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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260427T100000
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DTSTAMP:20260423T222059
CREATED:20260331T193518Z
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UID:10000070-1777284000-1777289400@blueskyfundersforum.org
SUMMARY:Tracking the Field Webinar with Blue Sky
DESCRIPTION:Blue Sky members are invited to join us on April 27 from 1:00 – 2:30 pm ET to dive into the latest data from the Environmental Grantmakers Association‘s Tracking the Field program. \n\n\n\nEGA will share an analysis of grants given in 2021 and 2023 toward environmental education and outdoor connection (a new tag we’ve added to better reflect Blue Sky’s work). Combined with the data we already have from 2019\, this will tell a story about grants given before\, at the height of\, and after the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the “Racial Reckoning” of 2020. \n\n\n\nWe heard you in the 2025 Annual Member Survey – data and how it’s tracked and analyzed is important to Blue Sky members. This presentation with EGA is an important step in getting a clear picture of grantmaking in our mission space. Please stay tuned for more data-centered conversations with Blue Sky\, both virtually and in-person at the Maine Convening (October 7-9\, 2026). \n\n\n\nPlease also join us for a members-only debrief on May 4 at 1:00 pm ET to make this data action-oriented. Register here. \n\n\n\nQuestions? Reach out to Berkeley (berkeley@blueskyfundersforum.org). \n\n\n\nThis call is for current members of the Blue Sky Funders Forum\, and will be recorded for members. Interested in becoming a member? Contact Berkeley to learn more.
URL:https://blueskyfundersforum.org/event/tracking-the-field-webinar-2026/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260504T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260504T110000
DTSTAMP:20260423T222059
CREATED:20260331T191540Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T191610Z
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SUMMARY:Blue Sky Member-Only Coffee Chat: Data Tracking
DESCRIPTION:Join us on May 4 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm ET to reflect on the latest data from Tracking the Field\, and explore what members and the philanthropy field want to see from data tracking. Together\, we’ll brainstorm and create a plan of action for Blue Sky. This call will be recorded and shared with members. \n\n\n\nThis call is open to Blue Sky members only. Interested in becoming a member? Contact Berkeley (berkeley@blueskyfundersforum) to learn more.
URL:https://blueskyfundersforum.org/event/blue-sky-member-coffee-chat-data-tracking/
CATEGORIES:Coffee Chat
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260805T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260805T110000
DTSTAMP:20260423T222059
CREATED:20260331T192150Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T192229Z
UID:10000068-1785924000-1785927600@blueskyfundersforum.org
SUMMARY:Blue Sky Member-Only Coffee Chat: Q3 Topic TBD
DESCRIPTION:We are holding space for a member-led conversation! Have an idea\, challenge\, question\, or just want to connect with members? Email Berkeley to volunteer to co-host this space (berkeley@blueskyfundersforum.org). This call will be recorded and shared with members.  \n\n\n\nThis call is open to Blue Sky members only. Interested in becoming a member? Contact Berkeley to learn more.
URL:https://blueskyfundersforum.org/event/blue-sky-member-coffee-chat-q3/
CATEGORIES:Coffee Chat
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261007T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261009T170000
DTSTAMP:20260423T222059
CREATED:20260410T202648Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T191214Z
UID:10000065-1791374400-1791565200@blueskyfundersforum.org
SUMMARY:2026 Annual Convening
DESCRIPTION:RegisterAgendaHotelSponsorsFAQ					\n									\n				\n			\n\n\n\n				\n				\n						\n													\n																						\n						RegisterAgendaHotelSponsorsFAQ					\n									\n				\n			\n\n\n\n\n\nRegistration is Open! \n\n\n\nThis fall\, October 7-9\, we invite you to join us in Maine for our 2026 gathering\, where we’ll explore how strong\, connected networks help catalyze the benefits of nature. \n\n\n\nOur theme is Nurturing Networks – exploring how to weave\, sustain\, and grow mycelial networks to amplify the social impact nature has on communities in need. Through site visits\, roundtables\, facilitated connections\, and storytelling\, funders will learn how to nurture distributed\, interconnected efforts across organizations and communities that multiply outcomes for nature access\, health\, and resilience. \n\n\n\nWith Maine’s majestic coastline\, rivers\, and forests as a backdrop\, attendees will explore new ideas for collective action in policy and advocacy\, data tracking and analysis\, and community-led governance.   \n\n\n\nAttendees will leave inspired and resourced to identify and nurture networks to strengthen their impact.   \n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\nEarly Bird Pricing\n\n\n\nRegister by June 30 to receive $50 off your ticket price! This applies to both members and non-members.  \n\n\n\nRegistration Deadline\n\n\n\nTo ensure we have an accurate headcount\, registration will close on October 2. Register today to save your spot! