HENDERSON, KY — United Way of Henderson County will hold The Philanthropy Summit: Discover Your Way, a two-day experience taking place May 20–21, 2027, at the Preston Arts Center and Henderson Community College.
Designed for the people who lead, give, serve, support, and champion stronger communities, The Philanthropy Summit will bring together nonprofit professionals, board members, business leaders, donors, volunteers, community advocates, and anyone passionate about strengthening the nonprofit sector.
“We’ve talked about bringing something like this to Henderson for a long time, and we finally decided it was time to make it happen,” said Kelsi Dunham Johnston, Executive Director of United Way of Henderson County. “We spend so much time talking about strengthening nonprofits, developing leaders, connecting resources, and building a stronger community. This is our opportunity to bring all of those things together in one place.”
Dunham said that the Philanthropy Summit isn’t your typical conference. Through engaging general sessions, interactive breakouts, meaningful conversations, and practical resources, attendees can shape their Summit experience around the topics that matter most to them.
Participants can explore ten unique Discover Your Way learning paths: Leadership, Governance, Finance, Fundraising, Storytelling, Impact, People, Collaboration, Innovation, and Giving.
Whether you’re a nonprofit executive looking for new strategies, a board member hoping to better serve your organization, a business leader interested in community investment, or someone simply looking for ways to make a difference, there’s a place for you at The Philanthropy Summit.
Bringing a vision like this to life takes collaboration, and Welborn is leading the way as The Waymaker Partner for the inaugural Philanthropy Summit. As the Summit’s premier partner, Welborn is playing a pivotal role in making this experience possible and helping bring together people, ideas, and resources from across the region.
“We’re thankful for the opportunity to be the Waymaker partner and to build on our commitment to the Henderson area. We’re excited and honored to walk alongside local nonprofit leaders, listen to their needs, and support the leadership and organizational strength that help their important work endure.” Candice Perry, Chief Capacity Building Officer, Welborn.
With a shared commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations, developing community leaders, and building capacity, this partnership goes beyond supporting an event. It’s an investment in the people and organizations doing important work in our communities, and in giving them more opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.
“Welborn has been such an important partner in strengthening organizations and building capacity across our region,” Johnston said. “As they continue to expand their investment and engagement in Henderson, their enthusiasm for helping with this effort means so much to us. They said yes to helping us build something that we believe can make a lasting difference, and we’re incredibly grateful to have them as our Waymaker Partner.”
The Philanthropy Summit is also bringing together a growing group of foundations and community partners who share a commitment to strengthening nonprofits and investing in the people behind the impact. With additional partners already committed and more announcements to come, the Summit is becoming a collaborative investment in the people and organizations that make our communities stronger.
The Philanthropy Summit will take place Thursday, May 20, and Friday, May 21, 2027, with programming scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Attendees can choose the full two-day experience or register for a single day, making it easier to participate in a way that works for their schedules and goals.
Early registration is open now through March 19, 2027:
- Two-Day Experience: $75 early registration | $100 regular registration
- One-Day Experience: $40 early registration | $50 regular registration
The experience is designed to spark new ideas, introduce valuable resources, and encourage conversations that continue long after the Summit ends. Attendees can expect engaging speakers, practical takeaways, and more than a notebook full of notes to bring home. Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and Summit materials are all included, with additional registration discounts available for organizations bringing multiple team
The Summit welcomes attendees from Henderson County and beyond, encouraging organizations to bring multiple team members who can explore different learning paths and take new ideas and resources back to their communities.
United Way will continue announcing its exciting lineup of speakers, breakout sessions, partners, and additional Summit details in the coming months.
Registration and event information are available at:
https://www.uwofhc.org/philanthropy-summit
“At United Way, we believe UNITED IS THE WAY,” Johnston said. “The Philanthropy Summit brings that belief to life by creating a space for everyone who wants to make a difference, regardless of how they choose to show up for their community. We’re excited to bring this experience to Henderson and can’t wait to see what everyone discovers.”
Comments