Connect & Learn
GDConnect is where the GivingData user community comes together to learn, connect, and move the work of philanthropy forward. It's a space to exchange ideas, explore new approaches, and draw on one another's experience, all in service of more thoughtful, impactful grantmaking.
GDConnect 2026 builds on everything you love about GDConnect—including peer-to-peer learning, candid conversations, and practical takeaways about GivingData and broader grantmaking practices that you can put to work right away—with a fresh lens on the challenges and opportunities facing funders today.
GDConnect session panel
Sessions by and for GivingData users
Please note: we will still have preconference workshops on Tuesday, September 15 as well as a welcome reception that evening. Preconference sessions include GivingData 101 for new users and an AI session.
Sessions span three tracks designed to meet you where you are:
- Best Practices in Grantmaking: Practical strategies for strengthening and streamlining grantmaking operations—from intake and review to reporting and close-out. Real examples from foundations like yours.
- Philanthropy in a Changing Landscape: Foundations are navigating unprecedented pressures. Sessions in this track explore how funders are adapting their strategies and operations to meet this moment and how technology plays a role in that response.
- Data, Learning & Innovation: How foundations are using data to inform learning and demonstrate impact, from building durable data practices to leveraging AI and advanced integrations to get more from GivingData.
This year, we will also provide more professional development opportunities, including one-on-one coaching sessions with Marissa Lifshen Steinberger at One Eleven Leadership.
See you in Washington, DC!
This year's GDConnect will be hosted at The Westin Washington, D.C. City Center. Located in the heart of the nation’s capital, The Westin is a vibrant hotel that captures the capital city's dynamic spirit.
Click the button below to access our room block and reserve your room before the deadline!
The Westin Washington, D.C. City Center
Our room block at The Westin is currently full.
If you still need to book a room, here are a few hotels we recommend:
Le Méridien Washington, DC (2-minute walk)
Hotel Zena (3-minute walk)
Washington Plaza Hotel (5-minute walk)
Sorry for the inconvenience. If you have any questions, please let us know!
Sponsors
Sponsors make GDConnect possible, and we're grateful for every organization that shows up year after year to make it happen.
Interested in sponsoring GDConnect 2026? Click here to view our sponsor packet or reach out to roberto.cremonini@givingdata.com.
Planning Committee
Anna Cate Chavez
Grants Associate
Common Spirit Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana
Anne-Myriam Adrien
Grants Manager
Public Welfare Foundation
Beth Harris
Grants Manager
Meyer Foundation
Doris Juarez
Project Manager
Strada Education Foundation
Lucia Kelley
Grants Manager / Office Administrator
Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation
Nailah Hart
Grants Manager
The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation
Rachel Wiegardt-Egel
Grants and Contracts Manager
The Kavli Foundation
Stacey DaBaldo
Consultant
1892 Consulting
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend GDConnect?
GDConnect is open to all and ideal for GivingData users, partners, and everyone connected to the grantmaking community.
What is included in my ticket?
General registration provides you with access to all three days of sessions, as well as a pre-conference welcome reception on Tuesday. Breakfast and lunch will be provided during the remaining three days, with a dinner hosted on Wednesday.
What is GivingData 101?
Hosted in person, GivingData 101 is a pre-conference workshop for new GivingData users. The purchase of a GivingData 101 ticket provides you with access to the workshop taking place on Tuesday.
Can I attend GDConnect virtually?
While some session materials will be shared after the event, there is not a virtual option to attend GDConnect.