GDConnect 2025: A Celebration of Community, Innovation, and Values-Driven Grantmaking

Last month, nearly 200 grantmakers from across the globe gathered in Portland, OR for GDConnect 2025, our annual user conference and the first since GivingData joined forces with Foundant and SmartSimple. The energy was electric as we came together to explore the future of philanthropy, share best practices, and deepen connections across our growing community.

We kicked off the week with hands-on workshops tailored to both new and advanced GivingData users, followed by a dynamic agenda shaped by the voices of our clients. 

From AI and data visualization to impact measurement and values-driven grantmaking, this year’s sessions reflected the evolving needs and creativity of grantmakers working across diverse sectors.

Several topics stood out:

• Grants Data Analysis & Visualization – how foundations are better communicating impact through data.
• Non-Programmatic Uses of Grants Management Systems (GMS) – fresh looks at how operations and finance teams are leveraging their GMS.
• Values-Aligned Grantee Transitions – how to wind down funding relationships with care and transparency.
• Tips for Lean Grant Teams – how small foundations can maximize efficiency using their GMS. 
• Strategic Grants Management – the importance of aligning grants processes with organizational strategy.
• Verbal Reporting – unique approaches to replacing written reports with verbal check-ins.
• Unlocking AI’s Potential in Philanthropy – using AI as a tool to draw insights from data.

A major highlight of the conference was our keynote address by Se-ah-dom Edmo, Executive Director of Seeding Justice based in Portland. Her powerful remarks explored how community-led grantmaking models can democratize decision-making, shift power dynamics from funders to grantees, and amplify social justice movements by ensuring underrepresented voices are not just heard, but centered. Attendees gained valuable insight into Seeding Justice’s approach and the pressing issues facing communities in the Portland area. It was an inspiring reminder of the transformative potential of equity-driven philanthropy.

Source: Seeding Justice

During the State of the Union, CEO Josh Mallamud and Liz Fischer shared a vision for the future of our unified organization. Their reflections on community underscored our shared commitment to responsive, values-driven philanthropy. A particularly moving moment came when Liz shared the story of the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, led by Community Foundation of Texas Hill Country—a Foundant client. In response to devastating floods, the foundation mobilized 61 staff volunteers, assembled and distributed 247 donation packets, and processed over 7,400 donation records. It was an extraordinary effort that exemplifies the compassion and impact of our broader community.

Thank you to everyone who made GDConnect 2025 our most inspiring event yet. We’re already looking ahead to GDConnect 2026, which will take place in Washington, DC from September 16–18. We can’t wait to see you there!