43^rd Annual

Nonprofit Organizations Institute

Austin Jan 22-23, 2026 Four Seasons Hotel $875 Individual | $975 after Jan 7 $790 Group rate per person (5 registrants minimum) | $880 after Jan 7 $700 Group rate per person (10 registrants minimum) | $780 after Jan 7

Overview

Don’t miss the 43rd Annual Nonprofit Organizations Institute, featuring nationally recognized experts from private foundations, public charities, law, finance, and government discussing the latest tax, legislative and governance issues affecting nonprofit organizations.

The Institute offers in-depth discussion on the issues most relevant to your organization or practice, with two days of presentations, targeted tracks, and opportunities to attend small-group "master classes" for a deeper dive on key topics.

Join a day early for the Nonprofit Organizations Essentials—the perfect half-day overview for new entrants and seasoned practitioners alike, with focused attention on core concerns and strategies for both private foundations and charitable organizations, as well as opportunities to ask questions of experts and colleagues.

Event Schedule

Program is subject to change.
All times are Central Time Zone.

Day 1 January 22, 2026
Day 2 January 23, 2026

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Thursday Morning, Jan. 22, 2026
Presiding Officer:
Tony Fundaro, Philanthropy Southwest - Dallas, TX
This agenda is still in development. Updates to topics and speakers will be posted as available.
7:30 am

Registration Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
8:20 am

Welcoming Remarks
8:30 am

1.00 hr

View of the Sector

This panel presents an overview of the latest in policy and regulation affecting the nonprofit sector, including Presidential actions, Congress, the IRS and DOJ, the Courts, and the States. As in years past, there is a lot happening—with changes to funding, executive orders and presidential memoranda, proposed regulations, Congressional and agency investigations, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and much more. This panel reviews what has happened in the last year and helps you stay abreast of current developments.

Meghan R. Biss, Loeb & Loeb LLP - Washington, DC
Alexander L. Reid, Baker & Hostetler LLP - Washington, DC

Meghan R. Biss, Loeb & Loeb LLP - Washington, DC
Alexander L. Reid, Baker & Hostetler LLP - Washington, DC
9:30 am

1.00 hr
0.50 hr ethics

Artificial Intelligence: Practical Steps to Take

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how nonprofits operate—but what should you actually do about it? This session explores practical steps for today, next quarter, and next year. Panelists demystify AI’s current uses and limitations, share examples of approaches and tools that work (and those that don’t), and discuss how nonprofits can harness AI responsibly to advance their missions while managing emerging risks.

Adam Crenshaw, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation - Seattle, WA
Zoe Hunton, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation - Palo Alto, CA
Michelle Moersfelder, Sequoia Climate Foundation - Irvine, CA

Adam Crenshaw, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation - Seattle, WA
Zoe Hunton, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation - Palo Alto, CA
Michelle Moersfelder, Sequoia Climate Foundation - Irvine, CA
10:30 am

20-Minute Break
CONCURRENT TRACKS
TRACK A: Disaster Relief + DAFs
Presiding Officer:
Mallory Driggers, Philanthropy Southwest - Dallas, TX
10:50 am

0.75 hr

Disaster Relief: The Ins and Outs of Both Domestic and Foreign Efforts

Danika H. Mendrygal, Mendrygal Law, PLLC - Dallas, TX

Danika H. Mendrygal, Mendrygal Law, PLLC - Dallas, TX
11:35 am

5-Minute Break
11:40 am

0.75 hr

DAFs, Fiscal Sponsors, Supporting Organizations and Other Charitable Giving Intermediaries

This panel discussion explores popular vehicles that facilitate indirect giving between donors and end-recipient charities or charitable causes. Through interactive case studies, the panel provides legal and practical guidance about the structure, pros and cons of each vehicle to help donors and their advisors choose the vehicle that is best for them.

Darren B. Moore, Bourland, Wall & Wenzel, P.C. - Fort Worth, TX
Corey Ziegler, Greater Kansas City Community Foundation - Kansas City, MO

Darren B. Moore, Bourland, Wall & Wenzel, P.C. - Fort Worth, TX
Corey Ziegler, Greater Kansas City Community Foundation - Kansas City, MO
12:25 pm

Pick Up Lunch (30-Minutes)

Included in registration.
TRACK B: Contracts and Grants
Presiding Officer:
Tony Fundaro, Philanthropy Southwest - Dallas, TX
10:50 am

0.75 hr

Grants, Gifts, and Services Agreements: When and Why the Differences Matter

When is funding a gift, when is it a grant, and when is it really a contract for services? This session walks through how to spot the differences, why they matter, and what can go wrong when they’re blurred.

Effie Babb, Hillspire, LLC - Menlo Park, CA
Anne Sherman, The Rockefeller Foundation - New York, NY

Effie Babb, Hillspire, LLC - Menlo Park, CA
Anne Sherman, The Rockefeller Foundation - New York, NY
11:35 am

5-Minute Break
11:40 am

0.75 hr

Prizes, Grants, and Glory: Navigating the Perils of Individual Awards and Prizes

Explore the legal and tax compliance issues faced by private foundations and public charities when awarding individual grants and prizes. Gain practical guidance on navigating the IRS approval process, as well as establishing and implementing eligibility criteria, award processes, recordkeeping and more.

