Fall 2026 Presentations and Convenings

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, as well as other webinars throughout the fall.

Nonprofit & Foundation Mergers, Dissolutions, & Restricted Asset Transfers: A Conversation with the MI Attorney General’s Office
Tuesday, September 29th at 1pm
https://www.michiganfoundations.org/events/nonprofit-foundation-mergers-dissolutions-restricted-asset-transfers-conversation-michigans
There are many reasons that nonprofits may consider merging with one another, and when dissolving may be their best path forward. Philanthropy can play a vital role in this space, supporting a healthy and responsible approach that centers community and helps to ensure the critical steps in regulatory compliance are complete. Foundations contemplating their own future also have much to consider, including private foundations planning spend-down strategies and community foundations reviewing their affiliate relationships and potential mergers. This webinar will feature Michigan’s Attorney General’s Office, CMF experts in residence and CMF’s president and CEO in conversation together on key considerations for philanthropy across these scenarios. We’ll examine common pitfalls and how to avoid them, review essential legal guidance and related resources, and discuss what it can mean to bring a people-first, equity-centered and values-aligned approach to these conversations with your board, staff and nonprofit partners. There will be dedicated time for Q&A and open discussion.

CMF’s Annual Conference (October 13-15, 2026)
https://www.michiganfoundations.org/events/cmf-54th-annual-conference/registration
Ask CMF Live: FAQs, Tips, and Trends from a Decade of Supporting MI Philanthropy
Tuesday, October 12th at 12-2pm
CMF Experts in Residence – Brittany Kienker, Ph.D., Jennifer Oertel and Jen Heymoss – invite you to a presentation and peer exchange relevant for all conference attendees. The Ask CMF team will highlight an array of grantmaking, governance and operations insights, highlighting common pitfalls and offering essential guidance informed by thousands of questions submitted by Michigan philanthropy over the years. We’ll deep dive into the key challenges of 2026 and emerging issues on the horizon, with actionable takeaways and practical tools. The session will also feature space for peer-to-peer exchange and robust Q&A with our Ask CMF team. Ask CMF is celebrating a major milestone of 10 years of answering your technical questions, tracking down research and connecting you with emerging, high-quality practices in equitable grantmaking, legal and operational insights, sample documents and more.

Navigating the 2026 Midwest Grantmaker Salary, Benefits, and Demographics Report
Wednesday, November 18th at 1pm
https://www.michiganfoundations.org/events/navigating-2026-midwest-grantmaker-salary-benefits-and-demographics-report
Looking to attract and retain talent at your foundation? You'll need to know the latest data on salary and benefits to stay competitive. This special members-only webinar covers information in the 2026 Midwest Grantmaker Salary, Benefits and Demographic Report, a free report available only to members of the Council of Michigan Foundations, Forefront, Indiana Philanthropy Alliance, Iowa Council of Foundations, Minnesota Council on Foundations, Philanthropy Missouri, Philanthropy Ohio, and Wisconsin Philanthropy Network. The report is based on data from the national salary survey conducted by the Council on Foundations. Brittany Kienker, Ph.D., Knowledge Insights Expert in Residence with the Council of Michigan Foundations, will present key findings and address questions on using and navigating the data to meet your foundation's unique needs.