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ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Every two years, the Asset Funders Network (AFN) convenes grantmakers for a dynamic, immersive experience that goes beyond conversation to spark real change.

In October 2026, our network of public, private, and community foundations and financial institutions will gather in Philadelphia to advance equitable wealth building and economic mobility. Together, we’ll share bold ideas, exchange proven strategies, and explore actionable solutions that strengthen economic security now and for the future.

More than a conference, this is a catalyst for collective action — equipping philanthropy to create measurable, sustainable impact in the communities we serve and on the systems that influence economic opportunity and outcomes.

I’m honored to co-chair AFN’s 2026 Conference in Philadelphia — a city where big ideas meet practical action. This gathering is about more than best practices; it’s about forging partnerships that turn philanthropic resources into lasting community impact.

Philip Fitzgerald, Philadelphia Foundation

Why Philadelphia?

Philadelphia’s story — from its historic role in shaping the nation’s ideals to its modern reputation as a city of neighborhoods, culture, and resilience — makes it a fitting home for AFN’s 2026 Biennial Conference. As the nation marks its Semiquincentennial, AFN will convene here to honor that legacy and to chart bold, actionable strategies that transform systems that influence economic security and justice in communities nationwide.

Conference Hotel

AFN’s 2026 Biennial Conference will take place at the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, a premier venue uniquely situated on the city’s waterfront. The hotel’s flexible, light-filled meeting spaces are designed to accommodate both plenary sessions and breakout discussions, creating an engaging and comfortable environment for attendees. Just steps from Old City’s historic landmarks, museums, and restaurants, it’s the ideal setting for meaningful conversations, collaboration, and connection.

Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
201 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19106

A room block has been reserved for conference attendees. Click here to book your reservation online, or call #1-800-HILTONS and inform the agent to book with the Asset Funders Network group.

  • AFN Member: $1,100
  • Non-member: $1,600
Pre-Conference
  • AFN Member – $125
  • Non-member – $150

Conference Hotel

Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
201 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19106
(215) 521-6500

A room block has been reserved for conference attendees. Click here to book your reservation online or call #1-800-HILTONS and inform the agent to book with the Asset Funders Network group.

Who is eligible to attend?

Attendance at AFN conferences is open to current AFN members and affiliate members, staff and trustees of grantmaking institutions, and organizations eligible for AFN membership.  Please see AFN’s membership policy for more information or contact Kristin Rennels, Membership Director, at membership@assetfunders.org.

Would you like to learn more about membership? LEARN MORE and JOIN NOW TO SAVE.

Invited speakers representing grant-seeking organizations ineligible for AFN membership are invited to attend only on the day of their scheduled remarks.

All organizations registering to attend must meet AFN’s membership eligibility criteria. We reserve the right to review registrants and refund the ticket price if determined they are not eligible AFN membership. Registration fees are non-refundable. Please contact beth@assetfunders.org if you have a question regarding your organization’s eligibility.

Accessibility

AFN is committed to making our 2026 conference accessible to everyone.

Should you require accessibility assistance at this conference, please let us know your needs in detail during registration. AFN will make every effort to provide appropriate accommodations. Please email Beth Yeap at beth@assetfunders.org with any questions.

Solicitation Free Statement

AFN seeks to work and learn together openly. With gratitude, we engage veteran practitioners, sought-after experts, and newcomers with fresh perspectives to tackle the pressing economic equity issues facing America’s communities. Through our events, we offer grantmakers a space to host candid conversations and offer opportunities to leverage network members to create promising and strategic investments and actions. To maintain a distraction-free environment that fosters collaborative work, AFN asks that all participants respect this space and refrain from solicitation of grants, fund management, or investment requests of any kind.

Transfer/Refund Policy

CANCELLATIONS: Cancellation requests must be emailed to Beth Yeap at beth@assetfunders.org by 5:00 PM (EDT) on September 1, 2026, for a partial refund. A cancellation fee of $100 will be assessed to cover administrative costs.

REFUNDS: Registration fees will not be refunded for cancellations after 5:00 PM (EDT) on September 1, 2026.

SUBSTITUTIONS: We regret that we cannot offer refunds for “no shows,” however eligible substitutions are welcome without a penalty if submitted by September 29, 2026. Please see our attendee policy for eligibility and contact Beth Yeap at beth@assetfunders.org to make a substitution.

AGENDA

Tuesday, October 6

11:00 AM Registration Opens
12:00 PM Pre-Conference Lunch Available
1:00 PM   Pre-Conference Mobile & Walking Tours
3:00 PM   Pre-Conference Main Stage Session Rooted in Place: Philadelphia’s Alignment for Economic Mobility
5:00 PM   Open Networking
6:30 PM   Self-Directed Dine Arounds

Wednesday, October 7

7:30 AM   Registration & Breakfast Open
9:00 AM   Welcome to Philadelphia
9:30 AM   Igniting Change Requires Naming Truths
10:00 AM Answering the Call: Building a People-Centered Economy
11:20 AM Engineering Equity: Scaling Equitable Wealth Infrastructure & the Policies We Need
12:30 PM Networking Lunch
1:30 PM   Breakout Sessions: From Renters to Stakeholders, Credentials Without Crushing Debt: How Philanthropy Can Go Beyond the Scholarship to Support Today’s Students, Expanding Ownership: Shared Equity in Businesses and Real Estate, From Cash to Health: How Wealth-Building Investments Shape Social Determinants
3:00 PM   What Counts Now: Metrics, Meaning, and the Future of Economic Mobility
4:15 PM   Connecting Dots: Recapping the Day
5:00 PM   Reception on Site

Thursday, October 8

7:30 AM   General Breakfast Open
7:30 AM   Special Breakfast: Advancing New Innovations in Health & Wealth
9:00 AM   Welcome
9:15 AM   AI, Asset Building, and Agency: Democratizing Innovation for Inclusive Prosperity
10:30 AM Breakout Sessions: Preserving Community Wealth and Well-Being: Investment Strategies for the Long Arc of Disaster Recover, Protecting Generational Wealth: Cities and Philanthropy Tackling Heirs’ Property, The Care Economy: Strategies for Inclusive Economic Growth, The Road to Financial Reliance: Empowering Those Facing the Greatest Economic Risk for a Stronger Future
12:00 PM Lunch
12:45 PM Becoming the Philanthropy This Moment Demands
1:45 PM   Closing Remarks
2:00 PM   Conference Ends

Igniting Change for Inclusive Prosperity brings together a diverse group of national, regional and community-based funders focused on a common goal – engaging philanthropy to advance equitable wealth building and economic mobility.

Developed by grantmakers for grantmakers, this conference explores, discusses, and shares funding approaches that advance greater economic security for our nation’s individuals, families, and communities.

The 2026 Grantmaker Conference will feature the latest research, insights, evaluation, and best practices guidance from industry experts and fellow grantmakers. Join us – sponsor the 2026 Grantmaker Conference with these field-leading organizations.

Click here to learn more, or contact us today!

The AFN conference was truly the best I’ve ever attended rich in insights, packed with practical strategies, and offering an honest discussion of what works and what hasn’t. This candid approach set it apart, providing a clear blueprint for next steps and potential partnerships. It’s an invaluable experience for asset funders committed to driving meaningful and lasting change.Christina Hanger | W.K. Kellogg Foundation


Thank you to our 2026 conference sponsors: