National Association of Education Foundations [NAEF] upcoming events

Career Center (Thursday, January 01, 2026)

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Are You Looking To Fill A Vacancy?

The National Association of Education Foundations connects job seekers and those hiring through our Career Center.

Members can post a career placement free of charge; non-member will pay a nominal fee. Payments must be received in full before a job is posted to the Career Center.

First, register and pay for the career placement online. Then, send the career placement to info@educationfoundations.org in an email or as an email attachment. Include relevant job information and how applicants should apply [web address, email, etc]. An attached file must be an original file [IE: Microsoft Word]. The career placement will remain online for 30-days, but can be renewed for an additional 30-days at the same rate.

CEFL Certification Program Registration (Monday, April 20, 2026)

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Join the 2026 CEFL Cohort!

The Certificate in Education Foundation Leadership, CEFL, is the professional standard and is the only certification program designed exclusively for education foundation leaders and executives. This program provides foundation leaders with specific skills and knowledge required to lead and manage an education foundation, regardless of size.

The CEFL Certification Program is offered online in an asynchronous format that is self-paced with weekly deadlines. Optional weekly check-ins over Zoom provide a space to connect in real time with instructors and peers from across the country.

Each course is four weeks; the certificate can be completed in about six months. There is a "Flex" week between each course. This allows students the flexibility to work ahead, catch up on any missed work, or just enjoy some time off.

This six-course program is ideal for education foundation leaders, foundation staff, and board members who are passionate about the advancement of the industry, their foundation, and their professional growth.

Prerequisite

You must be a member in good standing with the NAEF and maintain active membership to retain certification.

Registration Fee

Individual course - $555/each

We must receive payment in advance of the course start date to provide you with access to the online learning platform.

Course Calendar

The six-course session begins April 20 and concludes November 16, 2026. Enrolled students may access course materials beginning April 20th; courses being on April 27th.

Access our CEFL Certification web page

October Digital Advertising (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Maximize Your Exposure in the NEAF Newsletter

Stay in front of foundation leaders with an advertisement in our October newsletter!

Advertising opportunities include -

Vertical Advertisement
Horizontal Advertisement
Square Advertisement
Corporate Logo & Hyperlink Website Presence [one year]

The deadline of purchasing October advertising is September 24, 2026.

View the digital advertising here

HR & Finance Member Network (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Connect with NAEF members from across the country at our HR & Finance Member Networking Chat! This interactive session is a great opportunity to share ideas, build relationships, and gain fresh perspectives. Come ready to engage and be inspired.

Registration

Member - Complimentary

Foundations Forward: A Virtual Forum for Foundation Leadership (Wednesday, October 21, 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Four Conversations Designed to Challenge, Inspire, and Move Your Foundation Forward.

The landscape for public education is changing rapidly and foundation leaders are being called on to do more than raise funds. Today's strongest foundations are building community power, developing future leaders, embracing new technology, and creating sustainable organizations that can thrive through change.

Foundations Forward is a two-day virtual forum designed to give education foundation leaders fresh ideas, practical strategies, and tools you can put into action right away. Over four engaging sessions, you'll hear from innovative leaders who are tackling some of the biggest opportunities facing our field from influencing public policy and developing the next generation of leaders to leveraging AI and preventing leadership burnout.

Session 1

Wednesday, October 21st

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM CST | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM MST |9:00 AM - 11:00 AM PST

From the Classroom to the Capital: How Education Foundations Can Lead Advocacy That Changes Policy

presented by Manny Barbara, Interim CEO, Silicon Valley Education Foundation

What does it look like when an education foundation stops waiting for policy to change and starts helping shape it? At Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SV[e]F), Silicon Valley's largest education nonprofit, that question led to a seat at the table on SCA 5, the Education Equalization Act, co-sponsored alongside CA Senator Dave Cortese to ensure zip code no longer determines a student's opportunity.

In this session, SV[e]F’s Interim CEO, Manny Barbara, will share how foundation leaders can build the internal infrastructure, community coalitions, and communications strategy needed to move from program delivery to policy influence. Attendees will leave with a framework for identifying advocacy entry points, activating stakeholder networks, and using storytelling to make equity arguments that resonate with legislators, donors, and the public alike.