Jorge Lopez, Builders Vision - Chicago, IL
Bridget M. Weiss, Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP - Washington, DC

Jorge Lopez, Builders Vision - Chicago, IL
Bridget M. Weiss, Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP - Washington, DC
12:25 pm

Pick Up Lunch (30-Minutes)

Included in registration.
MASTER CLASS A: Cases That Matter Through a Loper v. Bright Lens (limited capacity)
10:50 am

1.50 hrs

MASTER CLASS: Regulations, Rulings, and Deference: EO Practice in a Post-Loper Bright World

Examine the Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright and its potential impact on federal tax rulemaking and litigation involving exempt organizations. Discuss what the post-Chevron landscape means for statutory interpretation and challenging IRS positions in EO matters.

Alexandra O. Mitchell, RSM US LLP - Seattle, WA
Randall Thomas, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP - Washington, DC

Alexandra O. Mitchell, RSM US LLP - Seattle, WA
Randall Thomas, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP - Washington, DC
12:25 pm

Pick Up Lunch (30-Minutes)

Included in registration.
MASTER CLASS B: Navigating the IRS (limited capacity)
10:50 am

1.50 hrs

MASTER CLASS: When the Ship Hits the Fan: Navigating a Sinking Client

This session explores complexities in advising a section 501(c)(3) public charity whose for-profit parent used the charity’s funds under the guise that this arrangement was not a loan! Our experience in addressing the resulting federal tax implications, conflicts of interest and the Board's fiduciary role illustrates the huge diversity of needs triggered by excess benefit transactions.

Eve Borenstein, Eve Rose Borenstein, LLC & Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg - Washington, DC
Stephanie Robbins, Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg - Washington, DC

Eve Borenstein, Eve Rose Borenstein, LLC & Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg - Washington, DC
Stephanie Robbins, Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg - Washington, DC
12:25 pm

Pick Up Lunch (30-Minutes)

Included in registration.
Thursday Afternoon, Jan. 22, 2026
Presiding Officer:
Megan E. Bell, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP - New York, NY
LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
12:55 pm

0.75 hr

GC Roundtable: The Many Parts of the Job

Everything you wanted to know (but were afraid to ask) about being the general counsel of a large foundation, with a focus on the current context and operating environment.

Moderator:
Christie Yang, Walton Family Foundation - Washington, DC
Panelists:
Nishka Chandrasoma, Ford Foundation - New York, NY
Erica L. Guyer, The Rockefeller Foundation - New York, NY
Kristy Bernard Tsadick, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation - Menlo Park, CA

Moderator:
Christie Yang, Walton Family Foundation - Washington, DC
Panelists:
Nishka Chandrasoma, Ford Foundation - New York, NY
Erica L. Guyer, The Rockefeller Foundation - New York, NY
Kristy Bernard Tsadick, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation - Menlo Park, CA
1:40 pm

15-Minute Break
1:55 pm

1.00 hr

AG Roundtable: Enforcement in an Age of Transition

State regulators are playing an increasingly prominent role in enforcement and standard setting across the charitable sector. This roundtable discussion focuses on state priorities and approaches to enforcement and compliance, with practical guidance for organizations and their advisors and perspectives from different jurisdictions.

Moderator:
Cindy M. Lott, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy - Indianapolis, IN
Panelists:
Leslie J. Friedlander, Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General - Oklahoma City, OK
Beth Short, Ohio Attorney General's Office - Columbus, OH

Moderator:
Cindy M. Lott, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy - Indianapolis, IN
Panelists:
Leslie J. Friedlander, Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General - Oklahoma City, OK
Beth Short, Ohio Attorney General's Office - Columbus, OH
2:55 pm

20-Minute Break
CONCURRENT TRACKS
TRACK C: Fiduciary Duties and Risk Management
Presiding Officer:
Megan E. Bell, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP - New York, NY
3:15 pm

0.75 hr

Fiduciary Duties: Longstanding Tools in an Ever-Evolving Landscape

The ever-evolving environment for non-profit organizations is prompting strategic conversations and requiring boards to focus on their fiduciary responsibilities. This presentation explores fiduciary duties as a tool for boards to navigate these challenging times.

Jonathan S. Blum, Holland & Knight LLP - Dallas, TX
Jennifer L. Franklin, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP - New York, NY

Jonathan S. Blum, Holland & Knight LLP - Dallas, TX
Jennifer L. Franklin, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP - New York, NY
4:00 pm

5-Minute Break
4:05 pm

0.75 hr

Tools for Risk Management

Effective risk management is essential to ensure that a nonprofit complies with the law, safeguards charitable assets and maintains a positive public perception. This presentation explores the key tools that nonprofits can use to identify, assess and mitigate risks related to legal compliance, financial controls and reputation management.

Kay Walther, Blazek & Vetterling - Houston, TX
Maura L. Whelan, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP - New York, NY

Kay Walther, Blazek & Vetterling - Houston, TX
Maura L. Whelan, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP - New York, NY
4:50 pm

10-Minute Break
TRACK D: Fundraising and Managing Gifts
Presiding Officer:
Jeffrey E. Sher, Fizer Beck - Houston, TX
3:15 pm

0.75 hr

Fundraising Fundamentals: How to Enhance Donor Relationships While Staying Compliant

Discuss the importance of gift acceptance/naming rights policies, legal and operational factors to consider when hiring external fundraisers, and the lifecycle of donor engagement.

