Philanthropy Southwest 77th Annual Conference

Nonprofit and Tax-Exempt Organizations attorneys Jonathan Blum and Nykolas McKissic will participate in Philanthropy Southwest's 77th Annual Conference, taking place at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. With a theme of "Elevating Impact," the conference aims to foster connections and learning among professionals to bolster the impact of philanthropy and giving efforts in the Southwestern U.S. Mr. Blum and Mr. McKissic will speak on multiple sessions throughout the four-day event.

Mr. Blum will first join a panel pinpointing common issues in foundation management, offering counsel from the tax, accounting, legal and operations perspectives. The discussion will cover a broad range of issues affecting foundations and share tips for spotting potential problems and addressing them effectively. He will then co-lead an interactive program walking participants through how to review a grantee's Form 990. He will cover the basics, such as the form's major sections, as well as highlight potential red flags to watch for when reviewing the form. The presentation will additionally explain the form's continued importance for nonprofit organizations along with metrics and other financial management insights it can offer.

Mr. McKissic will join Mr. Blum for a session examining innovative techniques and structures in grantmaking, from program-related and mission-related investment to lobbying. They will also outline how to maintain legal compliance for fundraising efforts as organizations explore new options, plus touch on emerging trends in grantmaking.

Session Times and Topics

Best Practices in Foundation Management
October 21, 2025 | 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. MT
Speaker: Jonathan Blum

Form 990 and Beyond: What You Need to Know
October 21, 2025 | 3:15 – 4:45 p.m. MT
Speaker: Jonathan Blum

Innovative Grantmaking Structures
October 22, 2025 | 11: 20 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. MT
Speakers: Jonathan Blum, Nykolas McKissic