Project 2035: How is Your Programming and Funding Creating the Next Generation of Education Leaders?

presented by Copland Rudolph, Executive Director, Asheville City Schools Foundation

Join us in an experiential exploration of the role public school foundations can play in creating future public school leaders. Asheville City Schools Foundation's DREAM ( Dedicated, Responsible, Enthusiastic, After-school Mentors) and REAP (Racial Equity Ambassador Program) high school students will lead this session on best practices for creating an innovative, intentional leadership continuum. ACSF funding and programming act as conduits for equity work at a time when the NC state legislature is strategically blocking equity efforts through cuts to K-16 public education and the federal Department of Education is being dismantled. As political attacks against embracing diversity increase, ACSF is in a strong place to keep the work of creating global citizens and future community leaders moving forward. Attendees will leave with clear examples of best practices learned through ACSF trial and error and with an evolving vision for their own organization.

Session 2

Thursday, October 22nd

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM CST | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM MST |12:00 PM - 1:00 PM PST

Leveraging AI in Fundraising: Practical Tools for School Development Teams

presented by John Campbell, CFRE & Dalton Cargo, FundEd Strategies

In this presentation, we will demystify the power of generative AI and show how it can be a game changer for public school fundraising teams. With limited time, staff, and budgets, many development teams are overwhelmed, but AI can offer strategic leverage for everyday tasks like donor outreach, grant proposal drafting, and case statement development.

Through a mix of live demonstrations and collaborative prompt building, participants will explore real use cases that are practical, accessible, and tailored for the unique context of public schools. You will see AI-generated content created in real time, helping you understand not just what these tools can do, but how to use them effectively.

Attendees will contribute to building a shared prompt bank of fundraising use cases, learn how to refine AI outputs for voice and mission alignment, and leave with a mini toolkit that includes starter prompts, ethical guardrails, and recommended tools, all designed for immediate use.

Whether you are a one person shop, a school leader responsible for development, or part of a growing fundraising team, this session will equip you with the skills and confidence to integrate AI thoughtfully into your fundraising workflow.

Burnout to Balance: Leadership Strategies for Emotional Wellness in Education Foundations

presented by Njideka Olatunde, ND, PhD, MSW, CRI, Focus On Healing Wellness Institute

Educational leaders are often expected to lead effectively while operating under constant stress, emotional exhaustion, and increasing demands. This presentation explores how emotional wellness and mindset awareness directly impact leadership performance, communication, decision-making, and organizational culture. Participants will gain insight into recognizing burnout signals before they become barriers to productivity and collaboration. The session introduces holistic wellness approaches that support sustainable leadership practices, healthier workplace environments, and improved staff engagement. Attendees will learn practical techniques for reducing stress, improving resilience, and fostering emotionally supportive organizational cultures within education foundations and school systems. Outcomes include strategies for leadership wellness planning, communication enhancement, and creating intentional spaces that support both personal and professional well-being. This presentation empowers education leaders to lead with clarity, compassion, and sustainability.

Registration

Member - $199

Non-member - $299

Foundations Forward: A Virtual Forum for Foundation Leadership (Thursday, October 22, 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Four Conversations Designed to Challenge, Inspire, and Move Your Foundation Forward.

Session 1

Wednesday, October 21st

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM CST | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM MST |9:00 AM - 11:00 AM PST

From the Classroom to the Capital: How Education Foundations Can Lead Advocacy That Changes Policy

presented by Manny Barbara, Interim CEO, Silicon Valley Education Foundation

Project 2035: How is Your Programming and Funding Creating the Next Generation of Education Leaders?

presented by Copland Rudolph, Executive Director, Asheville City Schools Foundation

Session 2

Thursday, October 22nd

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM CST | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM MST |12:00 PM - 1:00 PM PST

Leveraging AI in Fundraising: Practical Tools for School Development Teams

presented by John Campbell, CFRE & Dalton Cargo, FundEd Strategies

Burnout to Balance: Leadership Strategies for Emotional Wellness in Education Foundations

presented by Njideka Olatunde, ND, PhD, MSW, CRI, Focus On Healing Wellness Institute

Registration

Member - $199

Non-member - $299

Fundraising Member Network (Tuesday, November 10, 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Connect with NAEF members from across the country at our Fundraising Member Networking Chat! This interactive session is a great opportunity to share ideas, build relationships, and gain fresh perspectives. Come ready to engage and be inspired.