Jamie S. Cantara, The Univerity of Texas at Austin - Austin, TX
Nicola Fuentes Toubia, Fuentes Toubia, PLLC - Houston, TX

Jamie S. Cantara, The Univerity of Texas at Austin - Austin, TX
Nicola Fuentes Toubia, Fuentes Toubia, PLLC - Houston, TX
4:00 pm

5-Minute Break
4:05 pm

0.75 hr

Managing Gifts: Policies, Procedures, and Practical Tips

Charitable gifts are the lifeblood of nonprofits, but receiving and managing donations can present ongoing compliance challenges. Discuss key policies relating to the acceptance and use of donations, as well as traps for the unwary.

Kevin E. Roe, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP - New York, NY
Justin Zaremby, Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP - New York, NY

Kevin E. Roe, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP - New York, NY
Justin Zaremby, Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP - New York, NY
4:50 pm

10-Minute Break
MASTER CLASS C: IRS Guidance (limited capacity)
3:15 pm

1.50 hrs

MASTER CLASS: IRS Guidance: What It Is, What It Does, and What's It Worth?

Rachel Leiser Levy, Deloitte Tax LLP - Washington, DC
Chelsea R. Rubin, Internal Revenue Service - Washington, DC

Rachel Leiser Levy, Deloitte Tax LLP - Washington, DC
Chelsea R. Rubin, Internal Revenue Service - Washington, DC
4:50 pm

10-Minute Break
MASTER CLASS D: Intermediaries (limited capacity)
3:15 pm

1.50 hrs

MASTER CLASS: Intermediaries: Options, Pros, and Cons

Intermediaries, used properly, can be powerful tools to enable foundations, charities, and donors to achieve their goals, enhance their effectiveness, and be more efficient. These, and other advantages, have led to increased interest and use of intermediaries. Whether you are new to working with intermediaries, have been at it for years, or even if you are an intermediary, this session examines different types of intermediaries and how people commonly work with them. Also, discuss the advantages and trade-offs inherent in the models, risks that can arise, and how to maximize benefits and reduce challenges.

Dahlia B. Doumar, Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP - New York, NY
Andrew C. Schulz, Adler & Colvin - Washington, DC

Dahlia B. Doumar, Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP - New York, NY
Andrew C. Schulz, Adler & Colvin - Washington, DC
4:50 pm

10-Minute Break
5:00 pm

1.00 hr ethics

Privilege Considerations and Ethics Issues in Preparedness and Enforcement Matters

Best practices for preserving the privilege of an internal investigation in the context of an enforcement action, and practical tips to ensure enforcement readiness.

Mary T. Henderson, Butler Snow LLP - Austin, TX
Amy E. Schuh, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP - Philadelphia, PA

Mary T. Henderson, Butler Snow LLP - Austin, TX
Amy E. Schuh, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP - Philadelphia, PA
6:00 pm

Adjourn to Networking Reception (6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.)

Join us for a networking opportunity with faculty and colleagues.

Thank You to Our Sponsor

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Friday Morning, Jan. 23, 2026
Presiding Officer:
Joyce Hellums, Ernst & Young LLP - Austin, TX
7:30 am

Conference Room Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
8:30 am

1.00 hr

Texas Legislative Update and Political Deep Dive

With Texas's 89th Regular Session and multiple special sessions come and gone, and with primary elections on the horizon, this session covers what happened and where things are going in the world of state policy and politics to help non-profit leaders understand what to expect and how to navigate the new Texas Legislature. Join Luis Soberon, a former staffer and attorney at a non-profit, as he's joined by two veteran Texas political reporters, James Barragán and Brad Johnson, to get an insider's perspective on the forces shaping the Texas capitol.

James Barragán, Spectrum News - Austin, TX
Brad Johnson, The Texan News - Austin, TX
Luis Soberon, Texas 2036 - Austin, TX

James Barragán, Spectrum News - Austin, TX
Brad Johnson, The Texan News - Austin, TX
Luis Soberon, Texas 2036 - Austin, TX
9:30 am

1.00 hr

Demystifying Charity Regulation: Where Did It Come From? How Did We Get Here?

Practitioners deal daily with many state and federal laws governing charity operations – but where do they come from? Where do they intersect? How have they changed over time? This presentation takes a bird’s-eye view of the laws regulating charities and highlights major developments over the past 50 years

Sasha Abrams, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation - Palo Alto, CA
Ruth M. Madrigal, KPMG LLP - Washington, DC

Sasha Abrams, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation - Palo Alto, CA
Ruth M. Madrigal, KPMG LLP - Washington, DC
10:30 am

20-Minute Break
CONCURRENT TRACKS
TRACK E: Case Studies (Gov't Investigations + IRS Audits)
Presiding Officer:
Joyce Hellums, Ernst & Young LLP - Austin, TX
10:50 am

0.75 hr

Case Study: Governmental Inquiries and Investigations

Lauren N. Moore, Wilmer Hale - Washington, DC

Lauren N. Moore, Wilmer Hale - Washington, DC
11:35 am

5-Minute Break
11:40 am

0.75 hr

Case Study: IRS Audits

Although IRS audits follow a relatively standard process and procedure, there are some unique elements when they involve different issues such as private benefit, private inurement, UBIT, or the examination of specific nonprofit industries such as hospitals. This panel looks at how to navigate audits through various case studies.

