Foundations for the future: the power of place-based resilience

Overview

Two days: Tuesday 24th - Wednesday 25th November

Foundations for the future: the power of place-based resilience will look at resilience through the real pressures facing community foundations, the places they serve and the organisations they support.

The conference will explore four interconnected dimensions of resilience:

• organisational and operational resilience
• community and place-based resilience
• financial and philanthropic resilience
• communications, influence and narrative resilience

Sessions will consider leadership, governance, climate, artificial intelligence, donor relationships, youth voice, power, rural philanthropy, democratic resilience and support for grassroots organisations.

We look forward to welcoming our international delegates, supported by European Community Foundation Initiative (ECFI), on Monday 23rd November.

Headline sponsor

This year's in-person conference has been made possible through the generous support of several sponsors, and we would especially like to thank our headline sponsor, CCLA Investment Management.

UK visa requirements

For our attendees travelling to the UK from other countries, please check whether you need a visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter.

Agenda

This year's agenda will be delivered over two days.

Tuesday 24th November: 08.00-10.00 registration to 17.45

Wednesday 24th November: 09.00 to 16.30 

There is an exciting line-up of speakers from community foundations and across the field of philanthropy and civil society.

Some speakers and topics are still being finalised, and we will add new information to the programme below once confirmed. 

Please look below at the agendas for the Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tuesday agenda

08.00-10.00: Registration and opening

10.00-10.30: Welcome

With Emma de Closset, CEO, UK Community Foundations, and David Holdsworth, CEO, Charity Commission for England and Wales

10.30-11.15: Building community resilience before crisis hits

This plenary brings together academic insight and frontline practice to explore how community foundations can strengthen resilience, support communities before crisis hits. 

With Robyn Knox, VCSEP (Chair), and Alina Kasprovchi, Fundația Comunitară București

11.15-11.45: Morning break

11.45-13.00: Breakouts

• Trustee diversity as a strategic asset 

A diverse board isn’t just 'good practice', it’s a resilience strategy. This session includes tools, case studies and practical steps for boards at any stage of the journey.

With Penny Wilson, Charity Governance consultant, and Yeme Onoabhagbe, CEO, Board Racial Diversity.

• Making climate part of the mission: embedding environmental thinking across philanthropy

Climate change is shaping the places, communities and causes that funders care about most. The challenge is not simply whether funders should respond, but how they can make climate and environmental thinking part of their everyday decision making, grant making, relationships and communications.

With Yasmin Ahammad, CEO, Impatience Earth, and Zoe Sprigings, CEO, Oxfordshire Community Foundation.

• Preparing for the next generation of donors

A historic transfer of wealth is reshaping the future of philanthropy, offering community foundations a timely opportunity to rethink how they engage the next generation of donors. This panel brings together perspectives from across philanthropy to explore how motivations, expectations and decision making are evolving.

With Isabelle Montague-Johnstone, Head of Philanthropy, Barclays Private Bank, Louise Morris, Founder and director, Summit Fundraising, and Fran Wright, Philanthropy Manager, Suffolk Community Foundation.

• The art of disagreeing: creating space for dialogue

Polarisation is increasingly shaping community life, straining relationships and eroding trust. Community foundations are uniquely placed to respond, being locally rooted, trusted conveners. This session explores one organisation’s approach to going beyond conflict-avoidance and instead creating spaces where disagreement is possible, respectful and even productive.

With Yvonne Dawson, CEO, Association of Camerados, and Irene Armbruster, Managing Director, Bürgerstiftung Stuttgart (Community Foundation Stuttgart)

13.00-14.00: Lunch

14.00-15.15: Breakouts

• Funding futures: designing effective programmes for young people

Young people are not simply beneficiaries of funding but experts in their own lives, leaders within their communities and partners in creating change. This panel brings together a range of funders to explore how grant makers are redesigning programmes around youth voice, participation, equity and power sharing. 

With Natasha Friend, Director, Camden Giving

• Building stronger relationships with professional advisers

How can community foundations become the partner that professional advisers think of when their clients want to give? This session will unpack the professional adviser relationship, explore the questions and priorities that shape client conversations and consider how community foundations can make their offer clear and compelling.

• Funding narrative building and social change work

What role can community foundations play in building the movements, narratives and community power that drive long-term social change? Through speaker-led discussion and table conversations, delegates will explore how place-based funders can support the art and science of change making, strengthen community resilience and connect local action to wider social change.

