy at a time of disruption and possibility. A nationally respected voice for equity, leadership, and systems change, Marcus will create space for candor, connection, and renewed purpose—inviting participants to lean into complexity, embrace courage, and consider new ways of showing up in this work. This keynote will illuminate the opportunities that arise when philanthropy leads with empathy and care, moving beyond simple answers to embrace the complexities that shape this moment. Drawing on Wisconsin’s unique identity and diversity as a source of strength, this session will set the tone for the days ahead, offering clarity, momentum, and a shared commitment to philanthropy as a force for resilience, renewal, and a more equitable future.