Steve Clarke, Ernst & Young LLP - Washington, DC
Elinor Ramey, Lowenstein Sandler LLP - Washington, DC

Steve Clarke, Ernst & Young LLP - Washington, DC
Elinor Ramey, Lowenstein Sandler LLP - Washington, DC
12:25 pm

Pick Up Lunch (30-Minutes)

Included in registration.
TRACK F: Case Studies (Whistleblowers + Social Media)
Presiding Officer:
Paul Cox, Morgan Stanley Graystone Consulting - Dallas, TX
10:50 am

0.75 hr

Case Study: Whistleblower Complaints

Katherine Karl, Caplin & Drysdale, Chartered - Washington, DC
Vanessa Salinas Beckstrom, PwC - Dallas, TX

Katherine Karl, Caplin & Drysdale, Chartered - Washington, DC
Vanessa Salinas Beckstrom, PwC - Dallas, TX
11:35 am

5-Minute Break
11:40 am

0.75 hr

Case Study: Navigating the Legal Landscape of Social Media for Nonprofits

This session explores the legal risks, compliance obligations, and best practices nonprofits must consider when engaging on social media platforms.

Emily Fan, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation - Los Altos, CA
Sara L. Hall, ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Memphis, TN
Natalie Malone, ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Memphis, TN

Emily Fan, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation - Los Altos, CA
Sara L. Hall, ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Memphis, TN
Natalie Malone, ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Memphis, TN
12:25 pm

Pick Up Lunch (30-Minutes)

Included in registration.
MASTER CLASS E: Advocacy Issues (limited capacity)
10:50 am

1.50 hrs

MASTER CLASS: Advocacy Unlocked: A Masterclass for Mission-Driven Change

Advocacy is one of the most powerful tools nonprofits have to drive lasting change, but for many organizations it can be daunting to navigate. In this interactive session, participants learn how to harness lobbying and other types of advocacy initiatives in support of their organization's mission, while remaining in compliance with the local, state, and federal rules that apply to these activities.

Natalie Roetzel Ossenfort, Alliance for Justice - Dallas, TX
Irina Petrova, Natural Resources Defense Council - New York, NY

Natalie Roetzel Ossenfort, Alliance for Justice - Dallas, TX
Irina Petrova, Natural Resources Defense Council - New York, NY
12:25 pm

Pick Up Lunch (30-Minutes)

Included in registration.
MASTER CLASS F: Multi-Organizational Structures (limited capacity)
10:50 am

1.50 hrs

MASTER CLASS: Multiple-Entity (C3-C4-527) Organizations: Considerations for Funders

After briefly reviewing what MEOs are and how they are supposed to operate, this class focuses on the tax and other legal issues - and some non-legal concerns - for funders who are considering supporting an MEO. Topics include grantmaking options for different types of funders, reporting implications, diligence requirements, practical concerns, and disclosure exposure, with time for audience questions.

Joel Beck-Coon, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative - Palo Alto, CA
Rosemary E. Fei, Adler & Colvin - San Francisco, CA

Joel Beck-Coon, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative - Palo Alto, CA
Rosemary E. Fei, Adler & Colvin - San Francisco, CA
12:25 pm

Pick Up Lunch (30-Minutes)

Included in registration.
Friday Afternoon, Jan. 23, 2026
Presiding Officer:
Kay Walther, Blazek & Vetterling - Houston, TX
LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
12:55 pm

0.75 hr

Ensuring Operational and Mission Continuity

Navigating through disruption with an eye towards mission continuity.

Stephen Ives, YMCA of Greater Houston - Houston, TX

Stephen Ives, YMCA of Greater Houston - Houston, TX
1:40 pm

20-Minute Break
CONCURRENT TRACKS
TRACK G: Tools for Impact + Commercial Activities
Presiding Officer:
Kay Walther, Blazek & Vetterling - Houston, TX
2:00 pm

0.75 hr

The 100% Impact Mandate: The Journey to Mission-Aligned Capital

Learn from in-house counsel how their organizations are approaching the legal, governance and cultural complexities of meeting the "all in for impact" mandate. With each organization at a different point in their journey, this session has the perspective of how both a conversion foundation and a foundation within a larger family office platform explore the critical role of the board of directors in establishing this mandate, the helpful tools for deploying investment capital across the spectrum (from negative screens to impact-first PRIs), and strategies for supporting leadership and staff to successfully integrate impact into capital deployment decisions and impact measurement.

Lynell D. Davis, The California Endowment - Los Angeles, CA
Lisa Montez, Builders Vision - Chicago, IL

Lynell D. Davis, The California Endowment - Los Angeles, CA
Lisa Montez, Builders Vision - Chicago, IL
2:45 pm

5-Minute Break
2:50 pm

0.75 hr

Commercial Activities: Structure Options and Associated Tax Considerations

Nonprofits increasingly engage in commercial activities to support their missions—but how should these ventures be structured? This session covers practical options for organizing commercial operations, from entity selection to managing unrelated business income, along with key tax considerations that drive compliance and long-term success.

Edward T. Chaney, Schell Bray PLLC - Chapel Hill, NC
John Crawford, Ernst & Young LLP - Chicago, IL

Edward T. Chaney, Schell Bray PLLC - Chapel Hill, NC
John Crawford, Ernst & Young LLP - Chicago, IL
3:35 pm

Adjourn
TRACK H: Charitability + Public Policy
2:00 pm

0.75 hr

Charitability: Bedrock and Beyond

Charitable organizations are built on enduring, well-established principles, yet those principles are continually tested by new and evolving challenges. Examine the bedrock legal foundations that define charitability and illustrate how these core concepts continue to shape philanthropic practice through relevant, real-world examples.

