The final Board of Governors meeting of the year brought together leaders from across Los Angeles County to reflect on regional progress, highlight ongoing challenges, and look ahead to priorities for 2026. The program included a presentation from the City of Montebello, a CEO report on LAEDC’s wildfire recovery efforts and economic initiatives, a philanthropy panel featuring prominent community and industry leaders, and facilitated discussions on major issue areas shaping the region’s future. The evening concluded with a mixer, trivia fundraiser, and networking.
Highlights
Philanthropy Is More Than Money — It’s Cross-Sector Fuel for Regional Change
Philanthropy’s Role Is Becoming Even More Important as Government Funding Shrinks
The “Why” Behind Giving Is Deeply Personal
Business + Social Impact Must Work Together
Hope for LA Comes From Collaboration, the Next Generation, and a Re-Centered Sense of Purpose
Insights
Philanthropy Works Best When It’s Anchored in Lived Experience The most compelling giving strategies start with personal history—struggles, opportunities, identity, and values. This authenticity makes philanthropy more strategic and sustainable.
The Future of Giving Requires Removing Barriers Ashley highlighted that donors and nonprofits need direct, transparent relationships. Closing the gap between funders and frontline organizations is essential for impactful, long-term work.
Philanthropy Must Adapt to AI, Economic Shifts, and Social Change As LA enters an era of AI-driven transformation, philanthropy will play a critical role in:
Reskilling the workforce
Supporting mental health
Backstopping reductions in public funding
Ensuring equity in emerging industries
Social Impact and Profit Aren’t Opposites — They’re Partners The panel demonstrated how:
Businesses can embed community investment into their operations
Social impact ventures (like Meta’s education initiatives) can exist in the for-profit space
CSR can drive long-term brand and community loyalty
LA’s Strength Is Its Capacity to Come Together Quickly The wildfire response reinforced something unique about this region: Los Angeles is capable of rapid collaboration across philanthropy, business, government, and community—especially in crisis.
Action Items & Conclusion
Throughout the meeting, members weighed in on the key topics shaping LA County’s future—areas we’ll continue to explore throughout next year’s programming:
• AI & Workforce Development: ethical use, new job pathways, and closing the digital divide • Technology in Schools: preparing students with real-world tools • Resiliency: wildfire recovery, climate impacts, and infrastructure strengthening • Mental Health: supporting the next generation of workers • Cybersecurity: protecting LA ahead of mega-events • Healthcare Costs: navigating double-digit increases for employers • Transportation Future: from air taxis to evolving port logistics
