Many conferences at The Johnson Foundation are designed and implemented directly by the Foundation staff. We do, however, co-sponsor conferences with other organizations that fit within our program interests. We encourage proposals from organizations seeking to “inspire solutions” within the context of a conference at our facilities. Details on how to propose a conference are outlined below.

In general, we look for proposals where the potential co-sponsor has “standing” on the issue; where the proposed topic is timely and important; where the resources are available to ensure follow-through on post-conference activities; and where the unique facilities and process of The Johnson Foundation can help make a difference.

Conferences at the Foundation, typically, are intensive one-to-four-day meetings. One-day conferences may include up to 50 people. However in our experience, smaller groups are more collaborative and productive, and have more successful outcomes. Participants lodge at the Foundation’s Guest House, which accommodates up to 40 people.

The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread provides planning and logistical support, meals and local transportation. In addition, the Foundation provides pre- and post-planning assistance in order to help ensure that participants “convene for impact,” which includes ongoing substantive dialogue during conferences and implementation of outcomes.

Generally, the Foundation expects co-sponsors or participants to pay for participant travel and to share in the costs of lodging and hospitality at Wingspread.

The Foundation’s grant-making is limited primarily to activities directly related to its convening functions. Our conference facilities and Guest House accommodations are only available to conference participants. We do not rent our facilities.

If you are interested in proposing a conference, please read the following.

Basic eligibility requirements

• A 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1, 2, or 3)
• Proposed conference topic aligns with our Program Areas
• Proposed conference topic is nonpartisan and nonsectarian in nature
• The co-sponsor and other involved parties are willing to collaborate with The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread on conference design, implementation and evaluation strategies

If you are interested in proposing a conference and your organization meets the eligibility requirements, we invite you to submit a statement of inquiry that answers the questions below to inquiry@johnsonfdn.org.

What is the issue to be addressed?

• How will your proposed conference make a difference in regards to this issue?
• Background information on your organization and why it is the appropriate group to convene on this issue.
• Contact information.

Initial inquiry and proposals

A member of our program staff will contact you regarding your initial inquiry and may invite you to submit a proposal, that will include:

• A clear, specific statement of purpose and objective for the conference (this will be displayed on the Foundation’s Web site)
• Intended outcome(s) and results
• Intended impact of the outcome(s)
• Statement about how the conference will advance the issue on a larger scale
• Estimated number of participants
• Identification of the types of partners and participants to be involved
• Identification of available resources (in addition to The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread) for conference support
• An approximate outline and timeline of pre-conference preparation events and activities
• An approximate outline and timeline of post-conference activities that includes the following:
  • How the group will maintain contact until successful completion of objectives and/or action plan
  • How the conference results will be disseminated and utilized
  • How conference outcome(s) and/or action plan results will be monitored, recorded and evaluated
  • How the Foundation will be informed of or involved in the above activities