22 Nonprofit Conferences You Won’t Want To Miss in 2024
Stay on top of the industry’s latest trends and expand your network at these nonprofit conferences.
What To Know About Nonprofit Conferences
Nonprofit conferences provide an opportunity for the brightest minds in the sector to come together and discuss the latest trends and state of the nonprofit world. While the pandemic put a halt to many of these events in previous years, the advancement of virtual conferencing technology has made it easier than ever for these events to resume and be more convenient for nonprofit professionals than ever before.
Looking for some of the best nonprofit conferences and summits to add to your calendar this year? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve curated a list of some of this season’s can’t-miss fundraising, marketing, and leadership nonprofit conferences. No matter your role in the sector, we’re confident you’ll find something that inspires you to advance your career and grow your network!
Fundraising Conferences for Nonprofits
Double the Donation’s Matching Gift Summit for Nonprofits and K-12 Schools
When:September 29th – October 1st, 2024
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
Brought to you by the matching gift experts at Double the Donation, the Matching Gift Summit provides everything you need to amplify the revenue you’re receiving from corporate philanthropy initiatives.
If you’re unfamiliar with matching gifts, here’s a quick overview: when an employer offers this type of program, they promise to match the donations their employees make to nonprofits, doubling that individual’s impact on the cause.
Sounds like easy money, right? Even if you’re already promoting this opportunity at your organization, you might not be doing everything you can to maximize your matching gift revenue. Join Double the Donation’s experts as they embark on a series of presentations and workshops, helping you to improve your matching gift processes and learn from other industry experts.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- Presentations that delve into matching gift marketing, acquisition, and reporting strategies
- Expert guidance on developing a matching gift strategy and gaining internal buy-in
- Roundtable discussions with nonprofit peers from across the country, with organizations sharing their successes and challenges with matching gifts
- Insight into how Double the Donation’s industry-leading tools can help you identify and drive matches to completion
- Optional product-centric sessions for Double the Donation clients to learn about new and upcoming functionality and provide feedback on the software
This year, the event is designed specifically for leading national nonprofits with some of the largest peer-to-peer fundraising programs. If your team is eager to grow its CSR efforts, this exclusive fundraising conference is a must for your calendar.
What Fundraisers Are Saying:
“Double the Donation’s Matching Gift Summit is invaluable for corporate philanthropy professionals. I would recommend this event to anyone who is interested in growing their matching gift fundraising. The Summit has served as an incredibly helpful resource for our team as we have implemented insights and learnings from the event into our matching gift fundraising strategy.”
— Ariana Romanelli, Lead Associate, Corporate Partnerships at Save the Children
Registration Link: https://events.doublethedonation.com/matching-gift-summit-all-nonprofits-and-schools#/
Double the Donation’s Matching Gift Summit for Higher Education
When:October 1st – October 3rd, 2024
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
Brought to you by the matching gift experts at Double the Donation, the Matching Gift Summit provides everything you need to amplify the revenue you’re receiving from corporate philanthropy initiatives.
If you’re unfamiliar with matching gifts, here’s a quick overview: when an employer offers this type of program, they promise to match the donations their employees make to nonprofits, doubling that individual’s impact on the cause.
Sounds like easy money, right? Even if you’re already promoting this opportunity at your organization, you might not be doing everything you can to maximize your matching gift revenue. Join Double the Donation’s experts as they embark on a series of presentations and workshops, helping you to improve your matching gift processes and learn from other industry experts.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- Presentations that delve into matching gift marketing, acquisition, and reporting strategies
- Expert guidance on developing a matching gift strategy and gaining internal buy-in
- Roundtable discussions with nonprofit peers from across the country, with organizations sharing their successes and challenges with matching gifts
- Insight into how Double the Donation’s industry-leading tools can help you identify and drive matches to completion
- Optional product-centric sessions for Double the Donation clients to learn about new and upcoming functionality and provide feedback on the software
This year, the event is designed specifically for leading national nonprofits with some of the largest peer-to-peer fundraising programs. If your team is eager to grow its CSR efforts, this exclusive fundraising conference is a must for your calendar.
