About the Annual Conference
Each year, ABFE hosts an annual conference, convening more than 300 members, stakeholders and partners to advance a collective agenda of increasing public and private investments in Black communities. We offer attendees a set of informational and professional development workshops, and members of ABFE have come to look forward to this time of networking, engagement around shared interests in supporting Black communities, and recognition of our colleagues in the field.
Annual Conference Awards for Philanthropic Excellence
The James A. Joseph Lecture on Philanthropy is a tribute to Ambassador James A. Joseph, ABFE co-founder and distinguished leader in the field of philanthropy. The Lecture recognizes an outstanding individual whose leadership and contributions as a visionary philanthropic leader have helped advance progressive philanthropic ideals, strengthen grantmaking institutions and build vital Black communities.
To view the list of past James A. Joseph Lecturers and transcripts,
ABFE Philanthropic Emerging Leadership Award was established in 2002 to recognize and encourage the accomplishments and contributions of people in the early-to-mid 40 year old range, and who have served as staff, donors and trustees in the philanthropic sector for no more than 7 years. This award recognizes an outstanding individual whose innovative leadership promotes philanthropy as a means of social change in Black communities and advances ABFE’s mission. The ABFE Emerging Leader in Philanthropy Award is presented during the ABFE James Joseph A. Lecture in Philanthropy held each year at ABFE’s Annual Conference.
Previous Emerging Leader in Philanthropy Award recipients | DOWNLOAD >>
The ABFE Institutional Award for Philanthropic Leadership was established in 2002 to recognize significant efforts and contributions of grantmaking organizations to promoting philanthropy as a means for social change in Black communities. This award recognizes an exemplary grantmaking institution that models effective and responsive grantmaking practices. The ABFE Institutional Award for Philanthropic Leadership is presented during the ABFE James Joseph Lecture in Philanthropy held each year at ABFE’s Annual Conference.
ABFE Institutional Award for Philanthropic Leadership Award recipients | DOWNLOAD >>
Donor Salon Trailblazer Award |
Past Conferences
HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR 2016 EMPOWER PHILANTHROPY CONFERENCE:
ABFE 2016 James A. Joseph Lecturer Speech | VIEW >>
ABFE 2016 Annual Conference Sponsors | VIEW >>
ABFE 2016 Annual Conference Photo Gallery | VIEW >>
ABFE 2016 Annual Conference Program Booklet | VIEW >>
Annual Conference Highlights
ABFE 2015 Annual Conference Highlights | VIEW
ABFE 2014 Annual Conference Highlights | VIEW
ABFE 2013 Annual Conference Highlights | VIEW