Foundation Essentials is an online learning opportunity for those new to their leadership role as an Executive Director of their community foundation. The six (90-minute) module learning cohort is an interactive series designed for Community Foundation executive directors. You will discover the history of community foundations, explore foundation leadership and governance, provide an overview of grantmaking and effective communication strategies, debate the current big issues in philanthropy and explore the various roles within philanthropy.

Audience: Anyone new to leading a community foundation within the last 36 months who is willing to commit to all sessions. Your community foundation must be a CFC member, and you must pre-register by October 1, 2025. Group size will be kept small to maximize interaction, and we require pre-registration for this series.

Sessions

• Oct 24, 2025 — 1-2:30 PM ET
• Nov 14, 2025 — 1-2:30 PM ET
• Nov 28, 2025 — 1-2:30 PM ET
• Dec 12, 2025 — 1-2:30 PM ET
• Jan 16, 2026 — 1-2:30 PM ET
• Feb 6, 2026 — 1-2:30 PM ET