A Board Member Perspective on the 2025 Philanthropy Southeast Annual Meeting

by Rev. Dr. Daniel Webb, Board Member

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend the Philanthropy Southeast Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Philanthropy Southeast describes itself as, “a community of grant makers connecting with each other to improve the practice of grantmaking in the Southeast.” As a membership organization for funders and foundations, the annual meeting serves as a key convening where philanthropic leaders share trends, circumstances, and practices for impact across the entire Southeastern US.  As a new board member, I did not hesitate to accept when invited to take part. I wanted to understand the full experience of the board and make sure that I’m as equipped as I can be to be an asset to the FHHP board and support its success.

More than 700 leaders from the South and beyond came together for the meeting in New Orleans. The theme of this year’s conference, “Bold Action, Radical Hope,” was appropriate in this challenging time. Attendees were bold in sharing their pride about the work they do, and in the conviction that this is not just an occupation but a vocation, a calling. As a minister, this resonated with me. It was spiritually uplifting to see and hear the passion of so many others in this work.

Being exposed to the data that was shared – especially the trends resulting from this work – was eye-opening. It expanded my understanding of the work that we do and how many other communities are facing similar needs. It highlighted for me the variety of ways that the Foundation can serve the community, and the approaches that are innovative and not necessarily traditionally done. Most of all, being at the conference has made me want to take a more active role as a Board member – particularly in understanding and encouraging the good, grassroots-level initiatives taking place. I feel that I can now see those though a different lens and really examine how they can benefit the community.

I especially appreciated a session called The State of the South, Quantitative and Qualitative Perspectives, which not only examined the numbers and trends but also highlighted stories – real stories of how the Foundation’s efforts can change the trajectories of people’s lives. It strengthened my belief that we can lift up individuals and communities, understand their plight, and then put resources in place to change the course of their lives.

The conference gave me a broader understanding that we’re not in this alone. We had the opportunity to fellowship with other organizations, gain an understanding of the work they’re doing, and brainstorm about how their efforts might apply to the Foundation’s mission. As a board member, it helped me recognize the significance of really gearing up and helping the Foundation be equipped to serve and lead in the community. I also enjoyed hearing not just from directors and CEOs but also from other board members.

I really can’t stress enough what a great experience this was. By attending the Philanthropy Southeast Annual Meeting, I gained a new perspective regarding the importance of my role as a foundation Board member. I see myself as a liaison and advisor – both internally and externally. I have clarity around the advocacy that Board members can provide. I found deep and lasting value from participating and look forward to the 2026 meeting in Charlotte.