19 Nonprofit Conferences You Won’t Want To Miss in 2023
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
When: Spring 2024
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
Brought to you by the matching gift experts at Double the Donation, their 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’re promising 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 still 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.
What You Can Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- Presentations that delve into matching gift marketing and acquisition strategies
- Expert guidance on developing a matching gift strategy and gaining internal buy-in
- The chance to interact with nonprofit peers from across the country and discuss 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
Perfect for any organization eager to grow its CSR efforts, this can’t-miss fundraising conference is a must for your calendar. While this year’s event has already wrapped up, stay tuned for the announcement of next year’s conference! You can check their events page to see if registration has opened for their next Matching Gift Summit.
Registration Link: https://events.doublethedonation.com/
The Association of Fundraising Professionals International Conference (AFP ICON)
When: April 16-18, 2023
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
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 fundraising and prospect research to ethics and professionalism. 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 day 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 – 2023’s event will feature legendary chef Emeril Lagasse and author Misty Copeland
- 100+ educational sessions on leadership, relationship building, securing donations, fundraising trends, and more
- Pre-conference workshops
- 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 events out there, making it perfect for networking! While this year’s event has already passed, next year’s conference is sure to be a winner, too.
Registration Link: https://afpicon.com/#register
Raise
When: September 11-12, 2023
Where: Chicago, Illinois + Virtual
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 will be able to 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.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- Two days packed with sessions focused on nonprofit event fundraising, peer-to-peer campaigning, donor engagement, leadership, and storytelling
- For in-person attendees, exclusive ‘in-person only’ sessions, access to the conference app, networking events, gift bags, and meals
- For remote attendees, live streaming access to general sessions, keynote, selected content, and networking opportunities during sessions via the conference app
- CFRE credits for approved sessions
Plus, all attendees will have access to the on-demand nonprofit conference for up to one year after the event ends. If you’re looking to strengthen your fundraising strategies, go ahead and add Raise to your calendar!
Registration link: https://www.onecause.com/raise/register/
Nonprofit Innovation & Optimization (NIO) Summit 2023
When: September 19-21, 2023
Where: Gilley’s Dallas, located in downtown Dallas, Texas
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 classic game shows, which will serve as the backdrop for an unforgettable learning adventure.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- Be inspired and uplifted
- Get actionable ideas to immediately improve your fundraising results
- Experience the event’s theme in a truly immersive way
- Avoid being hounded by sales pitches from the stage
- Get free consulting and advice on your materials from NextAfter consultants
- Build or grow your industry peer network with like-minded innovators in fundraising
- Learn practical ways to raise more money for your cause or they’ll refund 100% of your ticket price
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/get-tickets/
Engage for Good
When: May 16-18,2023
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
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.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- The unveiling of their classic benchmark report and case studies about today’s issues from 40+ 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
- Interactive programming and breakout sessions that delve into hot topics like DEI and coping with a challenging economy
While this year’s Create Good Conference has already passed, be on the lookout for next year’s event announcement.
Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/create-good-2023-tickets-445346923637
NonProfit POWER
When: TBD
Where: TBD
Hosted by NonprofitPro, 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 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 Vanguard, boodleAI, and Fundraise Up.
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: November 1-4, 2023
Where: Kansas City, Missouri
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. The conference is designed to level up your skills, whether you’re just getting started or are highly experienced.
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.
Registration Link: TBA
International Fundraising Congress (IFC)
When: October 17-20, 2023
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 Unite. While war rages on, the planet faces global warming, and women fight for equality, the one thing that will help deliver real change is people’s collective power. That’s the key message the event’s organizers hope to deliver.
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://hopin.com/events/ifc-2023
Nonprofit Marketing Conferences
Nonprofit Storytelling Conference
When: November 2-4, 2023
Where: San Diego, California
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 them envision their impact on the people impacted by your work.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- 35+ presentations that teach storytelling techniques for fundraising appeals, newsletters, events, major donors, and monthly donors
- A carefully-curated team of speakers tailored specifically to the audience’s topic requests
- StoryLabs, where conference guests can sit down with speakers one-on-one to ask questions
If you can’t attend in person this year, you can still purchase access to the video sessions at a reduced rate.