Registration Link: https://events.doublethedonation.com/matching-gift-summit-higher-education-2024#/
The Association of Fundraising Professionals International Conference (AFP ICON)
When: April 7-9, 2024
Where: Toronto, Ontario
Named the world’s #1 nonprofit fundraising conference, AFP ICON offers something for every nonprofit professional out there! The sessions and workshops cover an incredibly broad range of topics, including everything from ethics, accountability, and professionalism to AI in fundraising. Throughout the event, you’ll receive tactical and practical advice, handouts, and real-world examples from your colleagues.
Brought to you by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, one of the best parts of this nonprofit leadership conference is its networking opportunities. There are plenty of gatherings and receptions throughout the event where you can exchange ideas with experienced fundraisers. Plus, see if your state, local, or regional AFP branch will host a reception at the event, where you can meet other fundraising professionals from your area.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- Plenty of networking opportunities, informational sessions, workshops, and roundtables
- Impressive keynote speakers – 2024’s event will feature Pulitzer Prize winner Nikole Hannah-Jones
- 100+ educational sessions on donor research, ethics, relationship-building, and more
- Pre-conference Deep Dives, such as a donor retention self-assessment workshop and a CFRE refresher course
- Free access to session recordings post-event
- Discounted registration rates for regular AFP members, collegiate members, small nonprofits, and young professional members
AFP ICON is one of the most popular nonprofit events out there, making it perfect for networking! Since this year’s conference is in Canada, anyone attending must carry proof of citizenship and identity. For U.S. citizens, make sure you have a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card ready to go!
Registration Link: https://afpicon.com/#register
Raise
When: September 9-10, 2024
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
Raise is a nonprofit conference powered by the fundraising innovators at OneCause. It’s designed to help nonprofit professionals connect, grow, and inspire each other. By registering, attendees can learn from fundraising experts, interact with inspiring speakers, and network with peers from across the sector. Plus, those in charge of this nonprofit fundraising conference submit every session for Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credits, and if approved, you’ll be eligible to receive credits. Join your fellow fundraising professionals at the Country Music Hall of Fame for 2 jam-packed days of bold ideas and innovative fundraising expertise.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- Two days packed with sessions focused on nonprofit event fundraising, peer-to-peer campaigning, auction fundraising, donor engagement, leadership, and brand storytelling
- Fun networking activities like line dancing lessons and a #Fearless Fundraiser Party
- The annual RAISE Awards to honor top fundraising professionals and their nonprofit organizations
- CFRE credits for approved sessions
If you’re looking to strengthen your fundraising strategies, go ahead and add Raise to your calendar! 2024’s event is sure to be a sold out show!
Registration link: https://www.onecause.com/raise/register/
Looking for more nonprofit conferences to attend and supercharge your operations? The team at OneCause has put together a list of the top fundraising conferences to attend this year! Build professional skills, connect with peers, and grow your knowledge base to take your nonprofit to the next level. Whether you want to learn expert fundraising tips or familiarize yourself with marketing best practices, this OneCause guide can direct you to your next conference!
Nonprofit Innovation & Optimization (NIO) Summit
When: September 18-19, 2024
Where: Indianapolis, Indiana
Hosted by NextAfter, the Nonprofit Innovation & Optimization Summit isn’t just a fundraising conference — it’s an immersive experience. Attendees enter a whimsical world adapted to the real-life realities of working at a nonprofit organization as a fundraiser and/or marketer. Most importantly, marquee speakers from both the for-profit and nonprofit industries give actionable insights and steps to improve your results in Ted-Talk-style presentations.
