2026 Conference
September 20–23, 2026 • Salt Lake City, Utah
Join Us This Fall at the Grand America
We look forward to welcoming you to Salt Lake City for the 2026 FAOG Conference — exceptional learning, meaningful connections, and an unforgettable experience.
Register Now2026 FAOG Annual Conference
What to Expect
This year's conference will offer exceptional learning opportunities and meaningful networking experiences. You will have the chance to connect with colleagues from across the country, engage with our valued sponsors, and strengthen important professional relationships.
Earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) and HR Certification Institute's® (HRCI®) credits for participating in qualifying sessions. Learn more about CPE & HRCI credits here.
Sept 20–23
Conference Dates
$350
Per Person
3+ Days
of Learning & Networking
Please note that the 2026 conference dates overlapped with Yom Kippur. When we became aware of the conflict, we were already locked in with our venue. Alternative dates were explored and ultimately the difficult decision to keep the original dates was made. As a volunteer-run organization, we are committed to supporting our diverse community, acknowledging when we don't get it right, and learning as we move forward. Learn more about the decision process here →
Who Should Attend
Built For and By Community Foundation Professionals
The FAOG Annual Conference is designed specifically for the professionals who keep community foundations running — those who work behind the scenes to ensure operational excellence, financial integrity, and organizational strength.
If your work touches any of the following areas at a community foundation, this conference is for you:
Registration
Ready to Join Us?
- Cost: $350 per person
- Membership: FAOG members only
- Breakfast, lunch & all sessions included
- FAOG Academy pre-session included
- Opening Reception included
- Closing Social Event included (CF attendees only)
Hotel
The Grand America Hotel
- Rate: $309/night + 15.82% tax
- Book Now: Don't wait — our room block is limited and fills up fast!
- Downtown Salt Lake City
- Steps from TRAX light rail
- All sessions held at the hotel
- Every room booked through our group block helps FAOG keep conference registration costs down for everyone.
Special Flight Discounts: Salt Lake City is a Delta hub — save when you fly Delta!
Book here or call 1.800.328.1111 with Meeting Event Code NY4K6.
*No service fee for reservations booked by phone.
Sunday, September 20
Pre-Session
New to the community foundation field, recently promoted, or stepping into an expanded role? Join us on Sunday, September 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. The FAOG Academy: An Orientation to the Community Foundation Field (formerly known as New to the Community Foundation/FAOG World) is designed for you. This practical pre-session covers how community foundations operate, including governance and investments, fund management, and compliance, plus an introduction to key national partners and resources. A light lunch and heavy snacks will be available for the duration of this session. This optional pre-session is included in your registration. Plan your arrival accordingly. 2.0 CPE credits pending.
Opening Reception
Sponsored by the 2026 FAOG Sponsors
Come say hello to colleagues, reconnect with familiar faces and new ones, as we kick off the 2026 FAOG Conference in style. Enjoy cocktails and light bites in a gorgeous open-air setting, and raise a glass with the sponsors. Take a moment to meet them — their support is what makes this conference affordable to members and allows us to all come together annually. The Opening Reception will be in the Grand Salon and Grand Salon Patio from 5 to 6 p.m. Meet our 2026 sponsors →
More Than a Conference
FAOG Annual Meeting | Distinguished Service Award — New!
Do you know someone who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and long-term contribution to the financial, administrative, and operational excellence of community foundations? Nominate them for the FAOG Distinguished Service Award — presented live at the 2026 Annual Conference in Salt Lake City.
Nominations close May 31, 2026. The honoree will be announced at the September conference.
Dining & Social Events
We've planned a variety of fun evening social events — all designed to help you connect, recharge, and make the most of your time in Salt Lake City. Don't forget to book your hotel for Wednesday night and plan to depart on Thursday! Please indicate any dietary needs during registration and we will do our best to accommodate you.
$50
per person, per dinner
CF attendees
(Sunday & Tuesday dinners)
$65
per person, per dinner
guests
(Sunday & Tuesday dinners)
200
attendees max per dinner
These dinners always sell out — don't wait!
Please note: Sunday and Tuesday Dinners are exclusive to community foundation participants, their guests, and that evening's sponsors.
Sunday, September 20 at 6 p.m. • Optional
FAOG Dinner — Separate registration required; limited to the first 200 registrants.
Courtyard of the Grand America
Sponsored by Prime Buchholz
Sunday night's dinner will be hosted in the stunning Courtyard of the Grand America — a beautiful garden oasis right in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. Take in picturesque views of the manicured grounds as you connect with professionals from around the nation over a fantastic meal. It's the perfect setting for an evening of great food and even better conversation.
Hotel Photos courtesy of the Grand America Hotel
Monday, September 21 — New This Year!
Dinner on Your Own
Monday evening is yours to enjoy! Use this time to have a meal with a colleague or a new connection — or take time to explore the incredible dining scene and sights of Salt Lake City. Learn more about things to do here.
Photo courtesy of Visit Salt Lake
Tuesday, September 22 at 6:00 p.m. • Optional
FAOG Dinner — Separate registration required; limited to the first 200 registrants.
Brio Italian Grill
Sponsored by Crewcial Partners
Join us for drinks and a family-style dinner at Brio Italian Grill, a vibrant Italian-American restaurant known for its fresh, made-from-scratch dishes and warm atmosphere. While dinner is served family-style, plated meals are available for guests with dietary needs — please indicate your requirements during registration. A 10–15-minute walk from the Grand America. Prefer a ride? A partial TRAX rail ride or Uber is always an option.
Photo courtesy of Susan M. via TripAdvisor
Wednesday, September 23 at 5–8 p.m. • Complimentary
Field Club at Rice-Eccles Stadium @ U of U
Sponsored by akoyaGO
The FAOG Closing Social has become a signature highlight of the conference, and this year's event promises to be especially memorable as we take to the field at the University of Utah! This stadium is where the 2002 Winter Olympic Opening Ceremonies were held and you will see the iconic torch as you enter the stadium. Once inside and for the first hour, guests can enjoy a self-guided tour of the locker room, kick field goals and enjoy lawn games like cornhole and Jenga on the field. A buffet dinner and drinks throughout the evening will be served. No athletic ability required, just come in your favorite team jersey and be ready to have fun!
Event limited to CF attendees, significant others, and the evening's sponsor. We recommend the TRAX Red Line as it stops in front of the Grand America and the stadium.
Olympic torch photo courtesy of Edward de la Fuente via Itinerant Fan
Non-Community Foundation Attendees
We are delighted to invite you to join us for the Opening Reception on Sunday as well as all other conference activities included with registration for professional advisors and sponsors.
- The FAOG dinners on Sunday and Tuesday are for community foundation attendees, their guests, and the sponsor of that evening, Prime Buchholz and Crewcial Partners.
- This year, our Closing Social Event on Wednesday is open to community foundation attendees, their guests, and the event sponsor akoyaGO.
- Individual membership is required for each attendee who is not affiliated with a community foundation or a sponsor. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, click here.
Ready to Join Us in Salt Lake City?
Registration opens May 1, 2026. Don't miss your spot!
Register Now