Come to San Diego
General Information About The Annual Conference
Registration and Housing
Costs for going to the Annual Confernce
Who can go?
Times and Dates and Places
Multi-media CD-ROM that includes both the audio recording plus the PowerPoint/handout presentation material, a complete list of exhibitors and important information from COF.
Important documents to help you
information on how to exhibit and sponsorship opportunities
Contact Council staff
Travel info to California

General Information

New This Year!

The conference will start SUNDAY, April 10 and end Tuesday, April 12 (two weeks earlier than last year).

  • The schedule has been rearranged for some of the more popular conference activities (including the networking event, resource central, roundtables, open space and the awards showcase) to allow more people to participate and benefit.
  • The San Diego Host Committee has developed a number of special tours, activities and site sessions that will offer attendees the opportunity to see innovative and creative grantmaking in action throughout San Diego. You will not want to miss the chance to learn first hand how local communities are tackling issues associated with these challenging times—be sure to leave room on your schedule to participate. Travel requirements are outlined here for U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens should contact their consulate for travel requirements
    • 14 exciting site sessions–including a cross border tour
    • Two tours to Baja California
    • Host Committee Dine Arounds—one restaurant will be hosted in Tijuana.

The San Diego Host Committee is excited to present the Nonprofit Marketplace where our local nonprofits will exhibit and sell goods that raise money for their organizations in fulfillment of their mission. Merchandise for sale will include items such as handcrafted jewelry and ceramics, gourmet packaged food items, and hand painted greeting cards. Ranging from $5-$30, the Marketplace will have unique products from organizations from San Diego, California and Tijuana. Please come by to learn about some innovative entrepreneurship--you will find great gifts and souvenirs that support our local nonprofits! 

First-Time Attendees, Take Note…

Orientation for Newcomers

Learn from experienced Council members and staff how to make the most of the conference experience. These sessions provide conference overviews and tips on how to navigate your way as well as answers to membership questions. Optional tours of Resource Central, the convention center and the conference hotel are included.

  • Check the “first-time attendee” box on the registration form [PDF] and receive additional discounts for Council publications and award-winning Foundation News & Commentary magazine.

Three Ways to Save Money

Register early

Register by March 4, 2005 and save $150.

Multiple registrants

In addition, the more people your organization sends, the more you’ll save. To qualify for our multiple registrant discount for Council members, simply register four or more staff members. Three registrants pay the full registration fee, and each additional registrant saves $100.

Please note: Registration forms must be submitted together by March 4, 2005, to receive this discount. All registrants must be with the same foundation.

New Foundations

The Annual Conference is an important meeting ground for foundations, and we want to hear the voices of new foundations. As part of our “Building Strong and Ethical Foundations: Doing It Right” program, we’re offering a special half-price registration and half-price membership dues rate to new, non-member foundations. For specific eligibility information and more details, please contact the Council’s membership department at membership@cof.org or 202/467-0291.