Meet The Funders 2026: Strengthening Partnerships with Black-Led Nonprofits

Held in partnership with the Black Executive Director’s (BLK ED) Network, Meet the Funders 2026 creates a dedicated space for Black Executive Directors and Black-focused nonprofits to engage directly with institutional funders during a pivotal moment for the nonprofit sector. As organizations adapt to a new federal administration, they face evolving public funding streams, shifting philanthropic priorities, a cooling of DEI commitments, and mounting pressures on organizational capacity. This convening aims to foster candid dialogue and strengthen long-term partnerships between funders and Black-led organizations.

Through facilitated and open dialogue, attendees will explore what has changed in the sector, what persistent challenges remain, and what practices can build resilience and trust in funding relationships. The program includes mixed-group breakout sessions designed to encourage collaborative problem-solving and shared learning among funders and nonprofit leaders.

Background:
This event builds on themes from State of the Sector: What Nonprofits Need from their Relationship with Funders, held in November 2024 in partnership with Associated Black Charities as well as prior Meet the Funders events with the BLK ED Network. Meet the Funders 2026 continues dialog about critical insights into nonprofit-funder dynamics by addressing current realities and charting a path forward.

Audience:
This convening is open to Maryland Philanthropy Network members and nonprofit directors who identify as Black, regardless of fundraising experience. Space is limited to 40 participants.

Accessibility: 
Our office is located in a single-story building with free accessible parking directly in front of our suite. Learn about Maryland Philanthropy Network’s program accessibility at this link. To request any additional accessibility accommodations, contact the staff member listed above in the yellow registration section.

Assistance, Cancellations & Refunds: 
This registration is for Maryland Philanthropy Network members – nonprofit participants should register through the BLK ED Network. We expect this event will reach capacity. If you are not able to attend, we will open a slot for another participant.