It’s fun and valuable for all. This year, the theme is Generosity Jones and the Holy Grail of Fundraising, which will serve as the backdrop for an unforgettable learning adventure.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- Clear, practical, and actionable ideas to immediately improve your fundraising results
- Industry leaders, innovators, and a diverse mix of attendees who can challenge each other’s assumptions and spark their imaginations
- Educational content, unforgettable events, and never-a-dull-moment levels of excitement that will re-energize you
- Free consulting and advice on your materials from NextAfter consultants
- Build your industry peer network with like-minded innovators in fundraising
- Practical ways to raise more money for your cause or they’ll refund 100% of your ticket price
Attend the event where there’s always something to do between the hot catered meals, consultation stations, giveaways, over-the-top summit parties, swag, and much more!
Visit their website to get a glimpse into this one-of-a-kind nonprofit conference. You won’t regret it! Prices vary, starting with early bird rates as low as $695 and increasing monthly. Register today before the ticket price increases.
Registration Link: https://www.niosummit.com/registration/
Engage for Good
When: May 14-16, 2024
Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jam-packed with valuable sessions, Engage for Good highlights the people and organizations behind corporate social impact, including practitioners, brands, and nonprofits pursuing change. Join other social impact leaders in highly interactive sessions that focus on corporate social responsibility topics. Whether you call it social impact, CSR, corporate development, or something else, this nonprofit event is perfect for anyone interested in these topics. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the world of CSR or a seasoned professional; there’s a spot for you at this year’s event!
For the first time, The Halo Awards will be presented at EFP2024, promising a fun evening of celebrating the best of corporate social impact campaigns. With inspiring speakers, plenty of entertainment, and a spotlight on exemplary partnerships, it’ll be a night to remember!
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- The unveiling of their classic benchmark report and case studies about today’s issues from forward-thinking companies and nonprofits
- Targeted sessions, workshops, and networking chances aimed to link you to pros with similar experiences and social impact focus at other organizations
- The opportunity to connect with 600+ social impact leaders
- The Halo Awards that highlight the best corporate social impact campaigns
- Interactive programming and breakout sessions that delve into hot topics and inspire fresh perspectives
EFG2024 is a can’t-miss event for those who want to be a part of a movement shaping the future of corporate social impact. This nonprofit conference sells out every year, so register now to secure your spot!
Registration Link: https://efg.memberclicks.net/efg2024_paid
NonProfit POWER
When: TBD
Where: TBD
Hosted by Nonprofit PRO, NonProfit POWER is an invitation-only nonprofit conference intended to enable leaders to connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships. Qualified attendees can attend for free to gain insight into trending fundraising technology solutions, peer-to-peer fundraising strategies, and direct marketing tactics.
While this year’s event date hasn’t been announced, last year’s conference took place in December and offered plenty of insightful panels and presentations from well-known companies like Bonterra, boodleAI, and Classy.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- Complimentary event registration, travel arrangements, hotel accommodations, meals, and networking activities
- A small-group-style conference to inspire meaningful conversations
- Expert analyses, giving a peek into the future based on emerging fundraising trends and next-gen technology changing the sector
Attendance is limited to senior nonprofit executives at mid-sized and large nonprofits. If you qualify, you’ll need to apply to attend.
Attendance Request Form: https://power.nonprofitpro.com/attend/
GrantSummit
When: October 30-November 2, 2024
Where: Denver, Colorado + Virtual
Hosted by the Grant Professionals Association, GrantSummit attracts more than 1,200 individuals looking to amplify their grant management approaches. By attending, you’ll get the chance to exchange strategies, solutions, resources, and more.
This fundraising conference is ideal for any grant professional, whether you’re focused on grant writing, management, consulting, or another area related to grantmaking. With three days of education and networking, the conference is designed to level up your skills, whether you’re just getting started or are highly experienced with grants.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- 3 days of inspiration, education, and networking that will equip you with a year’s worth of support for your responsibilities as a grant professional
- The opportunity to connect with other grant professionals from all areas of practice as well as exhibitors that have grant-related products and services
- Professional development sessions that can help you earn your GPC and CFRE CEUs
Dubbed the premier event for grant professionals, this fundraising conference is a fantastic opportunity to elevate your grant management practices! Note that registration will open June 1, and discounted early bird rates last until August 31.
