Dynamic Guest Speakers Include Shania Twain,
Celebrity Chef Aarón Sánchez, More
The Moonridge Foundation – the organization dedicated to advancing community well-being through strategic giving, collaboration and innovation – announces it will host its 13th annual Philanthropy Leaders Summit on Friday, Sept. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada. Themed “Where the Future of Giving is Going,” this year’s summit will bring together 500 changemakers in Las Vegas and Reno. Attendees will explore best practices in giving and leverage the collective wisdom of their peers to drive impactful social innovation to help shape the future of their giving.
A forum for grant makers, the Philanthropy Leaders Summit is open to corporate funders, family foundations, individual philanthropists and community leaders interested in immersing themselves in dynamic discussions and hearing invaluable insights about emerging trends in giving. This year’s summit aims to inspire attendees to elevate their philanthropic efforts for future generations, unlocking the potential to create lasting, positive change in communities across Nevada and beyond.
An exceptional lineup of speakers will participate, including the legendary singer and philanthropist Shania Twain, who will provide virtual opening remarks, sharing her personal journey and the profound impact of giving back. Attendees will also be treated to insights from chef Aarón Sánchez, who is known for his role as a judge on “MasterChef” and his philanthropic work with chef Emeril Lagasse. In addition, a team member from Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation (BTWF) will speak about building multi-sector partnerships to strengthen relationships, choosing and leveraging collaborations to promote resources and awareness and creating lasting connections with like-minded organizations.
With a focus on funders, Ovation Development chief operating officer Jess Molasky and the co-chair of the Moonrise Next Gen Philanthropy Group will facilitate a panel of young philanthropists from Nevada as they discuss innovative approaches and motivations driving the next generation of givers. Guiding the morning’s events will also be emcees Punam Mathur and Staci Alonso, both respected community figures recognized for their expertise and passion for philanthropy.
“This year’s theme of ‘Where the Future of Giving is Going’ is not just about sharing ideas—it’s about igniting the spark that transforms those ideas into real, tangible change,” said MaryGrace Rendina, senior program director, Moonridge Group. “We are bringing together the brightest minds and the most passionate hearts in philanthropy to reimagine what’s possible when we work together. This is where inspiration meets action, and where the seeds of innovation are planted for the future.”
This year’s summit will take place simultaneously at the City of Las Vegas’ city council chambers at 495 S. Main St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 and at the Nevada Museum of Art at 160 W. Liberty St, Reno, NV 89501, providing attendees in both Southern and Northern Nevada with the chance to connect over a live broadcast between both locations. Interested participants unable to attend in person may also join the summit online via Zoom.
Registration for the 2024 Philanthropy Leaders Summit is now open. Tickets to the summit in Las Vegas, Reno and online are available for $95 per guest. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