Vanessa (Goodwin) Thames, Heising-Simons Foundation - Houston, TX
Morey O. Ward, Gates Foundation - Washington, DC

Vanessa (Goodwin) Thames, Heising-Simons Foundation - Houston, TX
Morey O. Ward, Gates Foundation - Washington, DC
2:45 pm

5-Minute Break
2:50 pm

0.75 hr

Fundamental Public Policy and Illegality Doctrine

Caroline Waldner, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP - Washington, DC

Caroline Waldner, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP - Washington, DC
3:35 pm

Adjourn
MASTER CLASS G: International Grantmaking (limited capacity)
2:00 pm

1.50 hrs

MASTER CLASS: International Grantmaking

Thomas C. Schroeder, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP - Seattle, WA

Thomas C. Schroeder, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP - Seattle, WA
3:35 pm

Adjourn
MASTER CLASS H: Investment Policy and UPMIFA (limited capacity)
2:00 pm

1.50 hrs

MASTER CLASS: UPMIFA, Prudent Investing, and the Investment Policy

This masterclass takes a deep dive into UPMIFA’s prudent investor standard, considerations for ensuring your investment policy advances your mission while satisfying UPMIFA’s standards, timely questions arising from the current environment, and practical applications to investment practices.

John N. Bennett, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP - New York, NY
Brittany Cvetanovich, Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Cambridge, MA

John N. Bennett, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP - New York, NY
Brittany Cvetanovich, Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Cambridge, MA
3:35 pm

Adjourn

Day 1 January 22, 2026
Day 2 January 23, 2026

Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

Sasha Abrams

Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
Palo Alto, CA

Effie Babb

Hillspire, LLC
Menlo Park, CA

James Barragán

Spectrum News
Austin, TX

Joel Beck-Coon

Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
Palo Alto, CA

Vanessa Salinas Beckstrom

PwC
Dallas, TX

John N. Bennett

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
New York, NY

Meghan R. Biss

Loeb & Loeb LLP
Washington, DC

Jonathan S. Blum

Holland & Knight LLP
Dallas, TX

Eve Borenstein

Eve Rose Borenstein, LLC & Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg
Washington, DC