Registration Link: TBA
International Fundraising Congress (IFC)
When: October 22-25, 2024
Where: Noordwijk, Netherlands + Virtual
The International Fundraising Congress (IFC) is a global gathering of fundraising experts, providing a diverse range of sessions on fundraising strategies, donor recognition tactics, and philanthropy trends. This year’s theme is We Rise. While the world stands at a crossroads and we face systematic failures, optimism and hope live on. This nonprofit conference is a call to action, seeking to ignite the power to drive change together. That’s what this year’s theme seeks to communicate: we can rise together for humanity, equality, and so much more.
Join changemakers across the globe for an inspiring event filled with notable keynotes, masterclasses, workshops, debates, and more. Hosted by The Resource Alliance, this annual conference has grown to be a major event.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- Inspiring keynote sessions curated to inspire and challenge you, available for in-person and virtual attendees
- “Big Debates,” which are big conversations about the wider challenges faced in the sector
- Open discussions, which allow for an unfiltered space to debate hot topics in the sector, like climate change and AI
With engaging activities for in-person and virtual attendees alike, this nonprofit conference will bring every guest in on the action and is sure to be one for the books!
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3MI8dau
Nonprofit Lab
When: January 25, 2024
Where: Denver, Colorado
The Nonprofit Learning Lab is hosting a Nonprofit Lab in Denver on January 25, 2024. This event is a great way to network with nonprofit leaders and get new ideas on fundraising, diversity, equity and inclusion, leadership development, volunteer management, strategic planning, and more!
The day is designed for executive directors, development directors, program managers, and board members of nonprofits. The Nonprofit Labs are interactive, and participants leave with ideas they can implement back at their own organization.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- Network with nonprofit professionals, share ideas, get inspired to collaborate with other nonprofits, and build partnerships
- Learn practical strategies to help nonprofits be more effective in fundraising, communications, board development, and management
- CFRE credits
Registration Link: https://www.nonprofitlearninglab.org/lab-registration/denver
Discount code: Use discount code friend50 to register for just $125!
Elevate 2024
When: February 27-29, 2024 + CNP Day on March 1, 2024
Where: Virtual
Presented by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, Elevate 2024 is a three-day virtual conference designed for social impact professionals to connect and learn. Elevate 2024‘s programming will be all about Shaping the Future of the Social Sector. In addition, the conference will offer a wealth of resources, including live keynote addresses, over 20 live and on-demand sessions, and networking opportunities.
These on-demand and live sessions will feature content to inspire your thinking on today’s social and political landscape and provide actionable advice to enhance fundraising and build a stronger nonprofit organization.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- A keynote address from Carrie Bernans that will empower nonprofits and their teams to break through their self-imposed boundaries
- A jam-packed schedule filled with over 20 live and on-demand sessions and hands-on workshops
- Plenty of networking opportunities, so you can learn from fellow nonprofit professionals and luminaries in the sector.
To make this nonprofit conference even more enticing, attendees also have the opportunity to earn the Social Sector Leadership Digital Badge, which allows them to showcase their accomplishments and learning on platforms like LinkedIn. Don’t miss out on one of the industry’s most valuable events this year — especially since you can attend online wherever you are!
Registration Link: https://nonprofitleadershipalliance.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/nonprofitleadershipalliance/survey.jsp?surveyId=52
Nonprofit Marketing Conferences
Nonprofit Storytelling Conference
When: November 11-13, 2024
Where: Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico
The Nonprofit Storytelling Conference is an annual event that delivers actionable storytelling advice for marketing and fundraising professionals everywhere. When you tell the right stories, your fundraising abilities are transformed, and you can drive greater results for your work. By attending this year’s event, you’ll learn how to engage your community and reel them into your cause through powerful stories, helping to evoke emotion, incite action, and create lasting bonds.
