Women’s philanthropy leaders, donors, and change-makers will convene March 31–April 1 in Chicago to shape the future of women’s philanthropy
INDIANAPOLIS, February 17, 2026 – The future of philanthropy is female, and it's happening now. Be Bold. Be Brave. Be the Bridge, a symposium organized by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, will be a gathering of women donors, corporate leaders, and nonprofit innovators. Leveraging WPI’s extensive research on gender differences in giving, these bridgebuilders will tackle the hard conversations that drive real change. From the multi-trillion-dollar wealth transfer to AI-powered giving, they won’t be just talking trends, they will be creating them.
“The Great Wealth Transfer is accelerating this moment. As unprecedented levels of capital move across generations and increasingly into the hands of women, we are redefining what it means to steward wealth,” said Dianne Chipps Bailey, WPI Council Chair and Managing Director and National Philanthropic Strategy Executive for Philanthropic Solutions at Bank of America. “Women in philanthropy have long led with imagination, courage, and care. As influence and resources continue to shift, we have an opportunity to move beyond transactional giving toward approaches rooted in trust and partnership."
Attendees will spend two days making countless connections with the more than 400 philanthropic leaders, innovators, and practitioners in attendance as they transform women’s philanthropy by taking a deep dive into trust-based giving, navigating difficult conversations, and harnessing data to amplify impact. This is where bold women will make brave moves.
"Women are transforming philanthropy through their leadership and economic influence,” said Jacqueline Ackerman, WPI Director. “This moment calls for bold leadership and informed action. The symposium is designed for people who want to use their influence—whether through giving, leadership, or partnership—to help shape what comes next."
The symposium will:
- Bring together philanthropic leaders and donors for high-level dialogue on the most pressing issues shaping women’s philanthropy
- Offer data-driven, actionable insights attendees can apply to their leadership, partnerships, and giving.
- Create space for meaningful connection, collaboration, and relationship building.
Through plenaries and panels, the Symposium will address topics including:
- The Future is Female: Philanthropy and the Great Wealth Transfer
- Boldly Bridging: Philanthropy’s Role in a Divided World
- The Trust Revolution: Shifting Power & Building Authentic Partnerships
- The AI Tsunami: Will Innovation Transform Women’s Philanthropy?
- The Ripple Effect: Investing in Women’s Economic Opportunity
- The New Power Players: Philanthropy in Sports and Entertainment
Speakers/panelists include:
- Abigail Disney, Philanthropist and Social Activist
- Judy Woodruff, Senior Correspondent and former Anchor and Managing Editor at PBS NewsHour
- Cecilia Conrad, CEO, Lever for Change
- Erin McHugh, Chief Executive Officer, Data and Tech Hub.
- Angela Williams, President and CEO, United Way Worldwide
- Maureen Hackett, President, Hackett Family Foundation
- Danette Leighton, President & CEO, Women’s Sports Foundation
- Najeeba Syeed, Executive Director of the Interfaith Institute and Professor, Augsburg University
Event Information:
- Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, 540 N. Michigan Avenue
- March 31-April
- The cost is $925
- Learn more and register online.
About the Women’s Philanthropy Institute
The Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) is part of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. WPI increases understanding of women’s philanthropy through rigorous research and education, interpreting and sharing these insights broadly to improve philanthropy. By addressing significant and groundbreaking research questions and translating that research into increased understanding and improvements in practice, WPI helps to leverage new and expanded resources for the common good.
Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is dedicated to improving philanthropy and the world by training and empowering students and professionals to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change. The school offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its undergraduate, graduate, Ph.D., PhilD, certificate and professional development programs, its research and international programs, and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy, Women’s Philanthropy Institute, and the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Facebook.