Registration

Member - Complimentary

Advocacy 101 (Thursday, November 19, 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Not sure where to start with advocacy? This webinar will explore advocacy for education foundations, including how to effectively communicate your impact, build relationships with elected officials and community stakeholders, and engage in advocacy efforts while navigating the guidelines for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Whether you are new to advocacy or looking to strengthen your approach, this session will provide practical strategies and real-world examples to help your foundation elevate its voice and advance its mission.

Featured Speaker

Mike Taylor

Mike Taylor, MPA, CFRE, CEFL, serves as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Education Foundations (NAEF) and Executive Director of the Oak Ridge Public Schools Education Foundation.

With more than 30 years in nonprofit leadership and 17 in the education foundation sector, Mike has helped raise over $43 million in support of public education. A respected national voice, he champions policy, advocacy, and collaboration to strengthen education foundations nationwide.

Registration

Member - Complimentary

Non-member - $65

December Digital Advertising (Tuesday, December 08, 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Maximize Your Exposure in the NEAF Newsletter

Stay in front of foundation leaders with an advertisement in our December newsletter!

Advertising opportunities include -

Vertical Advertisement
Horizontal Advertisement
Square Advertisement
Corporate Logo & Hyperlink Website Presence [one year]

The deadline of purchasing December advertising is November 19, 2026.

View the digital advertising sizing here

Governance & District Relationship Member Network (Tuesday, December 08, 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Connect with NAEF members from across the country at our Governance & District Relationship Member Networking Chat! This interactive session is a great opportunity to share ideas, build relationships, and gain fresh perspectives. Come ready to engage and be inspired.

Registration

Member - Complimentary

ImpactED '27 Pre & Post Conference Sessions (Tuesday, March 16, 2027)

Tue, 16 Mar 2027 04:00:00 GMT

Make the Most of Your ImpactED ’27 Experience

Take your ImpactED ’27 experience a step further with our pre-conference and post-conference sessions, designed to provide additional opportunities for focused learning, practical tools, and meaningful connection.

Whether you want to dive deeper into a specific topic before the conference begins or continue the conversation after the final session, these programs offer dedicated time to explore ideas, strengthen your skills, and connect with fellow education foundation professionals.

Space is limited, so be sure to register for your pre- or post-conference session when you register for ImpactED ’27!

Important: Two Registration Links

Planning to attend ImpactED ’27 plus the Boot Camp and/or a Pre-Conference session? Please note that these programs have separate registration links.

Register for ImpactED '27 here: REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE
If you plan to participate in the Pre-Conferece Sessions & Post Conference Session, you must also register here: REGISTER FOR BOOT CAMP & PRE-CONFERENCE

One Convenient Payment

Register for the conference AND select the Pre-Conference sessions and Post-Conference session and you can pay for all of your selected activities at one time.

Please complete both registration links if you are attending the conference in addition to the Pre-Conference sessions and Post Conference session. This ensures that you are properly registered for all programs you plan to attend.

Tuesday March 16th - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Pre-Con #1 - Executive Director Boot Camp

This session to be held on-site at the conference hotel

Stepping into the role of an education foundation leader can feel both exciting and overwhelming — especially when you’re “new in the chair.” Whether you’re a first-time executive director, a nonprofit professional transitioning into the education foundation world, or a board member serving as an interim or unpaid ED, this fast-paced and practical boot camp is designed to help you succeed from day one.

Led by two nationally recognized experts — and co-authors of Roadmap for Education Foundations: A Practical Guide to Growing an Education Foundation, Robin Callahan and Gail Rothman will guide participants through the essential knowledge and skills every education foundation leader needs.

This interactive, six-hour course blends real-world insight, case examples, and peer learning to deepen your understanding of the unique role of an education foundation executive director. You’ll leave with the tools and confidence to strengthen your leadership, clarify your partnership with your board and school district, and chart a clear path toward sustainable impact.

Key Topics Include:

Understanding the ED role and navigating board relationships
Fundraising fundamentals beyond events
Financial management and fiduciary oversight
Building authentic partnerships with your school district
Fostering healthy board and staff culture
Strategic storytelling and sustainability

By the end of the day, you’ll walk away with actionable tools, templates, and a network of peers who understand your challenges — ready to lead your foundation with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

This will be held on-site at the conference hotel.