This year, you’ll learn storytelling and donor engagement techniques for three areas: in-person (events, major donor meetings, etc.), direct mail (fundraising letters, donor reports, etc.), and online (social media, websites, etc.).
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- 35+ presentations that teach storytelling techniques for fundraising appeals, newsletters, events, and major donors
- A carefully-curated team of speakers tailored specifically to the audience’s topic requests
- 10 free bonus videos from Steven Screen and Jim Shapiro, covering topics like major donor storytelling and what types of stories to tell donors for greater impact
- StoryLabs, where conference guests can sit down with speakers one-on-one to ask questions in a small group environment
The backdrop of this year’s event is the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa. Because of the uniqueness and smaller size of the hotel, fewer event tickets are available than in previous years. Register to secure your spot! If you can’t attend in person, you can purchase videos of the main sessions instead.
Registration Link: https://nonprofitstorytellingconference.com/
Create Good
When: April 3-5, 2024
Where: Durham, North Carolina
Hosted annually, the Create Good nonprofit conference is ideal for modern communicators who are looking to level up their communications. This conference delves into the intricacies of nonprofit communications, going beyond the basics for the uninitiated.
Attendees can expect tips from industry leaders, covering everything from mastering social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to integrating AI into your nonprofit communications. In addition to hard skills, this nonprofit marketing conference seeks to reignite passion among communicators within the social good sector.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- Collaborative discussions with other changemakers who are seeking to push the sector forward
- Workshops covering the most pressing marketing topics like podcasting and integrating AI into your outreach
- Fun networking opportunities that focus on eliminating awkward introductions
If you’re ready to be inspired, this nonprofit conference will equip you with the latest skills, so you can learn about improving communication channels, strengthening your project management abilities, and engaging in effective leadership.
Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/create-good-10-tickets-750088313337
The Bridge Conference
When: TBA
Where: TBA
Short for “the Bridge to Integrated Marketing & Fundraising Conference,” the Bridge Conference is a co-produced event between the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Washington, D.C. Metro Area Chapter (AFP DC) and the Direct Marketing Association of Washington (DMAW). The overarching objective of this nonprofit conference is to “bridge” the gap between nonprofits’ fundraising and marketing efforts.
While this year’s event hasn’t been announced yet, it’s sure to be a memorable nonprofit conference. Last year’s event took place on August 2-4 and provided up to 17.25 CFRE CE points to attendees.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- 90+ breakout sessions covering everything from board engagement to AI, led by a world-class lineup of speakers
- Keynote speeches that will inspire you with stories and insights
- A day-long faith and fundraising forum, providing the faith community with a chance to connect on specific concerns
- BridgeTECH, a new addition to the conference to help nonprofits explore the tech product landscape
If you’re ready to amplify your fundraising and marketing efforts, be on the lookout for this event’s official announcement for 2024!
Registration Link: TBA
Nonprofit Technology Conferences
Nonprofit Technology Conference
When: March 13-15, 2024
Where: Portland, Oregon + Virtual
The Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC) is the longest-running nonprofit technology conference in the United States. Created by NTEN, this three-day, information-packed conference provides an incredible list of sessions covering important topics like digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and social media strategy. In other words, there’s something for everyone, no matter your job, role, or experience.
To make it accessible to nonprofit professionals all over the world, they brought the Nonprofit Technology Conference to the virtual space for the first time ever in 2021. Since then, it’s being hosted online and in person.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- 135+ live, interactive sessions and 35 virtual sessions covering a wide range of topics related to IT, fundraising, digital inclusion, effective cause marketing, and more
- Presentations from inspirational speakers
- Group conversations and breakout sessions to share stories and connect in a more relaxed environment
- Plenty of engagement opportunities, such as racial affinity spaces, coffee chats, and live music as well as activities like table tennis and pickleball
- CFRE and CRE credits or NTEN professional certificate credits for attending sessions
NTC is one of the most anticipated events in the sector each year. With big-name sponsors like Microsoft and Care2, the year’s event offers the latest insight into the technological landscape for nonprofits.
