NCNG Promising Practices Gathering

October 7 - 9, 2026  | Wrightsville Beach Lumina

Agenda 


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Wednesday, October 7

Dine Arounds 

Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Meet up with peers in similar roles for a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant. These informal gatherings are all about conversation and connection, which means no agenda, just good company. Attendees will pay their own way. More details to come! 

Thursday, October 8

Morning Gathering & Welcome

Time: 8:30 – 9:30 AM
Location: Lumina Ballroom
Whether you connected over dinner last night or are just arriving this morning, we’re glad you’re here. Join us for a relaxed networking breakfast buffet, with brief welcome remarks at 9:00 AM to kick off the day together. 

Concurrent Sessions

Time: 9:30 – 11:00 AM

Attendees can choose from two learning tracks:

  • CEO & Executive Director track focused on peer exchange and strategic dialogue around shifting and adapting during rapidly changing times. 
  • Promising Practices track for foundation staff to explore pressing topics and tools will feature two options: 1) Shared Evaluation, Shared Learning: Practical Insights from a Funder Partnership, and 2) Making Possibility Real: Tools, Tactics, and Takeaways

Break

Time: 11:00 – 11:30 AM

Network with participants, discuss insights from previous sessions, or simply enjoy our view of the beach with coffee and a snack. 

Lunch: When Working Together Works 

Time: 11:30 – 1:00 PM

Join us for lunch as we explore when working together actually works—and when it doesn’t.

Break

Time: 1:00 – 1:15 PM

Network with participants, discuss insights from previous sessions, or simply enjoy our view of the beach with a snack. 

Concurrent Sessions 

Time: 1:15 – 2:45 PM

Attendees can choose from two learning tracks:

  • CEO & Executive Director track focused on peer exchange and dialogue.
  • Promising Practices track for foundation staff to explore pressing topics and tools will feature two options, 1) Using Your Data Like Flashlight, Not a Hammer, and 2) Reimagining Capacity Building: Navigating Culture, Systems & Power 

Quick Break

Time: 2:45 – 3:00 PM

Network with participants, discuss insights from previous sessions, or simply enjoy our view of the beach with a snack. 

Closing Reflection: Building Community

Time: 3:00 – 3:45 PM

Join us as we gather to reflect on the day and the community we’re building together.

Happy Hour Reception

Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Location: Palms at Lumina (on-site). 

Join us ocean-side to unwind with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. 

Dinner Salons and Gatherings: COMING SOON!

Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Stay tuned for special dinner gatherings. Limited on-site dinners will be available by advance registration (additional ticket may be required). Details coming later this summer.

These dinners offer space for deeper conversation around shared interests. Each salon is intentionally curated and includes light facilitation to support meaningful exchange.

Questions? mbostic@ncgrantmakers.org 

Friday, October 9

Continental Breakfast Bar

Time: Hotel Breakfast Hours 
Use your provided breakfast voucher at your own pace during morning breakfast service at the hotel. 
This is a relaxed space to connect! Sit down with someone you’ve been meaning to meet, reflect on what you heard, or talk through what comes next. We’ve kept the morning open intentionally so that you can make the most of this time before checking out and heading home.