Many communities are bracing for a new era of volatility in public funding. Federal and state commitments that once underpinned local economic development, workforce programs, public health, and social infrastructure are shifting—sometimes slowly, sometimes abruptly. For place-based partnerships, the question is no longer how to “navigate uncertainty,” but how to get ahead of it: building durable coalitions, diversified capital stacks, and locally anchored strategies that can withstand political and budget swings.

NationSwell invites leaders from philanthropy, business, and nonprofit organizations, to a conversation about what it means to be proactive rather than reactive right now. We’ll identify the emerging funding realities that matter most, examine models that successfully blend public, private, and philanthropic investment, and explore how communities can lock in long-term capacity.

To encourage open and candid discussion, this event follows the Chatham House Rule – attendees may share insights from the conversation but cannot attribute statements to specific individuals or organizations. This ensures a trusted space for thoughtful dialogue and deeper insights.