Registration Link: https://www.nten.org/gather/ntc/registration
Good Tech Fest
When: April 29-May 2, 2024
Where: Sundance, Utah + Virtual
Originally launched as the Do Good Data conference in 2011, Good Tech Fest has since transformed into a highly-anticipated annual gathering that helps nonprofit professionals harness the power of technology. This year, it includes a series of virtual and in-person gatherings for executive directors, product managers, data scientists, and more.
This nonprofit technology conference aims to bring together a community of technologists, data nerds, product leaders, and philanthropists from across the sector to build their capacities for using technology to advance the common good. This invitation-only event features three days of peer networking, lesson sharing, and cutting-edge advancement, so attendees can learn how to use data and technology to drive impact.
They’re also launching their first international, in-person event in Nairobi in the fall of 2024. Check the Good Tech Fest website for the latest updates.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- Tech-focused topics such as AI, the ethics and practicalities of data sharing, and how to increase equity and representation
- An abundance of networking and community-building opportunities like fireside chats
- 100+ fully virtual workshops led by individuals around the globe
- Access to all workshops and recordings regardless of whether you attend in person or remotely
- Plenty of time for in-person attendees to enjoy the beautiful Sundance Resort
The leaders of Good Tech Fest go above and beyond to ensure all speakers are practitioners who speak from experience. That way, you can be confident you’re receiving valuable guidance.
Attendance Request Link for the Utah Conference: https://airtable.com/appTsIQim88Vnanrf/shr57usknu6ZjeDz8
bbcon
When: September 24-26, 2024
Where: Seattle, Washington
Brought to you by Blackbaud, bbcon brings together the Blackbaud community with its annual nonprofit technology conference. Perfect for nonprofits using Blackbaud, the three-day event offers plenty of networking opportunities, inspiring keynotes, and the latest industry trends. There’s even a pre-conference day on September 23 for those who can’t wait to get started.
After three years of the conference being remote, bbcon returned to being in-person last year, and you can join thousands of tech-minded changemakers in person again this year! Last year, they also combined the event with the Blackbaud K-12 User Conference for the ultimate learning event of the year for all Blackbaud users.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- Inspiring keynotes, luminary super sessions led by industry experts, and educational breakout sessions
- A welcome reception and bbcon Bash
- An immersive marketplace with access to Blackbaud experts, partners, and sponsors showcasing current products and services for the social good community
Since details haven’t been finalized and registration isn’t open yet, be sure to check the bbcon website for the latest updates. You won’t want to miss this event!
Registration Link: TBA
Dreamforce
When: September 17-19, 2024
Where: San Francisco + Salesforce+
If you want to connect with the Salesforce community, Dreamforce is the nonprofit technology conference for you! Come together with Salesforce users, industry experts, nonprofit leaders, and innovators from around the globe.
With a heavy focus on maximizing the power of Salesforce for nonprofits, this event features a range of workshops, keynote presentations, and networking opportunities focused on Salesforce technology. As an attendee, you’ll have the chance to learn, connect, and gain insights into the latest innovations in nonprofit tech, while also exploring success stories and gathering ideas to drive greater social impact.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- Demos of the latest technology to fuel social change and propel your mission forward
- Breakout sessions, training, and certification opportunities to push your career forward
- Learning opportunities that will help you make the most of your nonprofit’s technology
Dreamforce is an epic celebration of customer success paired with learning, connecting, and giving back! While they haven’t opened registration for this year’s conference yet, you can sign up to be notified. That way, you’ll get the lowest price on Dreamforce and be the first to receive speaker announcements, session information, and exciting performers.
Registration Link: https://www.salesforce.com/form/dreamforce/df24-save-the-date/
GiveCon
When: February 23-26, 2025
Where: Orlando, Florida
Held by Bloomerang + Qgiv, GiveCon is a nonprofit conference designed to help organizations improve donor relationships, raise more through fundraising campaigns, and grow their volunteer programs. Whether you’re a database manager, development director, executive director, or other nonprofit professional, you’ll learn practical strategies to raise awareness and funds for your mission.
