On Thursday, September 17th, the ten members of the inaugural Rising Philanthropist Institute cohort met for their final session, a celebration of their time together during the past 7 months, meant to deepen their understanding of strategic philanthropy and their capacity to reflect on the values and experiences that motivate their personal giving. The cohort also had the opportunity to identify one or more organizations to receive funds through a shared decision-making process.

2026 Rising Philanthropist Institute Cohort

Not pictured: Corey McKnight

During this philanthropic journey, the Community Foundation staff members facilitated the monthly sessions that introduced participants to tools and exercises from 21/64, Foundation Strategy Group, GivingMatters.com, and the National Center for Family Philanthropy. The group also heard from a trio of community leaders who spoke about the current needs of the nonprofit community.

The final evening culminated with members of the cohort sharing their personal stories about the origins of their connections to the organizations they selected to receive their $1,000 gift, which they committed to at the beginning of the year. Some members prepared notes to help as they shared emotional stories; others recounted introductions to organizations and issues that dated back to childhood. As a result, an incredible variety of nonprofits in the arts, animal welfare, education, health, and human services will be supported for their work impacting a broad community across Tennessee.

Individual Contribution Selections Made

Shared Contribution Selections Made through the Tomorrow Fund

Breaking the SSickle Cell Foundation

Jonathan’s Path