National Conference

The largest gathering of small foundation leaders

Save the date!

October 7-9, 2012
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
San Francisco, CA

The ASF National Conference happens every other year. Join us this year for a remarkable experience that will:

• Deliver what you have come to expect from ASF as a donor, trustee, or professional in philanthropy: knowledge, skills, and authentic personal and professional connections that engage your head and heart and help you to be effective.


• Connect you to a new ASF: a vibrant marketplace for ideas, where you are challenged to rethink your assumptions and reaffirm your passions.


• Showcase our host city of San Francisco and its dynamic arts community, cutting-edge technology sector, and philanthropic diversity—the perfect backdrop to reenergize and inspire us all.

Online registration opens February 2012.

2010 National Conference Recap

Many thanks to the more than 750 members, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and guests who joined us in Austin in 2010! Thank you also to our generous member donors and corporate sponsors who made the conference possible.

Conference handouts

Handouts and resources are available.

Participant experience

Sights and sounds

View the photo album on Flickr

Listen to the 15th anniversary song, performed at the conference by Chip Dolan.

Blog posts

From speaker Monica Williams at Giving City Austin
From speaker and member Ellen Remmer at The Philanthropic Initiative
From speaker Jen Astone.

What participants are saying

“Where else can you find this much passion to change the world in one place?” - Emily Hull-Parsons, The William McCaskey Chapman and Adaline Dinsmore Chapman Foundation, CA

“The ASF conference provided a lot of ideas and inspiration, and an opportunity to network with others involved with foundation work. I really enjoyed (and drew from) the breadth of experience of the participants – founders, staff, investors, advisors, trustees, and up and comings.”
- Anastacia Kampe, The Kampe Foundation, CO