The conference is also an opportunity to expand your Bloomerang + Qgiv skills, with onsite workshop training and exclusive previews of upcoming tools and features.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- Four days of learning packed with 48 sessions to expand your knowledge
- Three tracks with hands-on workshops
- Opportunities to earn CFRE credits
- Networking with nonprofit peers and service providers
- One-on-one meetings with the Bloomerang + Qgiv team to get personalized insights into your Bloomerang account
By tapping into Bloomerang + Qgiv’s years of fundraising experience, you’ll leave the conference with innovative best practices and advanced fundraising knowledge to share with your nonprofit’s team.
Registration link: https://bloomerang.co/givecon/
Other Standout Nonprofit Management Conferences
Cause Camp
When: October 21-22, 2024
Where: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Named by Forbes as a “must-attend” event for nonprofit professionals, the Cause Camp Nonprofit Conference is presented by Nonprofit Hub. The conference features some incredible speakers, engaging breakout sessions, and one-on-one networking opportunities.
The ultimate goal of Cause Camp is to empower attendees (AKA “campers”) with larger networks and big ideas to take their nonprofits from good to better! 2024’s rendition of this nonprofit conference will be focused on the theme “Summit to Success.” As an homage to the Olympic motto, Cause Camp is embracing the phrase “Better Higher, Successful – Together” to emphasize that nonprofits can only thrive with the sector’s collaborative spirit is strong.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- A lineup of the best speakers and topics based on what’s currently happening in the sector
- Plenty of breakout sessions (known as “expeditions”) where leaders intend to train attendees and not just chat
- Opportunities to tour the event space and visit nonprofit vendors and specialists
- Major prizes for engaged campers, intended to help them push their organizations forward
- Swag bags for all campers
The 2024 Cause Camp destination is Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs, meaning the Rocky Mountains will be the majestic backdrop for this year’s nonprofit conference.
Registration Link: https://cause.camp/register/
Nonprofit Alliance Leadership Summit
When: September 9-12, 2024
Where: San Diego, California
With a heavy emphasis on networking, The Nonprofit Alliance Leadership Summit is an annual nonprofit conference designed to stimulate critical conversations and liberate the full potential of today’s changemakers.
Join fellow nonprofit industry leaders as you embark on a 4-day conference about ensuring all voices at your organization are heard, spurring greater leadership and innovation. The invitation-only conference favors networking over speaker-led sessions and adopts a “liberating structures” facilitation technique to spark conversations.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- Opportunities to connect with fellow senior leaders
- Thought-provoking discussions on leadership burnout and how to revitalize your endurance
- A “liberating structures” facilitation approach to inspire conversation
- Networking happy hours in a more relaxed environment
Note that attendance is limited to TNPA members and invited guests. It’s highly recommended for senior leaders who have more than 15 years of experience and hold distinguishing experience. Last year’s even capped seating at 150 attendees, so register before they fill up!
Registration Link: TBA
Social Innovation Summit
When: June 4-5, 2024
Where: Chicago, Illinois
Held each June, the Social Innovation Summit (SIS) is an opportunity to connect social impact leaders across corporate responsibility, philanthropy, investment, technology, and innovation. Complete with unforgettable programming, debates, and VIP networking opportunities, this nonprofit conference catalyzes purpose-driven relationships across the industry.
Expect an exciting two days of talking about all sorts of topics. Past renditions of this nonprofit conference have featured big-name speakers like Mark Cuban, Shaquille O’Neal, and Selena Gomez.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- A wide range of breakout opportunities to connect with leaders across the corporate and nonprofit sectors
- Speakers from well-known companies (like Patagonia and Peloton) and nonprofits (like LIFE Camp)
- A remarkable community of ESG, CSR, & DEI executives, global philanthropists & investors, cultural influencers, NGO leaders, and more
- Conversations and sessions addressing pressing topics like DEI and leveraging big data to improve social good
Experience an unforgettable 2 days of connecting with corporate, public, and nonprofit leaders, who are equally as thrilled to tackle society’s greatest challenges. By the end of this nonprofit conference, you’ll be equipped with actionable best practices from top changemakers.
