2025 Council of Michigan Foundations Annual Conference
Brittany Kienker, Principal and Owner of Kienker Consulting, will be presenting several conference sessions designed for grantmaking organizations, philanthropic professionals, and board members, at the Council of Michigan Foundations’ upcoming Annual Conference (October 14-16, 2025). For more information about the event and registration, see https://www.michiganfoundations.org/events/cmf-53rd-annual-conference.
Legal and Operational Insights with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office
Wednesday, October 15th at 11:45am-1:00pm. Presented with Brien Heckman and Jennifer Oertel.
Join this engaging discussion with Brien Heckman, Assistant Attorney General of the Michigan Attorney General’s (AG) Office. The state’s AG's office is responsible for key oversight activities for grantmakers, as well as enforcing and protecting charitable activities in the state. CMF Experts in Residence, Jennifer Oertel and Brittany Kienker, will guide this discussion of common questions and emerging issues in the field, including the use of variance power in making changes to fund agreements, regular filings required by organizations active in the state, requirements for establishing and terminating an organization, and reporting scams and fraud in the sector. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns and learn more about how to partner with the AG's office in ensuring a healthy and resilient philanthropic sector.
Peer Connections: Board Members/Trustees
Wednesday, October 15th at 3:15pm-4:30pm.
Peer groups will be convening in designated meeting areas throughout the conference hotel, gathering by organization type and/or role. This is a conference favorite in the learning lineup: an opportunity to more deeply explore timely and relevant trends, issues and opportunities with colleagues throughout the state. During this lightly facilitated session, there will be open space for discussion, so you are encouraged to come ready with questions, challenges or highlights from your own work to share with the group and can contribute ideas and insights to support your peers as they share their work.