Jamie S. Cantara

The Univerity of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX

Nishka Chandrasoma

Ford Foundation
New York, NY

Edward T. Chaney

Schell Bray PLLC
Chapel Hill, NC

Steve Clarke

Ernst & Young LLP
Washington, DC

John Crawford

Ernst & Young LLP
Chicago, IL

Adam Crenshaw

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Seattle, WA

Brittany Cvetanovich

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA

Lynell D. Davis

The California Endowment
Los Angeles, CA

Dahlia B. Doumar

Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP
New York, NY

Emily Fan

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
Los Altos, CA

Rosemary E. Fei

Adler & Colvin
San Francisco, CA

Jennifer L. Franklin

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
New York, NY

Leslie J. Friedlander

Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General
Oklahoma City, OK

Erica L. Guyer

The Rockefeller Foundation
New York, NY

Sara L. Hall

ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, TN

Mary T. Henderson

Butler Snow LLP
Austin, TX

Zoe Hunton

Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
Palo Alto, CA

Stephen Ives

YMCA of Greater Houston
Houston, TX

Brad Johnson

The Texan News
Austin, TX

Katherine Karl

Caplin & Drysdale, Chartered
Washington, DC

Rachel Leiser Levy

Deloitte Tax LLP
Washington, DC

Jorge Lopez

Builders Vision
Chicago, IL

Cindy M. Lott

Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
Indianapolis, IN

Ruth M. Madrigal

KPMG LLP
Washington, DC

Natalie Malone

ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, TN

Danika H. Mendrygal

Mendrygal Law, PLLC
Dallas, TX

Alexandra O. Mitchell

RSM US LLP
Seattle, WA

Michelle Moersfelder

Sequoia Climate Foundation
Irvine, CA

Lisa Montez

Builders Vision
Chicago, IL

Darren B. Moore

Bourland, Wall & Wenzel, P.C.
Fort Worth, TX

Lauren N. Moore

Wilmer Hale
Washington, DC

Natalie Roetzel Ossenfort

Alliance for Justice
Dallas, TX

Irina Petrova

Natural Resources Defense Council
New York, NY

Elinor Ramey

Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Washington, DC

Alexander L. Reid

Baker & Hostetler LLP
Washington, DC

Stephanie Robbins

Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg
Washington, DC

Kevin E. Roe

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
New York, NY

Chelsea R. Rubin

Internal Revenue Service
Washington, DC

Thomas C. Schroeder

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Seattle, WA

Amy E. Schuh

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Philadelphia, PA

Andrew C. Schulz

Adler & Colvin
Washington, DC

Anne Sherman

The Rockefeller Foundation
New York, NY

Beth Short

Ohio Attorney General's Office
Columbus, OH

Luis Soberon

Texas 2036
Austin, TX

Vanessa (Goodwin) Thames

Heising-Simons Foundation
Houston, TX

Randall Thomas

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Washington, DC

Nicola Fuentes Toubia

Fuentes Toubia, PLLC
Houston, TX

Kristy Bernard Tsadick

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
Menlo Park, CA

Caroline Waldner

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Washington, DC

Kay Walther

Blazek & Vetterling
Houston, TX

Morey O. Ward

Gates Foundation
Washington, DC

Bridget M. Weiss

Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP
Washington, DC

Maura L. Whelan

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
New York, NY

Christie Yang

Walton Family Foundation
Washington, DC

Justin Zaremby

Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP
New York, NY

Corey Ziegler

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation
Kansas City, MO

Planning Committee

Megan E. Bell—Co-Chair

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
New York, NY

Joyce Hellums—Co-Chair

Ernst & Young LLP
Austin, TX

Tomer Inbar—Co-Chair

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
New York, NY

Joanna Jefferson—Director

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Jonathan S. Blum

Holland & Knight LLP
Dallas, TX

Lucille DiDomenico

DiDomenico Group
Dallas, TX

Mallory Driggers

Philanthropy Southwest
Dallas, TX

Neely D. Duncan

Forvis Mazars, LLP
Dallas, TX

Andrea L. March

Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid
Austin, TX

Danika H. Mendrygal

Mendrygal Law, PLLC
Dallas, TX

Darren B. Moore

Bourland, Wall & Wenzel, P.C.
Fort Worth, TX

Norman E. Nabhan

Graystone Consulting
Houston, TX

Jeffrey E. Sher

Fizer Beck
Houston, TX

Nicola Fuentes Toubia

Fuentes Toubia, PLLC
Houston, TX

Kay Walther

Blazek & Vetterling
Houston, TX

Maura L. Whelan

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
New York, NY

Credit Info

Austin

MCLE Credit

Texas – 13.50 hrs | 1.50 hrs Ethics
Legal Specialization(s): Expected for Estate Planning and Probate Law, Expected for Tax Law

You may claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the State Bar of Texas. A Certificate of Attendance will be provided in Your Briefcase for your records. The system reports Texas CLE credit every Tuesday. If you are claiming credit in the last week of your birth month, self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com, using the course number provided on your certificate of attendance.

California – 13.50 hrs | 1.50 hrs Ethics

You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE is required to provide the State Bar with electronic attendance records for any MCLE participatory activity within 60 days of completion of the activity. The California licensee is responsible for reporting their compliance/credit hours earned to the State Bar at the end of their reporting period directly to the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

New York – Available Via Reciprocity – 16.00 hrs | 1.50 hrs Ethics

As The University of Texas School of Law is a Oklahoma Bar Association presumptively approved MCLE provider (#169), and Oklahoma is a New York Approved Jurisdiction on List A, our courses are approved for MCLE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour, and in accordance with the Program Rules and the Regulations and Guidelines of the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board. More information and details can be found at Section 6 of the Regulations and Guidelines (PDF).

You must claim and certify your credit online in your UTCLE "Briefcase", and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. Self-report your CLE credit directly to the New York State Bar Association. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

Oklahoma – 16.00 hrs | 2.00 hrs Ethics

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, then you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Oklahoma Bar Association within 30 days after the conference.

Pennsylvania – 13.50 hrs | 1.50 hrs Ethics

UT Law CLE is an approved provider of Pennsylvania credit, sponsor #236. You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. Attorney attendance will be reported to Pennsylvania within 2 weeks after credit is claimed and submit. Attorneys are not able to report this credit on their own, and UT Law CLE pays all associated fees for the credit hours. Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

Other States – 13.50 hrs | 1.50 hrs Ethics

Note on Self-Reporting Your Credits in Another State

If you wish to satisfy MCLE or other professional education requirements in another state for a program offered by the University of Texas School of Law, please check with the state bar or other licensing authority in that state to ensure it will qualify for self-reporting your credits.

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records and to provided to other licensing authorities as needed.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Other Credit

National Accounting CPE – 16.20 hrs

The University of Texas School of Law is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

Delivery Method: Group-Live (UT Law CLE is a provider of NASBA Group-Live credit only, which excludes online offerings.

To comply with NASBA Standards, attendees claiming CPE credit must sign in to verify attendance for each segment. Attendance sign-in sheets will be available at the registration desk. You will need your CPA license number to sign in. A CPE Certificate of Completion will be provided at the conclusion of the conference.

Reporting: CPAs are responsible for reporting CPE credits earned to their state's accountancy board, and must retain appropriate documentation of their participation in learning activities. Visit your state’s reporting website for more information or www.nasba.org.

TX Accounting CPE – 16.20 hrs

The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #250) live conferences are presumptively approved by The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for Texas Accounting CPE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Approved for general CPE credit only.

At the conference, you are welcome to sign in on the Accounting CPE Record of Attendance form at the registration desk, but we are now reporting all credit online. You will receive a Texas Accounting Certificate of Completion in Your Briefcase. Self-report your CPE credit directly to TSBPA. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

Key Dates

Austin – Jan 22-23, 2026 – Four Seasons Hotel

Austin

Individual
Last day for $775.00 Early Bird pricing: Oct 3, 2025
Last day for $875.00 Regular pricing: Jan 7, 2026
$975.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (5 registrants minimum)
Last day for $700.00 Early Bird pricing: Oct 3, 2025
Last day for $790.00 Regular pricing: Jan 7, 2026
$880.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (10 registrants minimum)
Last day for $620.00 Early Bird pricing: Oct 3, 2025
Last day for $700.00 Regular pricing: Jan 7, 2026
$780.00 for registrations received after this time

Cancellation Policy
Last day for full refund cancellation: Jan 14, 2026
$50 processing fee applied after this date
Last day for cancellation: Jan 16, 2026

Venue

Four Seasons Hotel

98 San Jacinto Boulevard
Austin, TX 78701-4082
512-478-4500 (reservations)
Map

Accommodations

The Four Seasons Hotel room block has been exhausted.

