November 15-17, 2023 • Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
We’re Back in Person!
The Upswell Summit, Independent Sector’s annual conference, is back in person for the first time in four years.
This can’t-miss event for all changemakers – from nonprofits, foundations, corporations, community-based organizations, academia, and government – will explore what it will take to build a healthy and racially just nation.
Join us November 15-17 in Dallas-Fort Worth for bold thinking, bright ideas, and the best minds from across the social good sector.
Agenda
Pre-conference events, including Community Dinners and Tours, start at 8 am CT on Tuesday, Nov 14 and end at 3 PM CT on Wednesday, Nov 15. The Upswell Summit will begin at 3 PM CT on Wednesday, Nov 15 and end at 2 PM CT on Friday, Nov 17.
Please make your travel plans accordingly if you wish to participate in the fullest programming.
Workshops
The Upswell Summit, will feature workshops led by organizations across the country working every day on the challenges that confront the people and communities we serve. Here’s a peek at the first wave of workshop topics:
The Bridgespan Group will address the critical need to tear down myths and lift up the talents and abilities of leaders who are Black, Indigenous, and other people of color.
Urban Institute and Citi Foundation will explore lessons from a three-year case study of how grantee and grantmaking partners can advance racial equity. Advancements would be rooted in research and data, based on best practices in trust-based philanthropy, and prioritize community leadership in the design and execution.
StriveTogether will present national, community, and Indigenous perspectives on power-shifting practices that school districts and community-based organizations are adopting to respect tribal sovereignty and to create environments that respect Indigenous culture.
Candid will share how they’re using their data and tools to influence more equitable funding practices in the sector. They’ll also share feedback and criticisms that prompted reevaluation of how operations can block equity, and steps that can remove those barriers.
The Marguerite Casey Foundation will host a panel of nonprofit leaders and movement scholars who’ll discuss opportunities to increase public funding spent on goods and services that directly benefit the well-being of the people and planet. They’ll also discuss organizing to shift local dollars toward community-driven priorities for safety and well-being and away from policing and incarceration, as well as rebuilding expectations and demands for public goods and public options.
Center for Effective Philanthropy will offer a sneak preview of new, not-yet-released findings from year two of a multi-year study by the Center for Effective Philanthropy to track the uses, effects, and consequences of Scott’s gifts. The session will share findings and, in an interactive process, invite attendees to reflect on the relevant lessons for their own work — whether as funders or operating nonprofits.
Registration is Open
Independent Sector members enjoy a discount on each ticket type. Learn more about membership.
General
$795
$595 – IS member
Supporter
$1295
$995 – IS member
Community
$495
$395 – IS member
This ticket price is recommended for independent community-based advocates, grassroots leaders, small entrepreneurs, and small nonprofits with an operating budget of $2 million or less.
Community Dinners and Tours
(Additional fee required)
Community Dinners (Tuesday, Nov 14): $75
Upswell Community Dinners demonstrate firsthand how food and mission can go together. You’ll enjoy a smorgasbord of local dishes and discussion about education, health, the arts, economic development, and more. Sit down and break bread with strangers, go home with new friends, ideas – and maybe even a solution or two.
Inside/Out Tours (Wednesday, Nov 15): $60
Designed in collaboration with community leaders, these half-day tours take you on a journey of social innovation into the heart of the host city’s most dynamic neighborhoods where you’ll have the chance to participate like a local, rather than just observe as an outsider.
Cancellation policy: Cancellation notices must be received in writing by September 8, 2023, via email at info@upswell.org.Conference registration cancellations received on or before September 8 are eligible for a refund of less than a $100 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued for requests received after September 8.
Dallas & Fort Worth
The community of changemakers in Dallas and Fort Worth
have a legacy of impact. Their learnings, experiences, and accomplishments over the course of decades offer a unique national value. So, Upswell’s mode of engagement with these local leaders is to lift up rather than elbow in.
As a national connector, Upswell can create catalytic opportunities and long-term impact for this community. We want to learn from you how Upswell can accelerate the changework that’s already underway in Dallas and Fort Worth, diving deep to understand local challenges and successes.
IS and SVP Dallas Partner for Upswell 2023
Independent Sector and SVP Dallas are combining the power of bigBANG!, SVP Dallas’s annual social impact conference, and Upswell to amplify this year’s impact. Continuing the tradition of homegrown Texas convenings, the 2023 Upswell Summit will incorporate the local roots and deep community engagement at the heart of bigBANG! conferences.
Now accepting reservations!
We are now accepting hotel reservations for our upcoming event. Through this website you can book, modify. or cancel your hotel reservations at any time and receive updated information about the event. We look forward to seeing you!
Sheraton Dallas
400 North Olive Street, Dallas, TX 75201
Tel: 214-922-8000
Sponsors
If you’re interested in sponsorship or exhibit opportunities at Upswell, please contact partnership@independentsector.org
Transformers
Builders
Movers
Connectors
Scholarship Sponsors
2023 Upswell Summit FAQS
Here are the answers to the most common questions we receive. Don’t see your question below? Email info@upswell.org and we’ll be glad to answer it.