Foundations Announce Collaboration to Host Nonprofit Conference

June 6, 2024

Community Giving Foundation and First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) are neighboring community foundations dedicated to the well-being of communities across six counties in the Susquehanna Valley. The two are thrilled to partner together to create Elevate2, a new regional nonprofit conference. The inaugural conference will be held on October 14-15, 2024, at Bucknell University in Lewisburg. Elevate2 will serve as a platform for learning, networking, and sharing experiences as nonprofit work is elevated and community impact is amplified.

“For many nonprofits in the region, professional development opportunities are limited by budgets and access. FCFP and Community Giving Foundation have long desired to partner for the benefit of the organizations we support, and Elevate2 reflects our collective goal to inspire and strengthen nonprofit leaders through collaboration and education. By combining our resources, we have created a unique experience and doubled the impact that this conference will have on those who attend,” explains Jennifer D. Wilson, FCFP President & CEO.

Community Giving Foundation and FCFP both recognize the strain nonprofit professionals face as they address community challenges and create positive change. The goal of Elevate2 is to offer sessions and workshops that directly tie into the issues these organizations face every day.

“Both of our community foundations appreciate the pivotal role that our nonprofits play in the well-being of our communities. As we came together, one of the first steps was utilizing our strong relationships with local nonprofits to listen to the challenges their staff and volunteers face,” shares Kara G. Seesholtz, President & CEO of the Community Giving Foundation. “Building the Elevate2 conference based on nonprofit feedback will ultimately elevate their work and provide a platform for fruitful learning, networking, and sharing where collaboration can flourish.”

Elevate2 is excited to welcome NYTimes bestselling author Shawn Achor as keynote speaker. Over two days of collaboration and learning, regional and national speakers will present on a variety of topics around leadership, fundraising, marketing, grantmaking, board governance, and more.

Registration is now open for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Columbia, Lower-Luzerne, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union Counties. Due to the conference venue size, attendance is limited to 1-2 people from each organization, with total attendance capped at 250. More information is available online at elevate2.org.

Elevate2 is a nonprofit conference collaboration from Community Giving Foundation and First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania. For more information on the conference, visit elevate2.org. Learn more about each community foundation at csgiving.org and fcfpartnership.org.