Please see list below for nearby hotels.

Austin Marriott Downtown
The LINE Austin
JW Marriott Austin
Fairmont Austin
Hampton Inn & Suites Austin-Downtown/Convention Center
Hyatt Place Downtown

Parking Information

Daily self-parking: $22
Daily valet parking: $25
Overnight valet parking: $60

Additional Information

The conference will take place in the Four Seasons Ballroom located on the lake level of the hotel.

Our Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors! Click each logo below to learn more.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
www.morganlewis.com/services/tax-exempt-organizations

Since its founding in 1873, Morgan Lewis has represented philanthropists and the nonprofit organizations they create through every major development in the tax law. Our tax-exempt organizations team represents institutions of all kinds—corporate, family and institutional foundations, colleges and universities, hospitals, trade associations, religious organizations, governmental entities, cultural organizations, advocacy groups, and many others—in achieving their objectives.
Frost Wealth Advisors

Frost Wealth Advisors
www.frostbank.com/pages/personal-investments.aspx

Frost is the banking, investments and insurance subsidiary of Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (NYSE: CFR). One of the 50 largest U.S. banks by asset size, Frost provides a full range of banking, investments and insurance services to businesses and individuals in the Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Permian Basin, Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio regions. Founded in 1868, Frost has helped Texans with their financial needs during three centuries.

Frost has a team of professionals who work together towards a common goal: to help you achieve financial security. Today the Frost Wealth Advisors are responsible for more than more than $64 billion in assets at September 30, 2024. of individuals, families, businesses and non-profit institutions. You can count on us for investment management, trust administration, estate and financial planning, real estate, oil and gas management, retirement plan management, tax planning and wealth management. Frost has built a legacy of involvement with the communities it serves, especially with the organizations that provide for the betterment of the community. In fact, we have a dedicated group of specialists in our Public Finance Division who understand the specialized financing, treasury, investment and insurance needs of Texas governmental and non-profit institutions including educational, religious and healthcare organizations.
Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP

Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP
www.pbwt.com/

Patterson Belknap is one of a handful of law firms in the United States with the practice dedicated to tax-exempt organizations. Based in New York City, the Firm’s practice has both a national and global reach. Patterson Belknap represents nonprofit clients in all aspects of their operations, governance, tax, financial and other legal needs. Lawyers in every practice area of the firm have substantial experience advising exempt organizations, including with respect IP, privacy and data security, real estate, major giving, litigation, and ERISA.

Patterson Belknap’s tax-exempt organizations practice is recognized by industry publications such as The Legal 500. The Firm’s varied clients include museums, fine arts and performing arts organizations, public-private partnerships in global health, colleges and universities, social welfare organizations, advocacy groups, environmental organizations, trade associations, and private foundations, including institutional grantmakers, family foundations and corporate foundations.
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
www.stblaw.com/

Simpson Thacher’s Exempt Organizations attorneys are experienced advisors to clients across the tax exempt and philanthropic sectors. With deep knowledge of complex issues faced by tax exempt organizations, their boards and their donors, our team of dedicated professionals acts as a trusted partner to clients navigating an evolving legal, tax and regulatory environment.
Arnold & Porter

Arnold & Porter
www.arnoldporter.com/en

At Arnold & Porter, we are client-driven and industry-focused. With over 1,000 lawyers across 15 offices worldwide, we provide sophisticated regulatory, litigation, and transactional capabilities across multiple industries to nearly half of the Fortune 100, as well as many other clients.

Our Tax-Exempt Organizations team employs a comprehensive knowledge of market practices to develop innovative structures and vehicles that help clients maximize their charitable, policy, and social impact. Clients turn to us on issues involving collaborations and consortiums, complex multiparty transactions, corporate and venture philanthropy, governance, impact investing, intellectual property licensing, internal investigations, international affiliations, major gifts, and regulatory compliance, among many others. Leveraging our firm’s full breadth of experience, we provide sector-based insights and advice tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Adler & Colvin

Adler & Colvin
www.adlercolvin.com

Adler & Colvin is a firm of twenty-five lawyers devoted exclusively to advising nonprofit organizations and their donors, as well as those who work with them. We focus primarily on federal tax law and state corporate governance issues that arise for our clients. Our firm represents some of the most recognized and respected nonprofits and philanthropic organizations in the country. Our clients include large private foundations and small grassroots organizations, community foundations, operating charities, donor advised fund sponsors, and non-charitable tax-exempt organizations as well. As we are exclusively dedicated to serving the nonprofit sector, we have developed a breadth and depth of practice that includes areas such as charitable gift planning, complex corporate governance, social entrepreneurship, international charitable operations, mission-related and program-related investing, and nonprofit political and legislative lobbying activity. We have been serving the nonprofit sector since 1981.
Blazek & Vetterling

Blazek & Vetterling
www.bvcpa.com

Blazek & Vetterling brings together a collective specialization in nonprofit organizations that we believe is unique. With approximately 80 people working with over 700 tax-exempt organizations, we believe that we bring more focused experience to our nonprofit, governmental, and employee benefit plan clients than any other firm. We are a nationally recognized leader in the nonprofit arena, offering audit, tax, and consulting services to a wide range of organizations. In addition to providing professional accounting services to nonprofit organizations, we teach locally and nationally, write, and serve on boards of directors. Our philosophy of service is to understand the unique issues that nonprofit organizations face and to approach them in a professional, business-oriented manner.
Bourland, Wall & Wenzel, P.C.