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nQuestions\n\n\n\n\nContact Onika Abraham Lee for any questions related to the programming \n\n\n\nContact Berkeley Bryant for questions related to logistics and registration\n\n\n\n\nDesign Team\n\n\n\nOur design team members are local to Maine and working closely with Blue Sky staff to shape the convening\, bringing deep knowledge of the region and its outdoor access community. \n\n\n\n\nAmie Hutchison\, Sewall Foundation\n\n\n\nLynne Seeley\, Ferguson Family Foundation\n\n\n\nRosalind Erwin\, Onion Foundation\n\n\n\nTyler Kidder\, Maine Philanthropy Center\n\n\n\nHannah Quimby\, Quimby Family Foundation\n\n\n\nOlivia Griset\, Maine Environmental Education Association\n\n\n\nMoon Machar\, Maine Association for New Americans\n\n\n\nPame Chevez\, Palmar Collective\n\n\n\nCameron Brewer\n\n\n\nKaya Lolar\, Maine Environmental Education Association\n\n\n\n\nVenue\n\n\n\nWe’re excited to partner with the Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment to host most of our Convening events! Wolfe’s Neck is a farm-based education\, research\, and visitor center set amidst more than 600 acres of conserved open space along Casco Bay in Freeport\, Maine. We look forward to utilizing their beautiful outdoor gathering spaces\, trails\, and experiential learning opportunities.  \n\n\n\nWhile Wolfe’s Neck has operated an organic coastal farm for more than sixty years\, this land has been stewarded since time immemorial\, and continues to be cared for\, by Indigenous and Tribal communities\, including the Dawnland Confederacy of the Wabanaki Nation and the Abenaki / Abénaquis peoples of the N’dakina Nation. Blue Sky is actively building relationships with local Wabanaki leaders and will ensure their inclusion at the Convening. To learn more\, visit the Wabanaki Alliance\, formed by the Mi’kmaq Nation\, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians\, Passamaquoddy Tribe\, and Penobscot Nation\, to “educate people of Maine about the need for securing sovereignty of the tribes in Maine.” \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAgenda\n\n\n\nWednesday\, October 7\, 2026 – Welcome\, Grounding & Connection\n\n\n\nAfternoon and evening activities at Wolfe’s Neck\n\n\n\nActivities: On Wednesday afternoon\, participants may opt into site visits\, tours\, hikes\, and hands-on activities with local outdoor access providers. Registration for these optional add-ons will open this summer. These experiences provide an opportunity to see networked impact in action. For those not participating in guided visits\, time will be held for informal exploration\, networking\, and self-guided wandering at Wolfe’s Neck. \n\n\n\nOpening Reception: On Wednesday evening\, attendees will gather for an informal reception at Wolfe’s Neck to reconnect with peers\, meet new colleagues\, and learn about the region’s ecology and stewardship communities. Participants will arrive into a space that reflects the core premise of our gathering: that relationships are the infrastructure of impact.  \n\n\n\nThursday\, October 8\, 2026 – The Power of Networks in Action\n\n\n\nFull-Day Programming at Wolfe’s Neck from 9 am – 5 pm (lunch included)\n\n\n\nThursday programming will center the power of networks to drive measurable impact and systems change toward more equitable environmental education and connections to nature. \n\n\n\nThe morning will focus on Networks and Impact. Through round tables\, facilitated table discussions\, and presentations\, funders will explore how philanthropic impact and community power are being measured through innovative evaluation\, storytelling\, and data collection initiatives. Participants will help shape the future of a more robust\, actionable data-mapping initiative—designed to better inform grantmaking\, collaboration\, and strategic alignment across funders. Opportunities for partnership will be explored. \n\n\n\nThe afternoon shifts to Networks and Advocacy\, highlighting how coordinated\, movement-wide infrastructure can unlock federal resources and policy change. Participants will explore how philanthropy is supporting networked power-building strategies that move beyond isolated grants toward systemic impact.  New opportunities for collaboration will be uplifted. \n\n\n\nThroughout the day\, sessions will emphasize practical application—how funders can align strategies\, invest in shared infrastructure\, and participate in coordinated action that strengthens the field as a whole. \n\n\n\nOptional themed dinner (cost at your expense). Sign-ups will be shared closer to the date. \n\n\n\nFriday\, October 9\, 2026 – Collective Learning & Emergent Strategy \n\n\n\nFull-Day Programming at Wolfe’s Neck from 9 am – 5 pm (lunch included)\n\n\n\nThe final day embraces an “unconference” format\, creating space for participant-driven dialogue\, peer exchange\, and emergent strategy. \n\n\n\nThrough facilitated table conversations and learning salons\, attendees will dive deeper into key areas such as land justice\, nature and health\, narrative change\, and nature-based early childhood education. These sessions are designed to surface insights\, share real-world challenges\, and identify opportunities for alignment across regions and issue areas. \n\n\n\nThe convening will close with a sense of momentum and shared purpose\, equipping participants to carry forward new relationships\, insights\, and strategies that strengthen the broader movement for equitable access to nature. \n\n\n\nOptional themed dinner (cost at your expense). Sign-ups will be shared closer to the date. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHotel\n\n\n\nHarraseeket Inn162 Main Street\, Freeport\, ME 04032\n\n\n\nHotel Highlights\n\n\n\n\nComplimentary Breakfast & daily afternoon tea\n\n\n\nFree WiFi & parking \n\n\n\nFitness center\n\n\n\nQuick walk to downtown Freeport (restaurants + bars\, shopping\, and more)\n\n\n\n10-minute drive to the Convening venue\, Wolfe’s Neck \n\n\n\n\nBook Your Room \n\n\n\nWe have secured a discount of 15% off the best available rate for Convening attendees. Once you click the link and select your dates\, click “+ More Rates” to view the Wolfe’s Neck discounted rate plan.  \n\n\n\nRooms are limited – Book ASAP.  \n\n\n\n\nBook Your Room\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\nThank you to our sponsors for powering our 2026 Convening and investing in the future of outdoor access and environmental education! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlease join the leaders above in investing in this event and the future of our movement by donating to Blue Sky Funders Forum’s Convening Fund.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFAQ\n\n\n\nI’m not a funder. Can I attend? \n\n\n\nBlue Sky’s work thrives on the deep relationships and collaboration we share with movement leaders\, nonprofits\, legislators\, and community leaders. However\, Blue Sky is a funder network\, and grantmakers often need space to gather with their peers. To foster meaningful connections among our funder members and network\, we’ve extended special invitations to key movement leaders on our Design Team\, and will compensate them for their time and expertise in co-creating this event with us.  \n\n\n\nAre non-Blue Sky members able to join?\n\n\n\nYes! We welcome all funders and grantmakers interested in or already funding environmental education\, outdoor access\, and meaningful experiences in nature. You do not need to be a Blue Sky member to join the celebration.  \n\n\n\nWill this event be accessible? \n\n\n\nBlue Sky Funders Forum strives to make every event accessible and inclusive for all participants. During registration\, you’ll be asked about any accessibility needs. Please let us know if you require additional accommodations or have specific requests. Your wellbeing is our top priority\, and we want to ensure a comfortable and supportive experience for everyone. \n\n\n\nWhat is the attire? \n\n\n\nThere is no formal dress code\, but we recommend business casual. Please prioritize your comfort and check the weather. \n\n\n\nWhat hotel should I stay at? \n\n\n\nWe recommend taking advantage of the 15% discount by booking at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport. Book through this link. Once you click the link and select your dates\, click “+ More Rates” and select the Wolfe’s Neck discounted rate plan.  \n\n\n\nIf there are no more rooms available at the Inn\, there are many B&B’s\, inns\, and hotels nearby. We recommend staying in Freeport to be close to the Convening venue\, Wolfe’s Neck.  \n\n\n\nWhat airport should I fly into? \n\n\n\nThe closest airport is the Portland International Jetport (PWM). It’s about a 30-minute drive from the Jetport to downtown Freeport\, where we recommend folks stay.  \n\n\n\nBoston Logan International Airport is the closest major airport\, about 2.5 hours from Freeport.  \n\n\n\nWhen should I arrive / depart? \n\n\n\nTo take full advantage of Blue Sky’s Convening gatherings\, we recommend arriving by 12 pm ET on Wednesday\, October 7. We will conclude our gathering around 5 pm ET on Friday\, October 9\, and recommend looking for evening or next-day flights home.  \n\n\n\nWhat are the transportation options? \n\n\n\nThere are no public transportation options between Freeport and our venue\, Wolfe’s Neck\, and there are very limited options between the Portland International Jetport and Freeport. Blue Sky will facilitate a ride-share signup system to help connect visitors with locals and those who have access to cars (more info soon).
URL:https://blueskyfundersforum.org/event/2026-annual-convening/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261109T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261109T110000
DTSTAMP:20260423T222059
CREATED:20260331T192654Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T192656Z
UID:10000069-1794218400-1794222000@blueskyfundersforum.org
SUMMARY:Blue Sky Member-Only Coffee Chat: Debriefing the Convening & Next Steps
DESCRIPTION:Whether you joined us in Maine for the 2026 Blue Sky Convening or not\, please come debrief with your peers and co-create an action plan for Blue Sky. We’ll share key takeaways and where we see opportunity to lean in\, and will seek your feedback. Help us co-create and shape the Blue Sky community we want to see in 2027 and beyond!  \n\n\n\nA more formal agenda will be shared closer to the date.  \n\n\n\nThis call will be recorded and shared with members. This Coffee Chat is for current members of the Blue Sky Funders Forum. Interested in becoming a member? Contact Berkeley (berkeley@blueskyfundersforum) to learn more.
URL:https://blueskyfundersforum.org/event/blue-sky-member-coffee-chat-debriefing-the-convening/
CATEGORIES:Coffee Chat
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