Wednesday March 17th - 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Transportation to and from each pre-con provided by NAEF

Pre-Con #2 - Providing Tools for School All Year Long

Visit the Exchangeree in Rosedale – one of two educator resource centers run by The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc. Since 2018, BCPS teachers have shopped one time per month, all year long, at no cost to themselves for Tools for School, Books for Bins, and Share the Warmth & Joy items. Since inception, the Exchangerees have served over 20,000 educators and 540,000 students, distributed 102,000 books, and placed $4.8 million dollars’ worth of resources and materials for students, classrooms, and school communities into the hands of educators for free.

Come tour the space, hear from the educators who benefit from this incredible resource, and learn how The Foundation partners with the business community to keep these two Exchangerees operational.

Agenda

Coffee and snacks sponsored by The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc. And prepared by the Culinary Arts Students at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology
Welcome and Overview of the Exchangerees
Shopping Demonstration & Tour of the Warehouse
Panel Discussion
- Community School Facilitator (school-level impact)
- Merritt Properties (provides the spaces)
- American Design Associates (provides the furniture)
- Ed Foundation Board Leadership (Fundraising, Campaigns, Special Projects, etc)
- Exchangeree Volunteer (the heartbeat of the organization)

Pre-Con #3 - It Takes A Village

Visit Sandalwood Elementary School – one of the original Community Schools established in Baltimore County Public Schools and learn how the entire community is wrapping its arms around the school in order to support the students, educators, and families mentally, physically, social-emotionally, and academically.

Come tour the school, hear from the principal and community school facilitator, and learn how business partners are contributing to the growing success of this initiative.

Agenda

Coffee and snacks provided by The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc.
Welcome and Overview of the Sandalwood Elementary Community School
Panel Discussion
- Director of the Community Schools Coalition (national vision/mission)
- Director of Community Schools (systemic-level coordination)
- Community School Facilitator (school-level impact)
- Business Partner (community impact)
- Volunteer (community impact)
Tour of the School & Engage in a STEM Activity with Students

Pre-Con #4 - Contributing to A Brighter Future: Workforce Development in Action

Visit Sollers Point Technical High School, a magnet school dedicated to career and technical education and learn how Baltimore County Public Schools is partnering with local businesses in workforce development.

Come tour the school, enjoy snacks prepared by the students in the culinary arts program, watch the students in the Academy of Health Professions and the Biomedical Science-PLTW programs engage with a virtual cadaver, and much more! Learn from a panel of invested community members how BCPS is aligning education with the needs of businesses.

Agenda

Coffee and snacks sponsored by The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc. and prepared by the student Chefs at Sollers Point Technical High School
Welcome and Overview of Sollers Point Technical High School
Tour of the School
Panel Discussion
- Director of Baltimore County Workforce Development (Community impact)
- Coordinator of Career and Technical Education (Systemic Impact)
- Principal of Sollers Point Technical High School (School-based impact)
- Career Navigator (community-school connections)
- Business Partner (community impact)

Friday March 19th - 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

The Job Nobody Fully Prepares You For: A Real Talk for Education Foundation Executive Directors

This session to be held on-site at the conference hotel

You love the mission. But nobody warned you about the board member who undermines you, the burnout that creeps in quietly, or the moment you realize you need to protect yourself. This session is for you.
Two veteran education foundation leaders share unfiltered stories from the trenches and lead honest, interactive conversations about the hardest parts of this work: navigating complex board dynamics, advocating for your own worth, setting boundaries, and building the resilience to sustain a long career in meaningful work.

Attendees will leave able to:

-Advocate confidently for fair compensation, resources, and support
-Recognize burnout early and deploy self-care strategies that hold up under pressure
-Navigate difficult board relationships with clarity and confidence
-Protect themselves when professional situations become complicated
-Recognize when it is time to find a new opportunity

Registration

Spots are limited

Pre-Con #1 Session Executive Director Boot Camp - $150 [25 spots available]

Pre-Con #2 Session Providing Tools for School All Year Long - $45 [30 spots available]

Pre-Con #3 Session It Takes A Village - $45 [30 spots available]

Pre-Con #4 Session Contributing to A Brighter Future: Workforce Development in Action - $45 [30 spots available]

Post-Con Session The Job Nobody Fully Prepares You For - Complimentary [50 spots available]

Conference Registration

ImpactED '27 is your opportunity to discover new ideas, practical strategies, and innovative approaches to strengthen your foundation and expand your impact. From engaging sessions and inspiring speakers to meaningful conversations and valuable networking, you'll gain insights you can take back to your organization and put into action.

