2025 Annual Report
Practice
In 2025, roughly 1,050 people from 196 different CMF member organizations came together at virtual and in-person learning and networking events to connect and grow through peer connections, briefings, retreats and beyond. Members also enjoyed access to new on-demand resources, timely data and valuable connections to strategic partners in Michigan and across the country through our robust lineup of events.
“CMF has been an absolute lifeline since my first day as a community foundation CEO. From the moment I stepped into the role in 2024, I was met with warmth, guidance, and a deep sense of belonging. Through the CEO Cohort, annual retreats, capacity-building grants, and peer connections. CMF didn’t just provide resources—it provided community. I’ve belonged to many professional networks over my career, but CMF is truly unmatched. It has accelerated my learning, strengthened my leadership, and given me colleagues who have become lifelong friends.”
Ashley Berken
Executive Director, M&M Area Community Foundation
“Ask CMF has been my rock as I undertook this new, exciting, and sometimes scary role. Having the support of the CMF staff at your fingertips is one of the best uses of our membership with CMF. Aside from the service provided, the dollars saved on external consultants and legal experts make the membership an easy investment to justify. It truly is amazing what resources you can have when there is a strong organization leading the cause.”
Joshua Robinson
Executive Director, Sanilac County Community Foundation
Plan Your Learning Journey with Us
Our virtual and in-person learning and networking events offer opportunities to grow your network and learn about trends, timely issues and emerging practices. Plan your learning journey and stay connected with your community by browsing our collection of upcoming events.
Explore the Knowledge Center
Curated by our team of experts to deepen your understanding of the field, the Knowledge Center contains digital reports, case studies and specialty publications featuring best practices, data insights and more. Explore our growing library of online resources to support your learning journey and spark new insights.
2025 Annual Conference: Meeting the Moment Together
In October 2025, nearly 600 staff, trustees and partners from Michigan’s community of philanthropy gathered in downtown Kalamazoo for Meeting the Moment Together. The conference offered a powerful space to explore innovative approaches to grantmaking, share resources and knowledge to champion attendees’ policy and advocacy leadership, examine leading-edge practices in good governance and operations, and engage in robust discussion on critical issue areas.
We welcomed nationally renowned thought leaders to our main stage, featured the creative talents of area artists and musicians and hosted spaces to support mindfulness and well-being. Our learning lineup of workshops and breakout sessions offered new insights, networking opportunities and hands-on conversation and collaboration over three compelling days. Meanwhile, our off-site immersive experiences invited attendees to venture into the Kalamazoo community to connect with local leaders and knowledge experts.
We are grateful to the 2025 sponsors and exhibitors who helped support and curate a wonderful conference experience!
Mark your calendar and prepare to convene with your philanthropy peers for CMF’s 54th Annual Conference: United for Good, taking place October 12-14 in Grand Rapids. Registration opens July 29!
Photos from CMF’s Annual Conference. This year’s gathering featured an outstanding lineup of main stage speakers, including Titus Kaphar, Judy Woodruff, Diane Yentel, Deborah Aubert Thomas, Dr. Mona Hanna and John Palfrey,
“I appreciated the engagement of organizational partners, philanthropy, legal advisors, national experts and others throughout the conference. All areas of the state were covered with voice and experience. The conference sessions generated comprehensive conversations that touched every aspect of a Michigander’s experience.”
— 2025 Annual Conference Attendee
“I so appreciate CMF’s ongoing commitment to equity, including strong representation of voices and leaders of color in our field.”
— 2025 Annual Conference Attendee
Ask CMF
This year, our Ask CMF team responded to over 400 unique questions and requests from 99 different member organizations, with support ranging from legal insights to tracking down research, to offering thought partnership around equity-centered grantmaking, and so much more. This customized service provides members with technical assistance, connections to peers and beyond, leading to new ideas and solutions.
Ask CMF also created new resources based on your questions and launched a new on-demand video series, including grantmaking 101 and orientations for community foundations and private foundations.
Our Ask CMF Team of Experts
Brittany Kienker, Ph.D.
Knowledge Insights Expert in Residence
Jennifer Oertel
Impact Investing Expert in Residence
Jen Heymoss
Philanthropic Practice Expert in Residence
Featured Ask CMF Resources
Developed with the leadership of Brittany Kienker, Ph.D. and Jennifer Oertel
Political Activity for Foundations, Staff and Leadership: Legal Limits and Institutional Considerations
Access Resource
Key Considerations About Increasing Grantmaking Payout
Access Resource
Options for Community Foundation-Based Geographic Affiliates
Access Resource
What Boards and Executives Need to Know About "Tipping" and the Public Support Test
Access Resource
Midwest Grantmaker Salary, Benefits, and Demographics 2025 Report
Access Resource
An Operations Checklist for Foundation Compliance
Access Resource