Bourland, Wall & Wenzel, P.C.
www.bwwlaw.com

Bourland, Wall & Wenzel, P.C. (“BWW”) has been providing high-quality legal services since its founding more than 40 years ago. Throughout that time period, representation of nonprofit organizations, including trade and professional associations, has been a key component of the firm’s practice. BWW is located in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. This location has allowed our firm to work on sophisticated legal projects in a “large city” environment while also giving us the unique ability to represent and work closely with entrepreneurs—both on their for-profit projects as well as in their nonprofit endeavors.

BWW has 29 lawyers spread over a number of different practice areas. We consider ourselves a full-service firm, with limited exceptions where we partner with others. As part of our practice areas, we have lawyers skilled in business planning (including general contract law and leasing and rental issues), tax planning, employment law, intellectual property law, litigation, and the law of tax-exempt organizations. While located in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, we have major clients all over the State of Texas and Southwestern United States (as well as clients that go beyond those primary boundaries). Our clients’ businesses, however, have a much greater reach, as they operate nationally and internationally, resulting in us working on projects well beyond the State of Texas. From the standpoint of exempt organizations, we represent very small local organizations, from booster clubs to library associations, to state-wide and regional charitable organizations, to national organizations and organizations that work internationally.
Ernst & Young LLP

Ernst & Young LLP
www.ey.com

Your business will only succeed if you build it on a strong foundation and grow it in a sustainable way. At EY, we believe that managing your tax obligations responsibly and proactively can make a critical difference. Our global teams of talented people bring you technical knowledge, business experience and consistency, all built on our unwavering commitment to quality service—wherever you are and whatever tax services you need.

We create highly networked teams that can advise on planning, compliance and reporting and help you maintain constructive tax authority relationships—wherever you operate. Our technical networks across the globe can work with you to reduce inefficiencies, mitigate risk and improve opportunity. Our 50,000 tax professionals, in more than 150 countries, are committed to giving you the quality, consistency and customization you need to support your tax function.
Fizer, Beck, Webster, Bentley, & Scroggins, PC

Fizer, Beck, Webster, Bentley, & Scroggins, PC
www.fizerbeck.com

FizerBeck has a highly-regarded and extensive nonprofit and tax exempt organizations practice, in which we assist clients in creating private foundations and public charities, render tax advice on the operation of tax exempt organizations and plan all forms of present and deferred charitable gifts. In this area, we are frequently called upon to obtain private letter rulings from the IRS, and represent tax exempt organizations before the IRS. In this practice area, we advise directors and trustees as to their rights, powers and duties, and in general, work with nonprofit and tax exempt organizations in all phases of their operations and administrative compliance. Clients range from individuals seeking to establish their own charitable organization to established national charities seeking fundraising, fiduciary and/or other legal advice.
Holland & Knight LLP

Holland & Knight LLP
www.hklaw.com

Holland & Knight has a deeply engrained culture of collaboration, client service, efficiency and diversity, as well as integration across multiple practice groups and industries. Few other law firms have our combination of experience, knowledge and capabilities with nonprofit organizations.

As active industry contributors and thought leaders, our Nonprofit and Tax-Exempt practice takes pride in keeping our clients abreast of significant legal and industry developments impacting nonprofits, often before they happen. We are committed to learning about our nonprofit clients' operations, objectives and challenges. This combined focus on both the big picture and client specifics helps us provide tailored guidance to enhance our clients' decision-making to achieve desired outcomes and results. With H&K as a strategic partner, nonprofits are able to focus on what they do best, furthering their mission.
Morgan Stanley Graystone Consulting

Morgan Stanley Graystone Consulting
www.morganstanley.com/graystone

An independent business unit of Morgan Stanley, Graystone Consulting has more than 40 years of experience advising institutional clients as a fiduciary. Our boutique business structure, depth of experience and vast resources have helped us grow into one of the most respected investment consulting firms in the U.S. Whether you are looking to reduce expenses, enhance returns or align your mission with your investments, Graystone is your strategic partner. Our research on “Best of Class” 3rd party asset management firms is one of the broadest in the industry, designed to help nonprofits and foundations meet their investment goals. Graystone consults on over 800 Foundations & Endowment clients with a combined $29B in AUM.
GS DAF

GS DAF
www.goldmansachs.com

Nonprofit Organizations Institute

Overview

Related Conference

Nonprofit Organizations Essentials

Event Schedule

Thursday Morning, Jan. 22, 2026

Thursday Afternoon, Jan. 22, 2026

Friday Morning, Jan. 23, 2026

Friday Afternoon, Jan. 23, 2026

Conference Faculty

Planning Committee

Credit Info

MCLE Credit

Other Credit

Key Dates

Venue

Four Seasons Hotel

Accommodations

Parking Information

Additional Information

Our Sponsors

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Frost Wealth Advisors

Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

Arnold & Porter

Adler & Colvin

Blazek & Vetterling

Bourland, Wall & Wenzel, P.C.

Ernst & Young LLP

Fizer, Beck, Webster, Bentley, & Scroggins, PC

Holland & Knight LLP

Morgan Stanley Graystone Consulting

GS DAF

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