Salon Sessions

Modeled after European salons of the 16th – 18th centuries, where ideas and philosophies were exchanged in private reception rooms, our small-group sessions provided an opportunity for participants to explore topics of personal interest. Led by experts, these conversations delved into critical themes such as mental health, democracy, trust-based philanthropy, and family philanthropy. These engaging discussions sparked new ideas and key takeaways for more impactful philanthropy.

11:00 am – 12:00 pm First Philanthropy Salon Sessions

1.1 Putting Trust to Work: Responsive and Trust-Based Philanthropy to Advance Social Progress

Dimple Abichandani, Tegan Acton, Nicole Taylor & Vera Michalchik

1.2 Leveraging Impact Investing to Close the Equity Gaps

Freada Kapor Klein, Allison Scott & Kathy Kwan

1.3 Strengthening Democracy Together

Brian Hooks, Nancy Lindborg, Rachel Pritzker & Robb Willer

1.4 Investing in People: The Future of Work

John Danhakl, Anna-Lisa Miller & Roy Bahat

1.5 Youth Partnerships Not Platitudes: Reducing Youth Homelessness

Kim Justice, Farid Rasuli, Jim Theofelis & Tricia Raikes

2:40 pm – 3:40 pm Second Philanthropy Salon Sessions

2.1 From Start to Scale: The Evolution of Family Philanthropy

Missy Narula, Terri Ludwig & Kim Meredith

2.2 Collaborating to Fund Big Bets and Scalable Solutions

Cecilia A. Conrad, Haven Ley & Johanna Mair

2.3 How Philanthropy and Investing Can Drive Climate Impact at Scale

Mike Schroepfer & Patricia Bromley

2.4 Youth Justice, 2025: Our Children, Our Future

Michael Mendoza, Elizabeth M. Calvin & Liz Simons

2.5 Global Perspectives on Mental Health Challenges

Neerja Birla, Cynthia Bissett Germanotta, Xin Liu & Jeff Hancock

Photography by: Christine Baker

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society

The Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society (PACS) is a global interdisciplinary research center and publisher of the Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR). Stanford PACS develops and shares knowledge to improve philanthropy, strengthen civil society, and address societal challenges. By creating a shared space for scholars, students, and practitioners, Stanford PACS informs policy and social innovation, philanthropic investment, and nonprofit practice.