Join us in a city where community, innovation, and philanthropy converge.
July 20-22
A city with stories of resilience, of transformation, and of hope.
July 20-22
We’re beyond excited to share that EMPOWERED is headed to Indianapolis, Indiana! After the unforgettable energy in Detroit last year, we’re keeping the momentum strong and taking EMPOWERED 2026 on the road to a city whose heart truly beats for philanthropy.
For a conference centered on amplifying philanthropic impact, there’s no better place to gather. Indianapolis brings together philanthropic inquiry, community-driven innovation, and a spirit of collaboration that mirrors what EMPOWERED is all about—learning together, elevating each other, and taking home ideas that strengthen the communities we serve.
We’re beyond excited to announce that EMPOWERED is hitting the road and heading to Detroit, Michigan! After three unforgettable years in Minneapolis, it’s time for a change of scenery—and Detroit, a city that has redefined resilience and transformation, is the perfect next chapter.
With philanthropy playing a key role in its remarkable comeback, there’s no better place to showcase the power of community-driven impact.
Indy
Indianapolis is a city that knows how to bring people together. Its culture is defined by a long-standing commitment to collaboration, creativity, and community investment. From the vibrancy of its cultural districts to the energy of its sports and innovation scenes, Indy has a way of turning shared purpose into shared progress.
As we design EMPOWERED 2026, we’re drawing inspiration from that spirit. Indianapolis offers a rare blend of Midwestern warmth and forward momentum — a place where foundations, nonprofits, civic leaders, and residents work side by side to strengthen their communities in meaningful, lasting ways.
For us, Indy isn’t just a place to host EMPOWERED. It’s a living example of what can unfold when people unite around a vision for impact. We’re excited to learn from the city, celebrate the changemakers who call it home, and channel that collective energy into EMPOWERED 2026.
In Indianapolis, philanthropy is woven into the city’s identity. Indianapolis is home to the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, widely recognized as the first school in the world dedicated solely to the study and teaching of philanthropy. For decades, it has helped shape the field through meaningful research, innovative programs, and sector-wide leadership.
From foundations investing in education, economic mobility, and housing, to grassroots organizations championing local solutions, the city has built a culture of innovation rooted in generosity and community possibility. These efforts have sparked transformative projects—like the Indianapolis Cultural Trail—that show what happens when vision, investment, and collaboration come together. It’s a city that proves what shared purpose can create.
In Indy, philanthropy is more than a buzzword; it’s a foundation for lasting change. In the state of Indiana, every county is represented by either a community foundation or affiliate fund thanks to the GIFT Initiative started by the Lilly Endowment.
EMPOWERED invites us to be part of that story: to learn from Indy’s progress, acknowledge the disparities that persist, and come together around bold ideas that amplify impact. It’s our moment to celebrate what’s working—and to spark the next wave of solutions that can strengthen communities across Indianapolis and beyond.
In Indy, impact shows up in the revitalization of public spaces, the strengthening of neighborhood resources, and innovative programs that expand education, housing, and economic opportunity.
From community investments like Lilly Endowment’s significant support for Marion County K-12 schools to the revitalization of the Bottleworks District, Indianapolis continues to strengthen its community.
As we bring EMPOWERED 2026 to Indianapolis, we’re excited to highlight the innovation and leadership taking shape in a city whose identity is deeply rooted in philanthropy.
Indianapolis is a place defined by collaboration, and where philanthropy plays a central role in helping the city grow, adapt, and envision what’s possible. It’s a community where partners roll up their sleeves, work together, and build solutions that last.
At the heart of this decision is the chance to engage with the remarkable foundations in Detroit—many of them part of the akoyaGO family. These foundations, along with non-profits and businesses, aren’t just rebuilding Detroit; they’re reimagining its future. EMPOWERED 2025 will provide a platform for these local leaders to connect with national philanthropic voices, share ideas, and forge partnerships that elevate their impact even further.
This work is already transforming Detroit, from affordable housing projects to initiatives improving education access. And Detroit’s story doesn’t just belong to one city—it’s a blueprint for what’s possible anywhere. The impact here has the potential to inspire communities across the country, proving what’s possible when vision and action align.
Detroit News Archive, The Detroit News Archives
From its deep connection to the civil rights movement to its undeniable influence on music and the arts, the city’s rich history is palpable on every street corner.
We plan to weave this cultural tapestry into EMPOWERED 2025, celebrating the community-driven efforts that have been instrumental in Detroit’s resurgence. Motown, street art, innovation—it’s all part of the experience.
For us, Detroit represents so much more than a venue. It’s a city that exemplifies the spirit of what EMPOWERED is all about coming together, collaborating, and pushing forward with purpose. We can’t wait to gather in this vibrant city, learn from its journey, and use its story as a model for other urban areas facing similar challenges.
We hope you’ll join us in 2026 to be part of this next chapter in Indy’s ongoing story!