The summit will assemble representatives from 13 specialist publications spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America working at the intersection of philanthropy, social investment, and public accountability.
This September, Alliance magazine will bring together philanthropy-focused media professionals from across the world for a first-of-its-kind convening.
The Global Philanthropy Media Summit will take place on 29–30 September 2025 at the Rockefeller Brothers Fund’s Pocantico Center in upstate New York.
The summit will assemble representatives from 13 specialist publications spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, working at the intersection of philanthropy, social investment, and public accountability.
What the Summit Is
Organised by Alliance magazine, the convening is supported by the Adessium Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
While these philanthropic institutions are providing funding, the discussions and outcomes of the summit will be entirely participant-led and editorially independent.
Facilitation will be provided by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, offering structured support to help participants navigate the summit’s agenda and collaborative sessions.
What to Expect
The two-day programme will explore key challenges and opportunities facing philanthropy media today. Core areas of focus include:
- Editorial integrity and independence in covering philanthropic actors
- Revenue models and the sustainability of niche journalism
- Underreported stories from diverse regions and communities
- The evolving role of philanthropy media in a globalising philanthropic ecosystem
In addition to facilitated discussions, the summit will include a visit to the nearby Rockefeller Archive Center, offering participants a chance to reflect on how philanthropy has historically been documented and the evolving role of the press in shaping public narratives about giving.
Who Will Attend
Participants will include:
- Editors, journalists, and publishers from independent and specialist outlets
- Founders and managers of nonprofit or philanthropy-oriented media platforms
- Media professionals working to amplify underrepresented perspectives in global philanthropy
The summit is an invitation-only event, with participating titles selected to ensure regional and linguistic diversity as well as a balance between established and emerging outlets.
Among the invited participants is Africa Solutions Media Hub, an East Africa–based nonprofit media organisation that applies Solutions Journalism to identify, document, and amplify social impact stories across the continent.
The Hub works to elevate changemakers, philanthropic initiatives, and community-driven innovations through human-centred storytelling, media training, and strategic communications.
By partnering with nonprofit organisations and equipping journalists to report on scalable, evidence-based responses to social challenges, Africa Solutions Media Hub strengthens public discourse and engagement throughout Africa.
Why It Matters
This summit comes at a time when philanthropy is growing in both influence and complexity, yet the media covering it often lacks coordinated support.
Unlike funders who regularly meet to align strategies, journalists and editors working in philanthropy media rarely have the opportunity to connect across borders.
By creating a dedicated space for reflection and exchange, the convening aims to:
- Support the development of a more globally representative field
- Strengthen journalistic collaboration and capacity
- Explore sustainable practices for covering giving with independence and depth
The summit also recognises the critical role of journalism in interrogating philanthropic practices, elevating community-driven narratives, and fostering transparency and accountability within the sector.
The gathering represents a timely opportunity to build lasting connections among philanthropy media practitioners—and to strengthen the field’s collective voice in an era of rapid change and expanding influence.
About Alliance Magazine
Alliance is the leading global magazine on philanthropy and social investment.
Founded in 1998 and based in the United Kingdom, it provides independent, in-depth reporting, commentary, and analysis on trends, debates, and developments in the philanthropic sector worldwide.
Published quarterly in print and regularly online, Alliance covers themes such as funding equity, climate justice, feminist philanthropy, and regional giving practices.
It is read by a global audience of donors, foundation professionals, nonprofit leaders, researchers, and policymakers.
In addition to its journalism, Alliance convenes dialogues and events—including the Alliance Breakfast Club—to foster critical reflection on the evolving role of philanthropy.
The magazine maintains editorial independence and is committed to representing diverse voices and viewpoints from across regions and sectors.
