Join the staff of Blue Sky Funders Forum at the Children & Nature Network: Nature Everywhere Conference (May 28 – 31, Madison, WI), where we will host three philanthropy-focused events:

Blue Sky Funder Breakfast
Wednesday, May 29, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Gather with other funders to connect and reflect over a hearty breakfast. Blue Sky will offer prompts exploring what funders can do together that we can’t do alone – a great mindset to begin the first full conference day.

Blue Sky Funders Forum Panel – Sharing Power & Deepening Trust: Philanthropy to Grow a Movement
Thursday, May 30, 9:45 am – 11 am
More than ever, funders and nonprofits are working to address the inherent power dynamics in funder-grantee relationships, aiming to adopt more equitable practices in their partnerships as they collaborate to increase equitable access to nature. Blue Sky Funders Forum will moderate this conversation between nonprofit leaders and their funders, where they will explore trust-based philanthropy in principle and practice, mutual accountability, and what it takes to change power dynamics and structural barriers. Our Executive Director, Onika Abraham Lee, will moderate this panel, which will include:

• Kristen Ragain, Managing Director, REI Cooperative Action Fund (opening remarks)
• Lesford Duncan, Executive Director, Outdoor Foundation
• Akiima Price, Executive Director, Friends of Anacostia Park
• Alexa Bush, Program Officer, Kresge Foundation
• Priya Cook, Children & Nature Network

Dinner at Olbrich Gardens: How Green Schoolyards Create Economic Value: A Conversation with Rob Grunewald and Priya Cook
Thursday, May 30, 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Blue Sky is proud to co-host this discussion exploring a new report on the power of green schoolyards in creating thriving communities. Spots for this dinner are limited.

After registering, you will receive an invitation to RSVP for the Blue Sky Funder Breakfast and Dinner at Olbrich Gardens. If you are interested in registering for one of the philanthropy-focused events, but not the full conference, please contact Berkeley at Blue Sky.
Learn more about the conference and register here. The Nature Everywhere Conference is deeply aligned with Blue Sky’s mission to inspire philanthropy that supports thriving communities by advancing equitable opportunities for meaningful outdoor experiences and connections to nature. The conference brings together cross-sector leaders from around the world to advance programs, practices, and policies for advancing equitable access to nature everywhere children live, learn, and play. We hope you will be among them!