CFLeads

📚 Community foundations play a critical role in advancing strong, equitable communities, and CFLeads supports this work by strengthening community leadership – helping foundations navigate complexity, respond to emerging needs, and lead with clarity and purpose.

Our new 2026 Community Foundation Trends and Priorities Executive Summary Report reflects what we’re hearing from the field. Drawing on insights from 100+ community foundation leaders nationwide, it highlights shared priorities, emerging challenges, and key opportunities for action. These insights ensure our work at CFLeads remains responsive, relevant, and grounded in the evolving needs of the field.

Thank you to the community foundation leaders who took the time to share their insights through this survey – your perspectives are essential to understanding the field and shaping this work.

👉 Explore the executive summary today: https://cfleads.org/resource/2026-community-foundation-trends-and-priorities/
👉 Express interest in the full report (available Summer 2026): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYg9_JYig7yTz03kE02rfN5cXIp6dm8unlOCVGu2IEcz0jxw/viewform
The full report will be available as a CFLeads Investor benefit and for purchase by non-Investors.

Apply today for the 2026 Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) Cohort for CEOs!

⏳ Applications due Wednesday, April 29
💡 Learn more about ELI:https://cfleads.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ELI_ProgramOverview_2025-1.pdf
📝 Apply today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8WQFJ6Z
⭐ CFLeads Investors receive a 5% discount on registration

Designed exclusively for community foundation CEOs and Executive Directors, ELI is a six-month long learning experience comprised of three in person meetings and two virtual calls, focusing on strengthening community leadership and advancing long-term, equitable impact.

Through ELI, participants will:
• Engage with practices that are demonstrating results in communities across the country
• Exchange insights and strategies with a trusted peer cohort
• Gain perspective from leaders navigating similar opportunities and challenges

The 2026 cohort will begin with an in-person convening in Charlotte, NC in June.

🎥 Hear directly from past participants as they share reflections on the value of the ELI for CEOs experience and how it has shaped their leadership: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzIyZBcKGkw

💡Community foundations play a critical role in advancing local ideas into meaningful, lasting impact – and Knight Foundation is inviting you to be part of that work.

The Knight Cities Challenge is now open, supporting ideas that strengthen communities across 26 cities, specifically focused on local news, economic opportunity, and connection through arts and culture. For community foundations, this is a chance to elevate community-driven solutions, deepen partnerships, and help bring resident-led ideas to life.

We encourage you to apply, partner, and share this opportunity across your networks!