5.04.2008 - 11:03am ET

(CSRwire) NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - May 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on Foundations today launched Philanthropy's Vision: A Leadership Summit — the largest-ever gathering of leaders in philanthropy from the U.S. and around the world — to consider ways philanthropy can best serve society's needs while developing best practices for successful giving. The Summit runs May 4 -7 and has more than 3000 attendees.

"This unprecedented event brings together all segments of the philanthropic sector to provide leadership and embrace a movement greater than ourselves," says Steve Gunderson, President and CEO of the Council on Foundations. "This is a unique and exciting time for philanthropy, providing opportunities for tremendous growth to extend effective giving."

The U.S. philanthropic sector exceeded $41 billion in annual foundation giving in 2006, and it is projected to reach $500 billion in annual giving by mid-century.

Attending the Summit are CEOs, trustees and professional staff of U.S. and international foundations from across the entire philanthropic sector, including private/independent foundations, community foundations, corporate grant makers, and business and political leaders representing a wide range of giving interests and missions.

"Every philanthropic organization has a mission to make the world a better place," says Gunderson. "Our job is to improve the practice of philanthropy and find areas where we can work together to achieve greater success."

Gunderson emphasizes that, "Philanthropy is increasingly global. Our Summit will enhance international cooperation to help philanthropy solve the globe's most pressing issues."

The Summit features high-profile speakers including Robert Rubin, First Lady of Mexico Margarita Zavala and Newt Gingrich. There will also be thousands of sessions ranging from a plenary on Diversity and Inclusiveness to a session on Engaging Influentials to Increase Philanthropy's Impact.

The Council on Foundations is a membership organization representing more than 2,100 grantmaking foundations and corporations. It provides the opportunity, leadership and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance and sustain their ability to advance the common good.

Philanthropy's Vision: A Leadership Summit is the first major convention at The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD. Visit www.philanthropysummit.org for more information.

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