2026 Global Philanthropy
Leaders Summit

2026 Leaders Summit

2026 Leaders Summit

Architecting the Future: Operating Systems for a New Era of Philanthropy

Architecting the Future: Operating Systems for a New Era of Philanthropy

March 18-20, 2026 in San Francisco, CA

2026 Global Philanthropy
Leaders Summit

March 18-20, 2026 in San Francisco, CA

2026 Leaders Summit

The Global Philanthropy Leaders Summit is an application-based gathering that convenes senior leaders, decision-makers, and changemakers from global philanthropy and adjacent sectors. Each year, more than 250 executives — representing over $480B in charitable assets — come together to exchange ideas, collaborate across boundaries, and advance the future of the field.

Theme: “Architecting the Future: Operating Systems for a New Era of Philanthropy.”

As technological, geopolitical, and environmental shifts accelerate, philanthropy is being called to reimagine its core operating systems — the frameworks, values, structures, and partnerships that drive meaningful impact.

Over three days, the Summit will explore how leaders can:

  • Build adaptive, future-ready institutions

  • Strengthen cross-sector and cross-border collaboration

  • Rethink risk, governance, and decision-making

  • Inspire systemic transformation across the philanthropic ecosystem

This year’s theme invites participants to architect a more resilient, equitable, and innovative future for global philanthropy, while celebrating GPF’s 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of advancing collaboration, equity, and impact.

The Global Philanthropy Leaders Summit is an application-based gathering that convenes senior leaders, decision-makers, and changemakers from global philanthropy and adjacent sectors. Each year, more than 250 executives — representing over $480B in charitable assets — come together to exchange ideas, collaborate across boundaries, and advance the future of the field.

Theme: “Architecting the Future: Operating Systems for a New Era of Philanthropy.”

As technological, geopolitical, and environmental shifts accelerate, philanthropy is being called to reimagine its core operating systems — the frameworks, values, structures, and partnerships that drive meaningful impact.

Over three days, the Summit will explore how leaders can:

  • Build adaptive, future-ready institutions

  • Strengthen cross-sector and cross-border collaboration

  • Rethink risk, governance, and decision-making

  • Inspire systemic transformation across the philanthropic ecosystem

This year’s theme invites participants to architect a more resilient, equitable, and innovative future for global philanthropy, while celebrating GPF’s 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of advancing collaboration, equity, and impact.

Why Attend?


Why Attend?


Why Attend?


Connect with Decision Makers

Engage with global leaders shaping the next era of philanthropy

Connect with Decision Makers

Engage with global leaders shaping the next era of philanthropy

Connect with Decision Makers

Engage with global leaders shaping the next era of philanthropy

Build Strategic Partnerships

Create strategic partnerships that unlock new pathways to large-scale impact.

Build Strategic Partnerships

Create strategic partnerships that unlock new pathways to large-scale impact.

Build Strategic Partnerships

Create strategic partnerships that unlock new pathways to large-scale impact.

Exchange Insight & Innovation

Dive into sharp, cross-sector conversations that spark bold ideas.

Exchange Insight & Innovation

Dive into sharp, cross-sector conversations that spark bold ideas.

Exchange Insight & Innovation

Dive into sharp, cross-sector conversations that spark bold ideas.

Inspire Systems Change

Help Shape the new operating systems that will define philanthropy's future.

Inspire Systems Change

Help Shape the new operating systems that will define philanthropy's future.

Inspire Systems Change

Help Shape the new operating systems that will define philanthropy's future.

  • Connect with Decision Makers
  • Build Strategic Partnerships
  • Exchange Insight & Innovation
  • Inspire Systems Change

Curated Dinners

Curated Dinners

Intimate, themed evenings at unique San Francisco venues that spark meaningful conversation, reflection, and cross-sector connection.

Immersive Experiences

Immersive Experiences

Optional Day 1 field trip and wellness activities offering hands-on learning, mindfulness, and reflection to bring the Summit themes to life.

25th Anniversary Celebration

25th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrating 25 years of GPF convening leaders and driving impact, collaboration, and innovation in philanthropy.

Summit Tickets

Member Ticket — $2,250
Available to GPF Digital Members
Open now and available until tickets sell out.

Note: Joining our digital platform does not automatically grant Digital Membership. Membership is a separate, year-long tier that provides exclusive access to member pricing, pre-Summit content, curated introductions, Connect Calls, and year-round community engagement.

If you attended the 2025 Summit, you automatically received a complimentary Digital Membership.
Questions about membership? Contact mwenger@philanthropyforum.org.

Early-Bird Ticket — $2,450
Available to the public until January 15

Regular Ticket — $2,750
Available starting January 16

Summit ticket fees are non refundable but transferable if you are unable to attend based on unforeseen circumstances. Space is limited. If we are unable to accommodate you at the time of registration, your name will be added to our waitlist and we will contact you if space becomes available. 

Summit Tickets

Summit Tickets

Member Ticket — $2,250
Available to GPF Digital Members
Open now and available until tickets sell out.

Note: Joining our digital platform does not automatically grant Digital Membership. Membership is a separate, year-long tier that provides exclusive access to member pricing, pre-Summit content, curated introductions, Connect Calls, and year-round community engagement.

If you attended the 2025 Summit, you automatically received a complimentary Digital Membership.
Questions about membership? Contact mwenger@philanthropyforum.org.

