The Midwestern philanthropist J. Irwin Miller asked his foundation’s staff members to guide their work by a simple motto. He said, “Ten years from now, what will you wish you had done today?” It is this vision for the future that inspires us to celebrate the common purpose of philanthropy and the benefits of gathering not as separate institutions, but as a noble movement.

Calling it the most significant meeting of philanthropists in recent memory, the Council of Foundations opened their Leadership Summit yesterday in Washington, D.C. Convening leaders in philanthropy from the US, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Australia, the Summit hopes to pursue solutions to new and ongoing challenges and capitalize on best practices to successful giving. The emphasis at this year’s Summit will be on leadership, partnership and impact.

For those of you interested in session-level coverage of the conference check out the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s blog.