We hope you will make plans to join us in Denver, Colorado on March 31-April 2, 2008 for the Funders� Network�s 9th Annual Conference.

We will continue to build on last year�s theme of �breaking down silos� to offer learning opportunities that are cross-cutting on content and focus on funder practice. In addition, we will be exploring intersections among health, environment, community design, and community development.

A special pre-conference learning and networking opportunity will take place Monday, March 31st on Community, Race, and Funder Leadership.

In addition, eleven conversational break-out sessions on a range of topics are being developed. Here are some of the issues we�ll be exploring:

• How funders are supporting integration and inclusive practices in the face of changing demographics.
• What funders are doing to advance economic development strategies that are suited for their market, whether hot or weak.
• Why TOD (transit oriented development) is not a successful smart growth tool unless it considers impacts on low income communities.
• How healthy environments, work force development and economic disparities interrelate.
• What foundation practices successfully address quality of life, land use, natural resource protection and transportation in small towns.
• How new energy economies can help or hurt communities and the environment.
• What funders are experiencing in collaborative efforts with the public sector, private sector and various types of other funders.