By Marisa Lopez, Strategic Account Director
Last month, I had the privilege of participating in the PEAK2025 Convening in New Orleans, along with roughly 1,300 grantmakers, technologists, and leaders at funding institutions along with partners at philanthropy supporting organizations. Local nonprofit leaders, philanthropists, and several legendary musicians took the stage and provided rich context for the work at hand, as well as fantastic entertainment. From the opening keynote, through the content packed days, the intriguing welcome reception at Mardi Gras World, and during the inspirational closing – the themes of equitable and inclusive grantmaking, rising to the challenges of our times, and meeting the moment with courage and conviction prevailed.
PEAK2025 was not only an opportunity to learn and connect, but the event itself was a profound call to action. Satonya Fair, JD, President and CEO of PEAK, gave a strong directive to each member of this community, regardless of role or title, to boldly spark forward movement, to be realistic, and unapologetic in our efforts to invest in justice, resilience and community-lead change. The time is now.
In the spirit of community and this year’s convening we say: Onward!
Why This Year Moved Me
New Orleans has a history of resilience through changing circumstances, a theme that was embraced at PEAK2025. If the COVID era taught us anything, it’s that adjusting to boldly meet the moment is both urgent and deeply personal. This moment in time — right now — asks us to lead with love, compassion, care, and humanity. Grantmaking isn’t just about dollars; it’s about people. It’s about building a sector that reflects the world we’re striving for — one where everyone has access, a voice, and agency.
The emotional weight and radical hope felt throughout PEAK2025 was undeniable. Our philanthropic community is deeply aware of the needs and inequities within our local, regional, and global communities. We recognize that we have the power and responsibility to act and to do so now.
PEAK2025 reaffirmed that the sector is collectively making a concerted effort to continue to make grantmaking equitable and inclusive despite the challenges. In fact, the turbulent times are serving as a catalyst to try to reduce the burden on grantees, and empower the organizations on the frontlines to continue to serve communities in need.
Exploring AI and Equity
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can feel intimidating and mysterious, even dystopian. But as we heard throughout PEAK2025, the reality is: AI is already here – and we are all using it.
When grounded in equity and implemented intentionally, AI can be a powerful partner in advancing our work. From streamlining mundane tasks to uncovering insights, AI isn’t about replacing people. It’s about augmenting our efforts – freeing up our time and talent to focus on deeper, more meaningful human connections.
AI can support:
- Equitable decision-making through data analysis
- Reducing bias in repetitive tasks
- Increasing transparency and accountability
- Identifying patterns that inform strategy and storytelling
But it all comes down to how we design and deploy these tools – and whether we’re doing so with justice and inclusion at the core.
The keynotes, guest speakers, session presenters, and conversations in the hall at PEAK2025 were phenomenal. Agile Cloud Consulting chose three sessions to highlight, and had them join us to share their reflections for their respective PEAK sessions. You can watch the recap here.
Three Session Highlights
1. Changemaking, Change Management, and Changing the Narrative
Speakers: Ursula Stewart, Industry Advisor Grantmaking, Salesforce, Maya Faulstich-Hon, ideas42 and Eva Matos, ideas42
Ursula reminded us that wanting change and wanting to change are not the same thing. Change can be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary — and it must be intentional. It is a constant in our lives. Drawing from behavioral science, Maya and Eva explored how insights from human behavior can help us build better systems, improve lives, and move from transactional processes to transformational change.
This session invited us to think about:
- How we support ourselves and our colleagues through change
- What stories we’re telling (and believing) about philanthropy
- How we redefine success and center impact over output
Ursula’s challenge to the room? Be willing to evolve. Be willing to lead. Be willing to change the narrative.
2. Let’s Talk About AI as Our Next Coworker
Speakers: Kristin Pazulski, the Louis Calder Foundation and Richelle Pittella, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
Kristin brought the conversation about AI down to earth in the best ways possible. She peeled back the curtain and helped demystify what AI is, how we’re already using it, and what’s coming next.
Her message? AI is not something to fear — it’s something to understand and shape. Some of her practical takeaways included:
- Tools to support grants management
- Practical applications to use AI for reporting, data analysis and writing
- Resources for upskilling and professional development
Kristin also offered clear steps for upskilling, while encouraging grantmakers to start small, stay curious, and remember: AI isn’t just a tech thing — it’s a human thing.
3. Maximizing Data as an Asset for Equity
Speakers: Carly Bad Heart Bull, Native Ways Federation, Brittney Frazier, Alleghany Franciscan Ministry and Ann Mei Chang, Candid
Carly grounded the data conversation in equity and sovereignty. She challenged us to ask: Who owns the data? Who benefits? Whose stories are being told — and who is missing from the narrative?
Her session reminded us that data is not neutral — it reflects the systems that create it. When approached thoughtfully, data can help funders:
- Track progress toward equity goals
- Understand community needs in context
- Shift power by amplifying marginalized voices
Carly’s words echoed long after the session ended: “Data is a tool for justice when we honor the people behind the numbers.”
Technology as a Bridge, Not a Barrier
A key theme throughout PEAK2025 was the role of technology. So often, we hear about the digital divide, system limitations, or legacy software that no longer serves its intended purpose. But this year, the conversation shifted — technology is not the enemy. In fact, it can be one of our greatest allies.
We were reminded that technology should not be a barrier, but rather a bridge. A bridge to equity. A bridge to efficiency. A bridge to connection and collaboration. It’s about how we utilize it — who is at the center, how we design it, and what we make possible through continuous innovation.
Technology in Action: Spotlight on Agentforce
One of the most exciting parts of PEAK2025 was seeing real-world tools built with equity in mind. Agentforce, a platform built to support smarter, more inclusive grantmaking, was one standout.
Relevant Use Cases:
- Grantmaking Agent: A digital assistant that helps with proposal evaluations, organizes application data, and flags potential biases for review — saving time while promoting transparency.
- Disbursement Scheduler: Automates fund distribution timelines with flexibility, ensuring grantees receive support in ways that align with their needs and capacities.
These innovations aren’t about replacing human judgment — they’re about giving us more space for it. By streamlining administrative burdens, we can reallocate energy toward strategy, relationship-building, and systems change.
Looking Ahead: A New Blueprint
PEAK 2025 made one thing clear: the past is context — but the future is ours to shape.
We cannot rely on old blueprints to build a new world. These times call for:
- Agility in how we work
- Boldness in where we invest
- Imagination in what we believe is possible
The systems we inherited are not the systems we have to pass on. Change won’t come all at once, but it starts here – in rooms like these, with people like us.
As we close this chapter and begin writing the next, let’s carry forward the wisdom, the courage, and the fire of this year’s convening. After all, we are the ones who can impact this change. Let’s lead with heart. Let’s move with purpose. Let’s do more than hope — let’s build the future together.
Are you ready to do more with AI at your foundation? Contact us today to discuss your needs.
