The 15th edition of the Brazilian Philanthropy Forum took place on August 27 in São Paulo. Organized by IDIS, the event brings together leaders and experts to strengthen philanthropy in Brazil, foster connections, and encourage the development of solutions to social challenges.
Brazilian Philanthropy Forum 2026: Between essence and reinvention
With the theme Between essence and reinvention, the Forum’s sessions addressed issues such as the power of territories, new architectures for cultural, territorial, and socio-environmental financing, equity and persistent inequalities, impact and shared value creation, as well as different perspectives on Latin American and family philanthropy. Throughout the day, 314 guests attended the event, while the livestream reached nearly 5,000 views.
The program featured 13 sessions across 10 hours of programming, with 56 speakers. Among those taking part were Conceição Evaristo (Casa Escrevivência Conceição Evaristo), Belisa Maggi (Fundação AMAGGI and Instituto Signativo), Claudia Calais (Fundação Bunge), Eliana Sousa Silva (Redes da Maré), Michael França (Insper), Nick Tedesco (National Center for Family Philanthropy), Somachi Chris-Asoluka (Tony Elumelu Foundation), Valcléia dos Santos (Fundação Amazônia Sustentável), and Vitor Hugo Neia (Fundação Grupo Volkswagen).
The program opened with a performance by the Orquestra Maré do Amanhã, bringing the strength and potential of local territories to the stage. Next, Conceição Evaristo, writer and founder of Casa Escrevivência Conceição Evaristo, led the Forum’s first reflection in the session “What needs to remain when everything changes?”. In a speech marked by sensitivity and depth, the writer invited the audience to reflect on what should be preserved amid transformation and on the values that underpin the construction of fairer and more inclusive futures.
Panel ‘What needs to remain when everything changes?’
The first plenary, “Reinvention now. Relevance always!”, explored ways for philanthropy to adapt to a changing world without losing sight of its purpose. The discussion highlighted the importance of rethinking practices, strategies, and approaches so that philanthropic organizations and initiatives can maintain their relevance and expand their ability to generate social impact.
Next, the plenary “The power of territories: When essence guides reinvention” placed at the center of the debate the importance of recognizing the specific characteristics, knowledge, and potential present in each territory. The discussion reinforced how listening and local leadership can guide new approaches and strengthen initiatives capable of promoting transformations that are more closely connected to the realities and needs of communities.
The session “1% Commitment: The journey to joining the movement” highlighted the experiences of companies that have committed to allocating at least 1% of their net profits to social and environmental initiatives. The discussion demonstrated how joining the movement, which now has 30 signatories, can strengthen corporate social investment, bringing business practices closer to positive-impact strategies and contributing to a private sector that is increasingly engaged with society’s challenges.
In parallel sessions, participants explored different perspectives on the challenges and possibilities of reinvention in philanthropy. “Capital in reinvention: New architectures for cultural, territorial, and socio-environmental financing” discussed new ways of mobilizing and directing resources, while “Reinventing equity: New responses to persistent inequalities” explored strategies for addressing historical inequalities and developing more effective and inclusive responses.
Closing the morning program, the thematic lunch provided opportunities for exchange and deeper discussion. At each table, a host facilitated a conversation around one of the 20 proposed themes, broadening reflections on different issues related to philanthropy and social investment.
The program continued with a Dynamic Session, bringing new perspectives on the landscape of Artificial Intelligence in the social sector and on funding opportunities—both key elements in philanthropy’s ongoing reinvention. The session featured reflections by Célia Cruz, Visiting Fellow at the Skoll Centre, and Pedro Barros, co-founder of Sul – Intelligence for Impact, both members of the AI for Impact Coalition.
In the traditional “In conversation with…” interview, Paula Fabiani, CEO of IDIS, spoke with Denise Aguiar, Managing Director of Bradesco Foundation, who shared her personal story and her perspective on the paths of philanthropy, the challenges of the present, and the importance of strengthening an approach committed to lasting social transformation.
Panel ‘In conversation with…’
In the panel “Impact that creates value: When data strengthens business and society”, participants discussed how the strategic use of data can help understand results, guide decision-making, and enhance the impact of initiatives. The conversation highlighted the importance of turning information into knowledge to generate value for both businesses and society.
In parallel sessions, participants further explored the role of different actors in philanthropy. “Latin American Philanthropy: Pathways to a shared future” reflected on the challenges and opportunities for strengthening philanthropic action across the region, while “Family Philanthropy: Local roots, lasting transformations” explored the role of families in building initiatives connected to local territories and capable of generating long-term impact.
The program also featured the 2025 winners of the Social Entrepreneur Award, who presented their initiatives, journeys, and the purpose behind their work.
Finally, the closing plenary, “The future is a choice, not a destiny”, reflected on the role of our choices in shaping the future we want. The discussion reinforced that the path toward a fairer and more sustainable society is not predetermined, but built through the decisions, commitments, and actions we take today.
“Reinvention does not mean breaking away from everything that came before. Sometimes, reinventing means finding new ways to honor what has always driven us: a commitment to the common good, reducing inequalities, strengthening civil society, and building a fairer and more sustainable world.”
— Paula Fabiani, in her closing remarks”
Watch the full recording of the event:
Organization and Support
The Brazilian Philanthropy Forum is an initiative of IDIS – Institue for the Development of Social Investment, Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), and Global Philanthropy Forum (GPF). The Forum counts on Strategic Partne’s from Movimento Bem Maior and Fundação Bradesco; Gold Partner from RD Saúde; Silver Partner from Fundação Sicredi; Bronze Partner´s from Fundação ArcelorMittal, Fundação Grupo Volkswagen, Levisky Legado, and Instituto Sicoob; Institutional Partne’s from Fundo de Fomento à Filantropia and UNICEF. Media Partners are Alliance Magazine and Stanford Social Innovation Review Brasil.
