
Reimagining Philanthropy for a Healthier Democracy
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 | 9:00AM – 2:00PM | The Wool Factory
Democracy? What does the social impact sector have to do with it? Find out on Wednesday, March 29th at The Wool Factory!
We’re excited to present: CNE’s Spring 2023 Philanthropy Day Summit. In line with our theme this year, and with lessons from the pandemic as well as feedback from people like you, we are reimagining this annual community celebration of giving to provide a new venue, new content, and new opportunities to engage. What hasn’t changed is our mission to celebrate the philanthropist in all of us, and the power of our collective philanthropy to transform us and our communities.
This evolution aligns with CNE’s strategic plan and our dynamic framework to enhance Virginia social impact sector, the 7 Actionable Principles for a Strong Social Sector.
This year’s theme is “Reimagining Philanthropy for a Healthier Democracy.” You may be asking yourself, “Democracy? …What does the social impact sector have to do with it?” Our answer — a lot!
Our keynote speakers, Kristen Cambell and Robert Dortch, and our local Community Conversations facilitators, will provide you with national and local perspectives – as well as actions you can take – to reimagine a mission-centered philanthropy while using the power of the social impact sector to activate civic engagement – the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. This event welcomes folks from local government, the private sector, nonprofits, higher education, as well as grassroots community volunteers and advocates all united in their efforts to build equitable, thriving, and just communities for all. We hope you see yourself in this community of practice and that we’ll see you on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, from 9AM – 2PM at our new venue, The Wool Factory, to learn more about how you can Reimagine Philanthropy for a Healthier Democracy.
Philanthropy Day Summit Schedule
Morning Summit: 9:00AM – 11:00AM
The Complete Summit: 9:00AM – 2:00PM
In registering for this year’s Philanthropy Day Summit, you can choose to attend the Morning Summit only OR the Complete Summit, which includes the Afternoon Summit (lunch and a Community Conversation).

Our Speakers
Kristen Cambell – CEO of Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE)
Kristen Cambell is CEO of PACE (Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement), a philanthropic laboratory for funders seeking to maximize their impact on U.S. democracy and civic life. She has served in this capacity since July 2015.
Previously, Kristen was an independent consultant, focusing primarily in civic engagement, education, and leadership.
Robert Dortch – Board Chair, Philanthropy Southeast
Robert L. Dortch, Jr. is a nationally recognized philanthropic thought-leader, whose career as an entrepreneur and executive spans more than 25 years in the for-profit, faith-based, philanthropic, and non-profit sectors.
Currently, Robert is the Strategic Philanthropic Coach & Consultant for Dortch Group, which specializes in leveraging innovation, equity, and partnerships to make catalytic placed-based philanthropy accessible in the board room, philanthropic institutions, and the non-profit sector.
Afternoon Summit - Community Conversations
Our Host Committee
If you’re interested in sponsoring the Spring 2023 Philanthropy Day Summit, you can learn more on our Sponsorship page.
Our Sponsors