With Sufina Ahmad, Director, John Ellerman Foundation, and Thea Shahrokh, Learning and Impact Lead, Joseph Rowntree Foundation

15.15-15.45: Afternoon break

15.45-16.30: Plenary

New information will be added soon.

16.30-17.00: Day 1 reflections

Speakers will reflect on the themes and conversations from Day 1.

17.00-17.45: Fringe sessions

Sitting outside the main programme, our fringe sessions will provide an opportunity for any delegate to lead an informal gathering on a particular topic or theme.  An invitation for fringe topics will come soon.

Wednesday agenda

9.00-9.30: Morning energiser

9.30-10.15: Beyond charity: who holds the power?

In this conversation, panellists explore some of the biggest questions facing philanthropy today: the relationship between charity and justice, how power is distributed in funding, and what it really means to put communities in the lead. The discussion will also consider the unique role of community foundations: does being rooted in place create opportunities for more equitable philanthropy, and what blind spots remain?

With Abdou Sidibe, Director of Grants, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, and Sophia Parker, Emerging Futures Director, Joseph Rowntree Foundation

10.15-10.30: Morning break

10.30-11.45: Breakouts

• AI in action: a practical workshop

Interested in AI but unsure where to start? This hands-on session explores how community foundations can adopt AI confidently, responsibly and in line with their values. Through practical exercises, live examples and lessons from foundations already putting AI to work, we'll explore both the opportunities and the ethical challenges AI presents.

With Tim Cook, AI Confident

• Connecting care: lessons from our Care Leavers Programme

This session will explore what community foundations have learned from working collaboratively across sectors, building partnerships, designing responsive funding approaches, engaging care leavers in shaping support and creating opportunities that help care-experienced young people to thrive.

• Why people give: the minds and motivations of major donors

In this session, we'll unpack the motivations, misconceptions and evolving giving patterns of major UK donors. We'll explore the expectations of wealthy donors, the misunderstandings of charities, and practical insights into strengthening donor-charity relationships and the wider vulture of philanthropy.

With Rhodri Davies, Philanthropy expert, writer and commentator

• The power of future stories

In a world of stretched resources, complex processes and divided attention, this interactive workshop explores the power of aligning people behind a shared vision of the future to create positive change.

With Matthew Hook and Caroline Keylock, strategic consultants and co-founders, LOOK UP

11.45-13.00 Lunch

13.00-14.15: Breakouts

• Leadership for resilient foundations

Drawing on insights from our Clore Social Leadership programme, this session explores the leadership qualities that underpin resilient organisations. Through practical examples, we’ll look at how leaders can build collaboration, nurture continuous learning and strengthen both their organisations and the communities they serve.

With Amit Chadda, Director of Programmes, Clore Social Leadership

• Seeding the future: regenerative funding in practice

This session will explore what it takes to move beyond traditional grant making and fund in ways that genuinely regenerate communities, ecosystems and long‑term resilience. Speakers will spotlight practical examples, tensions and opportunities for funders ready to embrace a more life‑affirming, community‑rooted approach to philanthropy.

With Aala Ross and Leah Black, Co-Heads, Regenerative Futures Fund, and Khadra Aden and Clara Espinosa, Programme and Partnership Leads, City Bridge Foundation

• Rural philanthropy in focus: what the research tells us

Drawing on new research led by Devon Community Foundation, Somerset Community Foundation, and IVAR, this session shares emerging insights into how philanthropy flows to rural areas, and where it falls short. The Făgăraș Research Institute will add an international perspective, and together, speakers will explore what community foundations can do differently to ensure rural communities are seen and supported effectively.

With Nicola Frost, Head of Impact, Insight and Learning, Devon Community Foundation, Justin Sargent, CEO, Somerset Community Foundation, and Stefan Cibian, Co-Founder, Făgăraș Research Institute

• Democratic resilience: the role of community foundations in polarised times

With the rise of the far right, mis- and disinformation and local violence encouraged by transnational actors, what does a community-rooted response look like? Speakers from the UK and in Europe will examine the role of community foundations in strengthening democratic resilience at the local level.

