Philanthropy Summit 2026 Wrap: Connecting Sacramento Through Generosity
More than 600 nonprofit leaders, philanthropists, business professionals and community members gathered for the third annual Philanthropy Summit, presented by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation. The event provided a full day of education, inspiration and meaningful connection for those working to strengthen the Sacramento region.
The Summit reflected lessons learned from previous years, with careful attention given to accessibility, parking, audiovisual production, food service and the overall attendee experience. Generous breaks between sessions also gave participants time to exchange ideas, build relationships and engage in conversations that were often just as valuable as the formal presentations.
Keynote speaker Cherian Koshy challenged attendees to think differently about generosity, donor motivation and the role philanthropy plays in building stronger communities. His presentation also drew upon Sacramento’s history, including the remarkable effort to raise portions of the city to address repeated flooding. The story served as a fitting metaphor for the nonprofit sector’s ability to respond to challenges with creativity, collaboration and determination.
The Summit also included recognition from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, California Capital Chapter. Honorees represented corporate leadership, community organizations, fundraising professionals and the next generation of philanthropists.
Among the most memorable moments was the recognition of young volunteers Nathan and Victoria Sweetin, whose service to the Food Literacy Center demonstrated that philanthropy can begin at any age. After receiving a $500 charitable gift to direct, the two chose to donate it to their favorite nonprofit.
Kelly Siefkin, Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, was also recognized as Outstanding Fundraising Professional. Her award reflected both her individual leadership and the Foundation’s broader commitment to strengthening philanthropy throughout the region.
The 2026 Philanthropy Summit demonstrated that its greatest value extends beyond any single presentation. It creates a place for people to learn from one another, recognize outstanding service and develop the relationships that help communities move forward.
With another successful Summit complete, the Sacramento Region Community Foundation is already preparing for its next major community effort: Big Day of Giving on May 6, 2027.
Podcast Host
Broadcaster pro turned podcast leader, Jeff Holden created and hosts “The Non Profit Podcast Network”. A podcast and platform driven by his passion to serve, Jeff aims to revolutionize the way non-profit organizations communicate their stories for the betterment of their organizations.
Jeff made the successful leap from broadcast to digital audio in 2013 founding MultiPoint Content Strategies and Hear Me Now Studio. Under his leadership, these ventures have flourished, producing dozens of programs, increasing brand awareness and financial growth for his clients through authentic storytelling and coaching to directly target each company’s specific niche market.
Included in those programs are the award winning “Financial Sobriety” podcast and his own niche health podcast “Imperfect Heart”.
Join Jeff to learn how non-profits are working to solve seemingly impossible challenges today, and hear stories from the amazing people who are taking charge and leading their teams to accomplish their missions, grow toward their vision, and do it in the realm of their stated values.
When he's not hosting, producing, consulting, or spending time with family, you can likely find your host somewhere in the middle of nowhere practicing his two wheeled therapy peddling a steep climb in the Sierra foothills or on a local river attempting to keep his kayak upright.
