Philanthropy in the U.S. is facing a shift in public perception. What was once broadly seen as a force for good is now, in some circles, framed as politicized, opaque, or even at odds with democratic values. These narratives are gaining traction—and they carry implications for how funders carry out their work and for civil society more broadly.

In this roundtable, NationSwell will bring together philanthropic leaders to examine what’s driving this shift and what can be done in response—within our organizations and collectively. We’ll explore how to tell a more compelling story about the work: one that centers grantees, communities, and impact rather than philanthropic institutions, and that brings more people into a shared belief in the power of civil society—without ceding the ground philanthropy needs to sustain it.

Join peers for a candid discussion on how to navigate scrutiny, rebuild trust, and help shape a more grounded and durable public narrative around philanthropy in the U.S.

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.