With Giles Ruck, CEO, Foundation Scotland, Celia McKeon, CEO, Two Ridings Community Foundation, Róisín Wood, CEO, Community Foundation Northern Ireland, Rüdiger Ratsch-Heitmann, Managing Director, BürgerStiftung Hamburg (Hamburg Community Foundation)

14.15-14.30 Afternoon break

14.30-15.45: Breakouts

• Strategic impact investing for community foundations

As more foundations explore how their investments can support their charitable objectives, impact investing is becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation. Our panel will explore how community foundations can confidently navigate the evolving landscape of impact-aligned portfolios, what can realistically be achieved, and some of the common questions and barriers foundations encounter when getting started.

With Sarah Teacher, Co-CEO, Impact Investing Institute, and Sophia Omar, Senior Programme Manager, Impact Investing Institute

• Building grassroots resilience: capacity building for local groups

In a time of increased demand, a polarised social climate and financial constraints, the grassroots organisations serving communities are under more pressure than ever. This panel will explore what funders can do to build capacity and resilience in the community groups they support, with a focus on groups led by - and for those from - marginalised communities. 

With Poonam D’Cruze, Head of Poverty & Injustice, Comic Relief, Fadi Itani, Chief Executive Officer, Muslim Charities Forum, and Bayo Adelaja, CEO, Do It Now

• Capital for good: navigating philanthropy, impact and investment

This interactive session will examine the distinctions between philanthropy, impact investing and responsible investment, and the role each can play in supporting charitable objectives. Through practical examples, we will explore the opportunities, trade-offs and considerations involved, helping attendees better understand how social outcomes and investment goals can work together.

With Chris Gibson, Senior Marketing Lead, Charities, Rathbones

• Catalysing change: positive tipping points and community-led climate action

How can small, targeted actions spark large-scale, lasting change? We will explore the concept of positive tipping points: moments where interventions in complex systems trigger self-reinforcing change at scale. Drawing on the latest research and the newly developed Positive Tipping Points Toolkit, this session will translate systems thinking into practical tools for community foundations.

With Peter Lefort, Green Futures Network, University of Exeter

15.45-16.15: TED-style talks

Short, inspiring talks from delegates sharing projects, provocations and calls to action. New information will be added soon.

16.15-16.30: Closing keynote

With Dame Julia Cleverdon DCVO CBE, Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund

More info

Hotels

We have organised a discounted rate for delegates at the Orchard Hotel, which is immediately next to the East Midlands Conference Centre. Discounted bookings are available on a first come, first served basis. Our discount code in this link enables you to pick your chosen night/s with the discount automatically added. 

An inclusive experience

To explore the power of place-based resilience, we need to make sure everyone can participate fully in the conversation, contribute their perspective and feel they belong.

Steps to ensuring an inclusive conference include:

• involving our delegates as equal contributors throughout the programme
• supporting first-time, international and solo attendees with clear, friendly guidance over the two days
• including a wide range of voices from different geographies and lived experiences
• providing a designated quiet space and prayer room

Read our latest Member Hub blog from Nicole Lilauwala, Field Building Manager at UKCF, on how we’re creating an inclusive, accessible, welcoming space for all who attend.

Q&A

General

Who is UKCF’s conference for?

The UKCF conference is for all staff and trustees from community foundations in the UKCF movement.  There will be sessions relevant to all work areas and levels of seniority.

Do I need to register for the conference?

Delegates must complete an individual registration form to provide us with your personal details and breakout session selections.  If you have purchased a ticket, you will receive a registration form by the end of September.

If you have not received a delegate registration form by Thursday 15th October, please email our Field Building team.

Is there anything I need to do in advance to prepare?

You may find it helpful to have a look at the agenda and reflect on the topic of resilience.  Consider what you hope to get out of the event: is it attending a specific session?  Meeting others facing similar challenges?  Getting inspired in a certain area?

The conference app (launching in mid-November) will be a great resource for you to see the speakers and fellow delegates that will be there.

Who can I contact if I have any problems?

During the run up to the conference you can contact UKCF via email at membership@ukcommunityfoundations.org with any queries.

Programme

How can delegates get involved in the conference?

There are several ways to get involved in the conference.  You can pitch a fringe session - an informal gathering to discuss a topic of your choice (we will provide a space and promote the session in the agenda).  You can volunteer to deliver a TED-style talk, a short presentation to the audience designed to share, inspire and challenge.  There will also be plenty of opportunities in breakout sessions to contribute to the conversation.

What time will the programme start and finish each day?