Registration Link: https://nonprofitstorytellingconference.com/
Create Good
When: April 26-28, 2023
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 like Kivi Leroux Miller and Kenia Thompson, covering everything from mastering social media platforms like Instagram to sparking meaningful dialogue with beneficiaries. 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 TikTok
- Fun networking opportunities that focus on eliminating awkward introductions
While this year’s Create Good Conference has already passed, be on the lookout for next year’s event announcement.
Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/create-good-2023-tickets-445346923637
The Bridge Conference
When: August 2-4, 2023
Where: National Harbor, Maryland
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.
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 from Thaddeus Bullard and Rhea Wong 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 sure to add this event to your calendar!
Registration Link: https://www.edgereg.net/er/Registration/StepRegInfo.jsp?ActivityID=40698
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. Moving forward, it’s being hosted online and in person.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- 180+ live, interactive 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 sessions, mediation sessions, virtual art galleries, and live music
- CFRE and CRE credits or NTEN professional certificate credits for attending sessions
While 2023’s NTC has passed, be sure to join them in March 2024.
Registration Link: https://www.nten.org/gather/ntc
Good Tech Fest
When: May 1-4, 2023
Where: Washington, D.C.
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’s goal is 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.
What To Expect From This Nonprofit Conference:
- Tech-focused topics such as innovation, data science, and product management
- An abundance of networking and community-building opportunities
- 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
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.
Registration Link: https://goodtechfest.com/washington-dc/register/
bbcon
When: October 23-24, 2023
Where: Denver, Colorado
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.
After three years of the conference being remote, you can join thousands of tech-minded changemakers in person this year! They’re also combining it 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
While registration isn’t open yet, you can sign up to be notified as soon as it is. Registration will open by the end of May. You won’t want to miss this event!
Sign Up to be Notified: https://www.bbconference.com/2023/3234334
Dreamforce
When: September 12-14, 2023
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! They haven’t opened registration for this year’s conference yet, but you can sign up to be notified.
Registration Link: https://www.salesforce.com/dreamforce/
Other Standout Nonprofit Management Conferences
Cause Camp
When: September 14-15, 2023
Where: Greater Sandusky, Ohio
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! 2023’s rendition of this nonprofit conference will be focused on “lessons in building momentum” through the transformative nature of nonprofit life.
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
Registration Link: https://cause.camp/register/
Nonprofit Alliance Leadership Summit
When: September 19-21, 2023
Where: Washington, D.C.
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 3-day conference about ensuring all voices at your organization are heard, spurring greater leadership and innovation. The 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. Seating is capped at 150 attendees, so register before they fill up!
Registration Link: https://thenonprofitalliance.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/EPK3AbbP
Social Innovation Summit
When: June 6-7, 2023
Where: Los Angeles, California
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. To name a few, sessions will cover subjects like creating more resilient communities by leveraging emerging technology, building ecosystems for long-term financial security, and storytelling for social impact.
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 companies (like Patagonia and Peloton) and nonprofits (like LIFE Camp)
- 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/OY0vPR
Upswell Summit
When: November 15-17, 2023
Where: Dallas, Texas
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. The conference’s goal is to build a racially-just nation through the exchange of the best ideas, innovations, and lessons learned from changemakers around the country.
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 skills-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, check out some of the pre-conference events. They have some exciting options, like community dinners and tours starting at 8 a.m. CT on Tuesday, November 14. There are also virtual pop-ups in the months leading up to the summit.
Registration Link: https://upswell.org/#register
Can’t Wait? Join one of our Free Upcoming Live Sessions
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. 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 added to this list! We’d love to hear your suggestions. If we left an event off of 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.