Attendance Request Form: https://cvent.me/mLD1P1
Upswell Summit
When: TBA
Where: TBA
Powered by Independent Sector, Upswell is an annual conference designed to be a central meeting place for a range of changemakers — including those from nonprofits, foundations, corporations, community-based organizations, academia, and government. Started in 2018, the conference’s goal is to build a racially-just nation by exchanging the best ideas, innovations, and lessons learned from changemakers around the country.
While this year’s event hasn’t been announced yet, it’s sure to be great collaborative opportunity for any changemaker, including community activists, nonprofit leaders, philanthropists, journalists, academics, and others doing social good.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- Conversations regarding the well-being of our communities and how to bridge differences toward justice and belonging
- Knowledge-sharing and skill-building opportunities to share experiences
- Plenty of engagement opportunities between workshops, post-presentation exchanges to share opinions, focus groups, music, and tech demos
If you can’t wait for this nonprofit conference, keep an eye on their website for the latest updates. Last year, they also had some exciting pre-conference events like community dinners and tours of the area. There were also virtual pop-ups in the months leading up to the summit.
Registration Link: TBA
FAQs About Nonprofit Conferences
Why should professionals attend nonprofit conferences?
Advancing your nonprofit career requires you to constantly develop new skills and enhance the ones you already have. Nonprofit conferences provide the ideal time for that. They create an opportunity for you to network with peers, troubleshoot challenges, get inspiration from other successful organizations, and become the leader your nonprofit needs. Through info-packed presentations and workshops, they empower you to stay up to date on current fundraising trends and industry best practices, whether you need help recognizing donors or improving your strategic planning skills. Plus, the organizations and individuals who host these events often curate a list of speakers who are experts on topics relevant to the conference.
What is the best nonprofit conference?
Simply put, there’s no single “best” nonprofit conference. Rather, it all depends on the topics you want to learn more about, the speakers you’d like to hear from, and the skills you’d like to develop. For instance, if you’d like to learn about digital donor communications, you might attend a nonprofit marketing conference. If you’d like to learn more about how to leverage technology, you might attend a nonprofit technology conference. Some events are tailored to specific areas of nonprofit development, whereas others cover a wide range of topics. It’s all up to what you want to learn!
How do I get a nonprofit conference added to this list?
Maybe you host your own annual nonprofit conference, or maybe there’s just one that you really, really enjoyed and want to be added to this list! We’d love to hear your suggestions. If we left an event off this page that you’d like us to share, email content@nxunite.com, and we’ll consider your suggestion the next time we update this page.
How can you retain and strengthen conference connections?
As previously mentioned, conferences are meant to bridge the gap between nonprofit professionals, sharing knowledge to improve the sector. However, you can further leverage and develop these connections by engaging with conference-goers and speakers outside of the event. Here are some ideas to stay in touch with conference attendees:
- Show appreciation. Whether you’re thanking a keynote speaker, a sponsor, or an event attendee, everyone deserves your utmost gratitude for helping your conference come together. Send thank-you emails to everyone. For those who contributed extra, you might give them a small gift, such as a ba gift card they can use at a local restaurant or for meal delivery.
- Invite them to other events. You don’t need to wait for this same conference next year to interact with your conference connections. Invite them to other events you host to get to know them better. You could even invite them to speak on a panel if they have relevant expertise for the topic.
- Engage online. Catching up with conference connections doesn’t need to be planned or structured, either! Following each other on LinkedIn and other professional social media accounts—that way, you’ll be able to learn more about them and play a larger role in their professional journey.