On Tuesday 24th November, registration opens at 08.00 with the programme beginning at 10.00 and finishing at 17.00 (with optional fringe sessions until 17.45).  We will have an evening event with dinner on the evening of Tuesday 24th – from 19.00 until 23.00.

On Wednesday 25th November, the programme will begin at 09.00 and finish at 16.30.

How do I sign up for breakout sessions?

You will soon receive a delegate registration form to collect your choice of breakout sessions, any dietary and accessibility needs, and other necessary information related to the conference.  You will receive this by the end of September.

Where can I see my breakout choices, and can I change my breakout choices?

You can see your breakout choices on the conference app in the weeks leading up to the conference (see section below).  You are welcome to change your breakout choices, but do note that some rooms have a capacity limit so breakout options will be first-come, first-served.  If you’d like to update your session choices, please email our Field Building team.

Where can I see the full agenda, speaker details, my session choices, etc.?

Full details of the conference agenda and speakers will be continuously updated on this webpage.  Further details and session choices will also be available to delegates on our conference web app (see section below).

I will be arriving the evening before on Monday 23rd November – is there anything planned?

We will have an informal networking gathering the evening before the conference for those arriving early.  More details will follow soon.

Will conference sessions be recorded?

We are prioritising the in-person experience, so we will not record all the sessions.  Instead, we will capture key learnings, discussion themes, common challenges and areas of interest from the conference.  This will allow us to keep the conversation going with resources, webinars, follow-up conversations and more after the conference ends.

Following the conference, we will share presentations, resources, recordings (where available), key insights and follow-up opportunities.

Venue and logistics

How do I get there?

The conference will take place at East Midlands Conference Centre, Beeston Lane Nottingham, Beeston NG7 2RJ.

If you’re arriving…

By rail: Nottingham railway station is 4 miles away.  The nearest tram stop is University Boulevard, a 10-minute walk away.

By road: East Midlands Conference Centre is situated off the M1, JCT 25, 3 miles from Nottingham.  There is free parking on-site and electric charging points.

By air: East Midlands Airport is 14 miles away (20 mins by car).  Birmingham Airport is 50 miles away (90 mins by car).

Where can I stay?

A discounted rate is available to conference attendees at The Orchard Hotel (adjacent to the venue).  Use this link to book.

Is there a dress code?

The dress code for the conference is business casual.  The dress code is in place to help guests to know what to expect and help with planning.

Are meals included?

A buffet lunch will be provided on both the 24th and 25th November.  If you have purchased a full conference ticket, an evening meal on the 24th is also included.

Please note that we will collect information about dietary requirements in the delegate registration form.

I have specific accessibility needs. Can you accommodate me?

East Midlands Conference Centre is a fully accessible venue that is easy to navigate, with clear signage and step-free access to event spaces.  For more information, please see the accessibility guides for the conference centre and onsite hotel.

If you have specific access needs, please let us know when you register as a delegate (detailed registration information, including session choices, accessibility and dietary requirements will be collected shortly) and we will do our utmost to provide for them.

Will there be a quiet space where I can take a break?

We know that a conference can be overwhelming and sometimes you might need to step away.  That’s why we will have a quiet room available at all times for you to take a break when you need it.  There will also be a separate prayer room available for use at all times.

Tickets

When will bookings close?

Ticket sales close on Friday 13th November, or when capacity is reached.  Please note that we cannot accept bookings on the day of the event.

Can I attend in place of my colleague or change my ticket to a different name?

You may do this, but please give us as much notice as possible.  We cannot change the name on a ticket after 13th November, unless in exceptional circumstances.

I can no longer attend – can I get a refund?

Our full refund policy can be found in our terms and conditions.

Conference app

What is the conference app?

Instead of printed programmes, we will be using a web app to share details of the conference.  The app will allow you to create a profile, see speaker and sponsor information, connect with other delegates, build a personalised agenda and more.  Look out for more information in early November.

When can I log in to the app?

The app will be made available in mid-November.

What if I don’t want to use the app?

You don’t need to! The agenda will be available on this webpage.  However, we recommend using the app to get the full conference experience, to see your programme choices and to help navigate your way around the conference.

Privacy

How will my data be used?

By purchasing a ticket for the conference, you are consenting for your data to be processed by UKCF and your details being shared with the venue and our event delivery partner for the purposes of delivering this event.  View full details in our privacy policy.

I don’t want my photo taken – what should I do?

If you do not wish to be photographed, please let us know on the delegate registration form (which you will receive soon).