The Presidents’ Forum on Racial Equity in Philanthropy focuses specifically on racial and ethnic equity by developing a peer-to-peer support and learning network through facilitated dialogue for CEOs who are dedicated to shifting the tide of philanthropy toward a diversified, equitable, and inclusive giving community. The goal of the Presidents' Forum is to create a space where CEOs can candidly discuss the most difficult issues and trade-offs around equity and think through these important issues with others facing the same or similar questions.

The Sankofa Series emerged as an intentional offshoot of the Presidents’ Forum. As philanthropic leaders increasingly voiced the need for peer learning and collective strategy amid mounting external pressures in grantmaking, Sankofa was designed to meet that moment. 

Rooted in the West African concept of Sankofa—to look back in order to move forward—these intimate, closed-door gatherings offer space to fortify leadership as we dream in service of what's possible. 

It includes two complementary formats:

• Webinars, co-hosted by KHA and the Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE)

• Salons, hosted solely by KHA through the Presidents’ Forum

The Sankofa Series is generously supported by multiple foundations with ongoing partnership from ABFE and the broader philanthropic community.

Reach and Impact

• Over 1,000 total attendances across sessions

• Participation from hundreds of foundation presidents and executives

• Focus areas: legal risk, board strategy, narrative defense, and infrastructure resilience to protect and advance equity