Tomorrow Talk: The Future of Philanthropy - Making the Case for Giving
Thur. Nov 19, 6:30pm
Tom Tom Foundation, 100 W. South St
As we prepare for the 15th Annual Tom Tom Festival, April 21–25, 2027, and its theme NEXTGEN, we’re exploring what the next generation of philanthropy should look like, and how non-profits can best share their impact.
What does it mean to make a compelling case for giving in 2026?
The old model of simply asking people to support a good cause is changing. Donors increasingly want to understand the impact of their giving. Communities are asking harder questions about who benefits from philanthropy and how resources are distributed. And nonprofits are being challenged to communicate the impact they have in community.
Leslie Lynn Smith did not take a traditional path into philanthropy. Before becoming President and CEO of the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, she led organizations focused on entrepreneurship, economic development, technology, and civic innovation in cities across the country. Her career has centered on a recurring question: how do communities build stronger systems, expand opportunity, and direct resources toward the places they can have the greatest impact? Now she brings that perspective to one of Charlottesville’s central philanthropic institutions.
We’ll explore how organizations can articulate their value, make a stronger case for investment, build deeper relationships with donors, and rethink what it means to be a good steward of community resources. As the year-end giving season approaches, the conversation will also look beyond individual campaigns to the larger question: What should philanthropy look like in the next generation?
Registration is required.
General Admission: $25
Tomorrow Society Members: $20
Students: $15
FACILITATORS
Leslie Lynn Smith is a civic innovator and economic development leader serving as President and CEO of the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation (CACF), where she is advancing community-centered philanthropy and regional collaboration. Her work focuses on expanding inclusive philanthropy, strengthening partnerships across nonprofits, government, and civic institutions, and mobilizing resources around priorities including food access and housing stability. Before joining CACF, Smith founded Themis Strategic Partners and served as National Executive Director of GET Cities, as well as founding President and CEO of Epicenter and President and CEO of TechTown Detroit. Across her career, she has worked at the intersection of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and civic leadership to help communities build stronger systems and expand opportunity.
ABOUT THE SERIES
The Tomorrow Talks are a year-long series that picks up critical themes from our April Festival and continues the conversations to create impact in Charlottesville. Each session is facilitated with an emphasis on participation, connection, and new collaborations. Tomorrow Talks begin with a connection exercise or meditation, and proceed into a presentation and breakout activities. They aim to impart knowledge that is practical and relevant to people's lived experience; combining academic or theoretical insights, alongside pragmatic tools, and experiential and somatic learnings.
