The San Diego Foundation (SDF) has announced that acclaimed author and renowned gathering expert Priya Parker will be a featured speaker at the third annual San Diego Fundraising Conference, set for September 18–19, 2025, at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. Presented by PNC Bank, the two-day event will spotlight Parker’s unique insights on intentional gatherings and their role in fostering meaningful connections, especially within philanthropic work.
Parker, the bestselling author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, has more than twenty years of experience helping global leaders navigate important conversations about identity, community, and change. Her professional background includes work in conflict resolution across American universities and in regions like southern Africa, the Arab world, and India. She holds degrees from the University of Virginia, MIT, and the Harvard Kennedy School.
Mark Stuart, SDF’s President and CEO, emphasized that Parker’s philosophy aligns perfectly with the mission of philanthropy—unifying people to drive enduring change. Her keynote is expected to energize nonprofit professionals with tools and motivation to amplify their work.
This year’s conference theme, “Breaking Barriers, Building Futures,” centers on equipping fundraisers with skills to enhance revenue and expand nonprofit capacity in times of uncertainty. PNC Bank’s sponsorship aims to make the event accessible, offering early bird registration to San Diego-based nonprofit professionals at $279 until May 31. After this date, registration will increase to $349, with availability open until the event sells out or August 30, 2025—whichever comes first.
The San Diego Foundation continues its commitment to creating inclusive, thriving communities. Since 1975, it has granted $1.8 billion to nonprofit organizations, reinforcing its role as a leading force for local change. The upcoming conference will further this legacy by supporting leaders shaping San Diego’s philanthropic future.
