2019 National Forum on Family Philanthropy

Join funders and grantees on a boat tour to learn about a unique collaboration led by family foundations and other partners to improve water quality and riparian habitat, and to increase public access to the Chicago and Calumet Rivers.  Less heralded than our famous lakefront, these long-neglected waterways were once vital transportation corridors for what grew into a global metropolis.  In recent years, the rivers have been the focus for a transformation effort to become a vital recreational resource and economic development engine.  In 2013, the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund was formed by local foundations and corporate funders, in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, to pool philanthropic resources for ambitious restoration projects along the two rivers. The program is just one example of collaborative efforts spearheaded by family foundations across the Midwest.

Designed by the 2019 National Forum Host Committee, this experience will offer Forum participants the chance to learn more about effective and ongoing philanthropic collaborations in Greater Chicago. These will be small group experiences - each limited to 25-30 participants.