8:15am ET

Check-in, Breakfast, and Networking   

Enjoy breakfast and networking before the convening officially starts.

At check-in, please present a picture of a negative COVID-19 rapid test that you took the morning-of. COVID-19 tests will be available for those who don’t have proof of a negative test result.  

9:00am ET

Welcome, Grounding, and Opening Remarks

Speakers: 

• Amanda Andere, Chief Executive Officer, Funders Together for Housing Justice  
• Ann Oliva, Chief Executive Officer, National Alliance to End Homelessness  

9:30am ET

Coffee Chat: Block & Build: Federal & State Policy Outlook

In this coffee chat, leaders from across our collective movements provide a broad overview of key federal and state policy developments impacting housing justice. The discussion will address legislative and legal battles that affect homelessness, the fight for racial equity, and those at the sharpest intersections of marginalization. Attendees will gain insight into how philanthropy can respond to these critical challenges—protecting racial equity gains, advancing justice-centered solutions, and building more equitable housing systems. Funders will leave with actionable steps on how they can protect and drive forward the fight for housing justice.  

Speakers: 

• Amanda Andere, Chief Executive Officer, Funders Together for Housing Justice
• Jennifer Angarita, Deputy Director, Fund for Housing & Opportunity
• Peggy Bailey, Executive Vice President for Policy & Program Development, Center on Budget & Policy Priorities  
• Shameka Parrish-Wright, Executive Director, Vocal-KY
• Renee M. Willis, President & CEO, National Low Income Housing Coalition    

10:30am ET

Breakout Session: Insights to Action  

Following the plenary conversation, participants will move into facilitated breakout discussions to deepen learning and begin applying the Block & Build framework in real time. 

Each breakout table will include a speaker from the policy panel and a Funders Together staff member to guide the conversation. Participants will use custom Block & Build activity sheets to reflect on what they’ve heard, identify the policies and narratives they are working to block, and name the systems, coalitions, and investments they are committed to building. 

This session is designed to move funders from understanding to action—providing space to process key takeaways, share challenges, and begin strategizing around the role of philanthropy in both defending hard-won gains and advancing bold, justice-centered solutions at the local, state, and national levels. 

By the end of the session, participants will leave with clearer insights into their role in this political moment—and renewed clarity about how to show up for housing justice through advocacy, collaboration, and courageous funding. 

11:15am ET

Break

11:30am ET

Joy Fest: From Policy to Practice: Local Advocacy in Action

The Funders Institute's Joy Fest will highlight the transformative impact of local advocacy in driving real change and moving the needle on critical issues. Speakers will share inspiring examples of how grassroots efforts are getting things done—transforming policy into practice and creating tangible impact. Funders will gain valuable insights into how they can support and amplify local advocacy to catalyze progress and achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities.  

Speakers: 

• Kristina Gray-Akpa, MSW, Senior Program Officer, The Horizon Foundation
• Kate Levin Markel, President, McGregor Fund
• Deborah Vo, Program Officer, Strategy & Initiatives, Rasmuson Foundation

12:30pm ET

Lunch & NAEH Opening Plenary

Lunch is provided onsite.

2:30pm ET

Intersections in Action: Real Stories, Real Shifts 

Case Consultations are an opportunity for funders to share what they’re working on and gain valuable thought partnership and insight from other funders. If you are interested in presenting a case consultation, please reach out to Rachelle A. Matthews.  

Speakers: 

• Sommer Green, Program Officer, Pohlad Family Foundation
• Rachel Sherman, Executive Director, Marie C. and Joseph C. Wilson Foundation

3:45pm ET

Break

4:00pm ET

Closing Reflection: The Steady Drumbeat 

Reflections on leadership, legacy, and the future of housing justice.

Speakers:

• Amanda Andere, Chief Executive Officer, Funders Together for Housing Justice 

5:00pm ET

This off-site networking reception is an opportunity for attendees to deepen the relationships they built throughout the day.  

Please note: This networking reception is only open to Funders Institute attendees. Non-Funders Institute attendees will not be allowed entry.

8:15am ET

Registration Check-In and Breakfast 

Enjoy breakfast and networking before the convening officially starts.

9:00am ET

Shifting Systems, Building Power: A Call to Collective Action  

In this forward-looking closing session, Kassandra Frederique from the Drug Policy Alliance will guide funders in aligning around collective action and coalition-building, with a focus on decriminalization as a critical component of housing justice. Participants will explore strategies for collaboration, shared responsibility, and sustaining momentum in the fight to end the criminalization of homelessness and housing insecurity. Through this conversation, funders will be encouraged to examine the intersections between criminal justice reform, housing justice, and racial equity, and how to mobilize resources for long-term, transformative change. 

Speakers: 

• Kassandra Frederique, Executive Director, Drug Policy Alliance

10:00am ET

Grounded in Justice: Our Values, Our Vision 
Unveiling the Core Commitments of Funders Together for Housing Justice 

As we close out the 2025 Funders Institute and step fully into our evolution as Funders Together for Housing Justice, we are honored to unveil our new organizational values—shared commitments that reflect our purpose, guide our work, and ground our collective vision for justice. 

In this final session, we’ll premiere a short film featuring staff reflections on our values, followed by opportunities for personal and collective reflection. Through small group discussions and a shared closing moment, we’ll invite funders to consider how these values resonate with their own work—and how we can move forward in deeper alignment, courage, and care. 

Speakers:

• D. Michael Durham, Director, Networks  
• Rachelle A. Matthews, Director, Membership & Programs