Sponsor ImpactED '27 (Wednesday, March 17, 2027)

Wed, 17 Mar 2027 04:00:00 GMT

In March 2027, over 300 foundation leaders will convene at ImpactED '27, our national conference, in Baltimore, Maryland to develop and enhance philanthropic, fundraising, leadership, and operational management skills. Your sponsorship of ImpactED '27 will provide knowledge and practical resources to foundation leaders from across the nation.

National Reach: By sponsoring ImpactED’27, you will gain access to leaders from over 38 states across the nation, amplifying your brand's reach on a vast scale. These leaders collectively serve over 20 million students, representing a substantial segment of the nation's educational community.

Influence and Impact: The foundation leaders attending ImpactED’27 are not just influencers in their organizations; they directly affect the educational landscape for millions of students. Your sponsorship puts your brand at the forefront of this influential group, allowing you to be part of the conversation that shapes the future of education in America. Your sponsorship places your brand at the heart of the conversation shaping America's educational future.

Strategic Alignment: If your company's mission aligns with educational advancement, child development, or community engagement, supporting NAEF is a strategic move. It demonstrates your commitment to these values on a platform that resonates with your corporate social responsibility goals.

Sponsorship Package Opportunities

Sponsorships available through January 15, 2027

Keynote Session with one giveaway - $15,000 [2 available] Includes 3-5 minutes speaking at the podium

SWAG Bag - $3,500 [2 available] Logo on bag provided by NAEF

SWAG Bag: One Drop-in item [provided by company] - $500

Lunch - $2,500 [2 available]

Breakfast per day - $2,500 [2 available]

Refreshers - $1,750 [2 available]

Breakout Session - $1,500 [15 available] Includes 1-2 minutes speaking at the podium

Center Fold Full Page Ad - $1,000 [2 available]

Inside Front Cover Ad - $850 [Exclusive]

Inside Back Cover Ad - $850 [Exclusive]

Signature Reception - $20,000 [SOLD]

WiFi Sponsorship: Network & Password - $10,000 [Exclusive]

General Sponsor - $500

ImpactED '27 Conference (Wednesday, March 17, 2027)

Wed, 17 Mar 2027 04:00:00 GMT

Driving the Success of Education Foundations.

Get ready for ImpactED '27, the national gathering for education foundation leaders! Join us March 17-19, 2027, in Baltimore, Maryland, for three days of inspiration, learning, and connection with foundation professionals from across the country.

Whether you're looking to grow your fundraising, strengthen your leadership, engage your board, build stronger community partnerships, or simply connect with others who understand the work you do, ImpactED '27 has something for you.

Don't miss your opportunity to be part of the conversations, the connections, and the ideas shaping the future of education foundations!

View the full agenda here

Important: Two Registration Links

Planning to attend ImpactED ’27 plus the Boot Camp and/or a Pre-Conference session? Please note that these programs have separate registration links.

Register for ImpactED '27 here: REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE
If you plan to participate in the Pre-Conferece Sessions & Post Conference Session, you must also register here: REGISTER FOR BOOT CAMP & PRE-CONFERENCE

One Convenient Payment

Register for the conference AND select the Pre-Conference sessions and Post-Conference session and you can pay for all of your selected activities at one time.

Registration

Early Bird Rate [October 1st - December 31st]

Member - $425

Non-member - $550

Standard Rate [January 1st - February 21st]

Member - $525

Non-member - $650

Last Call Rate [February 22nd - March 16th]

Member - $625

Non-member - $750

Sleep Room Accommodations

Special room rates are available until February 22nd

A block of rooms has been reserved at Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel. Click here to book you stay.

Pre-Con & Post-Con Sessions

Are you looking for educational moments beyond the regular conference experience? These engaging sessions offer the chance to see innovation in action, connect with peers in an interactive setting, and gain practical insights to take back to your foundation. Each visit offers a distinct experience, and space is limited—so reserve your spot and bookend ImpactED '27 with fresh ideas and lasting connections!