This year’s Newcomers session is designed to give a clear, practical introduction to corporate and foundation relations (CFR)—what the work actually looks like day to day, and how to get started in the field.
We’ll cover the core pieces of the work, from how CFR is structured across institutions to how you build relationships internally and externally. Along the way, we’ll also call out some of the most common misconceptions about the field and share what we’ve learned through experience.
Panelists will talk openly about their own paths into CFR, including what they wish they had known early on and how they’ve navigated things like institutional dynamics, partnership-building, and developing a personal toolkit that works.
The session is interactive by design, with time to connect with others, reflect on your own experience, and ask questions in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Whether you’re brand new to CFR or still figuring out how your role fits, you’ll leave with a better sense of the field and some practical ideas you can use right away.