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Each year, the Virginia Funders Network hosts dozens of learning and networking opportunities to help funders learn about the critical needs and exciting opportunities facing the Commonwealth and its residents. These events build community among the state’s philanthropic and cross-sector leaders and provide a robust arena for idea exchange, collective problem-solving, and the development of collaborative solutions.
We ask that all participants of VFN events to adhere strictly to our non-solicitation policy. This ensures a comfortable, respectful atmosphere in which professional relationships can be fostered and maintained.
Annual Conference
VFN’s annual conference is the largest gathering of Virginia’s philanthropic community. Since our inaugural conference in 2021, philanthropic executives, trustees, and staff, as well as partners supporting these organizations, have gathered over 2-3 days for inspiring learning, networking, and community-building opportunities. Ideas are exchanged, connections are made, and meaningful relationships are built to propel the positive work supporting Virginia’s communities.
Traditionally held in late spring, the Conference Planning Committee, comprised of VFN Advisory Board members, VFN members, and event sponsors, begins its work in the fall to plan and host this valuable and inspiring gathering.
- 2025 Annual Conference April-28-30 in Loudoun, Virginia
- 2024 Annual Conference May 6-8 in Richmond, VA – Stronger Together: Collective Action, Collective Impact
- 2023 Annual Conference May 2-3 in Roanoke, VA – Stronger Together: Building Our Future
- 2022 Inaugural Conference May 3-4 in Williamsburg, VA – Stronger Together: Advancing Opportunities for All Virginians
Regional Funders Gatherings
Since 2022, VFN has co-hosted in partnership with funders in specific regions, in-person events that we now call Regional Funder Gatherings (RFGs). These RFGs (21 to-date) have provided opportunities for networking, learning, and community-building and are already proving effective in fostering collaboration both in and across regions.
More specifically, Regional Funders Gatherings provide a safe-space for VFN members and “friends” of VFN to learn about and from each other as a community-building tool. Participants learn about important issues and challenges and how members are responding individually and to share, as applicable, what other regions are doing to address similar concerns.
With VFN’s alignment with GO Virginia in 2024, the RFGs will also allow for an exchange of information that will inform public officials about philanthropy and issues of importance, raise awareness about what resources funders provide, and for funders to learn about public-sector investments occurring in their communities. Ultimately, our goal is to build and enhance more public-private relationships and identify shared interests to the benefit of communities across the Commonwealth.
Upcoming Events
The majority of VFN’s events and programs are open exclusively to members unless otherwise noted. For more information about membership, please visit our Membership pages.
We ask that all event participants and speakers strictly abide by VFN’s non-solicitation policy.
We ask that all event participants and speakers strictly abide by VFN’s non-solicitation policy.
All of our virtual session recordings are available on our YouTube channel.