Early-Bird Ticket — $2,450
Available to the public until January 15

Regular Ticket — $2,750
Available starting January 16

Summit ticket fees are non refundable but transferable if you are unable to attend based on unforeseen circumstances. Space is limited. If we are unable to accommodate you at the time of registration, your name will be added to our waitlist and we will contact you if space becomes available. 

Member Ticket — $2,250
Available to GPF Digital Members
Open now and available until tickets sell out.

Note: Joining our digital platform does not automatically grant Digital Membership. Membership is a separate, year-long tier that provides exclusive access to member pricing, pre-Summit content, curated introductions, Connect Calls, and year-round community engagement.

If you attended the 2025 Summit, you automatically received a complimentary Digital Membership.
Questions about membership? Contact mwenger@philanthropyforum.org.

Early-Bird Ticket — $2,450
Available to the public until January 15

Regular Ticket — $2,750
Available starting January 16

Summit ticket fees are non refundable but transferable if you are unable to attend based on unforeseen circumstances. Space is limited. If we are unable to accommodate you at the time of registration, your name will be added to our waitlist and we will contact you if space becomes available. 

FAQs

Who Should Apply to Attend?

The Summit is designed for senior leaders, executives, and decision-makers across philanthropy and adjacent sectors. Participants include leaders from foundations, donor networks, corporations, social impact organizations, and other institutions, collectively overseeing significant philanthropic assets worldwide.

How can I apply to attend?

The Leaders Summit is a curated, application-based event. Attendance is by approval only, and all applications are reviewed to ensure a diverse, dynamic, and highly engaged community of senior leaders, executives, and changemakers from philanthropy and adjacent sectors. Apply now above to access the application on our digital platform.

What is included in my ticket?

Your ticket includes all main sessions, along with curated dinners, immersive experiences, wellness activities, and the 25th Anniversary Celebration. Optional programs, such as field trips, require opt-in on the application to gaurantee a spot.

Are Tickets Refundable?

Summit tickets are non-refundable but transferable to a qualified applicant who meets Summit requirements if you cannot attend. Space is limited. if the Summit is full, you will be added to the waitlist and contacted if a spot becomes available.

Is there hotel or travel information?

Yes! Hotel information and booking links will be available soon for: Harbor Court Hotel Hotel Griffon

Who Should Apply to Attend?

The Summit is designed for senior leaders, executives, and decision-makers across philanthropy and adjacent sectors. Participants include leaders from foundations, donor networks, corporations, social impact organizations, and other institutions, collectively overseeing significant philanthropic assets worldwide.

How can I apply to attend?

The Leaders Summit is a curated, application-based event. Attendance is by approval only, and all applications are reviewed to ensure a diverse, dynamic, and highly engaged community of senior leaders, executives, and changemakers from philanthropy and adjacent sectors. Apply now above to access the application on our digital platform.

What is included in my ticket?

Your ticket includes all main sessions, along with curated dinners, immersive experiences, wellness activities, and the 25th Anniversary Celebration. Optional programs, such as field trips, require opt-in on the application to gaurantee a spot.

Are Tickets Refundable?

Summit tickets are non-refundable but transferable to a qualified applicant who meets Summit requirements if you cannot attend. Space is limited. if the Summit is full, you will be added to the waitlist and contacted if a spot becomes available.

Is there hotel or travel information?

Yes! Hotel information and booking links will be available soon for: Harbor Court Hotel Hotel Griffon

Who Should Apply to Attend?

The Summit is designed for senior leaders, executives, and decision-makers across philanthropy and adjacent sectors. Participants include leaders from foundations, donor networks, corporations, social impact organizations, and other institutions, collectively overseeing significant philanthropic assets worldwide.

How can I apply to attend?

The Leaders Summit is a curated, application-based event. Attendance is by approval only, and all applications are reviewed to ensure a diverse, dynamic, and highly engaged community of senior leaders, executives, and changemakers from philanthropy and adjacent sectors. Apply now above to access the application on our digital platform.

What is included in my ticket?

Your ticket includes all main sessions, along with curated dinners, immersive experiences, wellness activities, and the 25th Anniversary Celebration. Optional programs, such as field trips, require opt-in on the application to gaurantee a spot.

Are Tickets Refundable?

Summit tickets are non-refundable but transferable to a qualified applicant who meets Summit requirements if you cannot attend. Space is limited. if the Summit is full, you will be added to the waitlist and contacted if a spot becomes available.

Is there hotel or travel information?

Yes! Hotel information and booking links will be available soon for: Harbor Court Hotel Hotel Griffon

Who Should Apply to Attend?

The Summit is designed for senior leaders, executives, and decision-makers across philanthropy and adjacent sectors. Participants include leaders from foundations, donor networks, corporations, social impact organizations, and other institutions, collectively overseeing significant philanthropic assets worldwide.

How can I apply to attend?

The Leaders Summit is a curated, application-based event. Attendance is by approval only, and all applications are reviewed to ensure a diverse, dynamic, and highly engaged community of senior leaders, executives, and changemakers from philanthropy and adjacent sectors. Apply now above to access the application on our digital platform.

What is included in my ticket?

Your ticket includes all main sessions, along with curated dinners, immersive experiences, wellness activities, and the 25th Anniversary Celebration. Optional programs, such as field trips, require opt-in on the application to gaurantee a spot.

Are Tickets Refundable?

Summit tickets are non-refundable but transferable to a qualified applicant who meets Summit requirements if you cannot attend. Space is limited. if the Summit is full, you will be added to the waitlist and contacted if a spot becomes available.

Is there hotel or travel information?

Yes! Hotel information and booking links will be available soon for: Harbor Court Hotel Hotel Griffon