Don Chen

Don Chen

President, The Surdna Foundation

Don Chen is the President of the Surdna Foundation where he leads the 100-year old foundation’s efforts to strengthen and further leverage its commitment to social justice.

Prior to his appointment, Don was the Director of the Cities & States program at the Ford Foundation, where his work supported urban development initiatives to make housing more affordable, promote more equitable land use practices, and empower communities to have a powerful decision-making voice in American cities and in developing countries. He also led a multi-program team to support the strengthening of social justice organizations and networks in targeted U.S. states.

Previously, Don was the Founder and CEO of Smart Growth America, where he led efforts to create the National Vacant Properties Campaign (which later became the Center for Community Progress) and Transportation for America, and managed a merger with the Growth Management Leadership Alliance. He has authored many pieces on land use, transportation, social equity, and environmental policy.

Don has also served on the boards of the Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities, West Harlem Environmental Action, the Environmental Leadership Program, and Grist magazine. He holds a master’s degree from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Yale University.

Timing is Everything: Giving with Urgency Versus Patience

Marquette Ballroom V

An ongoing tension in philanthropy exists in balancing responsibilities to address the needs of the present with obligations to the future. When should funders give with urgency and accelerate their giving for impact? Conversely, what considerations should funders make for long-term intergenerational philanthropy? This interactive session will explore these questions from the perspective of a president of a perpetual family foundation, a key leader at a sunsetting foundation, and a strategic advisor to high net worth donors.

Breakout session
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Making Every Dollar Count: Impact Investing

Marquette Ballroom IX

Foundations and major donors are increasingly looking beyond traditional grantmaking and support for nonprofits to strategically deploy their assets in pursuit of impact. One such example is impact investing. What are the best approaches and current efforts worth emulating? What are the challenges and pitfalls of these efforts? This session will explore the notion that every investment has impact and feature a panel with foundation leaders and expert advisors. Sponsored by McKnight Foundation

Breakout session
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