In a fast-evolving nonprofit landscape, staying ahead isn’t just about passion—it’s about progress. Whether your team is focused on donor retention, grant acquisition, digital transformation, or storytelling, there’s no substitute for live learning and direct access to sector experts. The best nonprofit conferences offer more than just inspiration; they deliver practical strategies, hands-on tools, and powerful peer connections that can fuel your mission all year long.
From high-impact virtual summits to dynamic in-person gatherings, the following list highlights 15 leading nonprofit conferences to attend this year and next. Each event offers unique opportunities to sharpen your skills, grow your network, and return to your organization with actionable insights that make a real difference. Whether you’re a development director, communications lead, executive, or program manager, there’s something here for every mission-minded professional ready to take their impact to the next level.
Let’s begin!
1. Double the Donation’s Virtual Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit
When: October 29–30, 2025
Where: Virtual (free)
Register → https://doublethedonation.com/workplace-fundraising-summit/
This virtual event offers expert insight into maximizing corporate philanthropy—from matching gifts and volunteer grants to in-kind donations and CSR partnerships. Attendees leave with concrete strategies and automation tips to scale workplace giving programs (and revenue) efficiently.
2. Raise Conference
When: September 8–9, 2025
Where: San Antonio, TX
Register → https://raise.onecause.com/
This two-day conference addresses cutting-edge fundraising trends and networking. It equips professionals with fresh insights on campaign innovation, digital donor engagement, and nonprofit storytelling, all within a dynamic peer environment.
3. Nonprofit Innovation & Optimization (NIO) Summit
When: September 30–October 2, 2025
Where: Kansas City, MO
Register → https://www.niosummit.com/
Focuses on digital strategy, A/B testing, donor behavior analytics, and campaign optimization. Practical workshops help attendees experiment with and implement measurable improvements in fundraising outcomes using data-driven tools.
4. bbcon by Blackbaud
When: October 6–8, 2025
Where: Philadelphia, PA
Register → https://www.bbconference.com/
An immersive technology conference connecting nonprofit professionals, institutional funders, and vendors. Features product deep-dives, case studies, and keynotes on tech innovation and social impact strategy. Attendees gain first-hand experience with tools to advance nonprofit operations.
5. International Fundraising Congress (IFC)
When: October 14–17, 2025
Where: Noordwijk, Netherlands
Register → https://www.resource-alliance.org/event/ifc-2025/
A global gathering focused on modernizing fundraising through innovation, leadership, and ethical practice. Attendees benefit from international perspectives and actionable strategies for effective cross-border philanthropy.
6. GrantSummit
When: October 29–November 1, 2025
Where: Baltimore, MD
Register → https://site.pheedloop.com/event/grantsummit2025/home
Designed for grantwriters and development professionals, sessions cover trends in foundation giving, proposal design, lifecycle strategy, and peer networking. You’ll leave better equipped to write higher-impact proposals and manage grant-funded projects effectively.
7. Cause Camp
When: November 4–5, 2025
Where: Pittsburgh, PA
Register → https://cause.camp/
This boutique, affordable conference focuses on storytelling, leadership, and marketing innovation. Attendees leave energized with practical tools, creative strategies, and video access included—ideal for smaller nonprofits with limited budgets.
8. TNPA Leadership Summit (Nonprofit Alliance Leadership Summit)
When: September 8–11, 2025
Where: St. Petersburg, FL
Register → https://tnpa.org/leadership-summit-2025/
A senior-leadership event offering keynotes and panels on governance, digital transformation, and sustainability. Great for executive directors and board members seeking to drive strategic change within their organizations.
9. AAWA Annual Conference
When: November 2–6, 2025
Where: Atlanta, GA
Register → https://theaawa.org/conferences/
Geared toward animal welfare nonprofits, this conference features sessions on volunteer engagement, fundraising, public outreach, and shelter management. Excellent for organizations in the animal welfare or service sector.
10. Central Nebraska Nonprofit Conference
When: March 26, 2026
Where: Kearney, NE
Register → https://www.nonprofitam.org/events/2026-central-nebraska-nonprofit-conference
This one-day regional event brings nonprofits of all sizes together with keynotes, breakout sessions, and workshops. Designed for hands-on learning and peer collaboration, it’s ideal for mission-driven groups in or near Nebraska.
11. Faith & Fundraising Conference 2026
When: February 23–26, 2026
Where: Chicago, IL
Register → https://www.faithandfundraisingconference.org/
Presented by the Association for Christian Fundraising, this conference centers on faith-based nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and marketing. Attendees network with peers and learn strategies aligned with faith-driven missions.
12. True Charity Summit 2026
When: Dates TBD early 2026
Where: Virtual / In-person
Register → https://www.truecharity.us/summit-2026/
Focuses on dignity-centered poverty alleviation and nonprofit‑church partnerships. Attendees learn strategic approaches to serving communities without stigma and designing sustainable impact programs.
13. ISTR Biennial Conference (Third-Sector Research)
When: July 2026
Where: Lisbon, Portugal
Register → https://www.istr.org/page/ISTR2026
The International Society for Third‑Sector Research brings together scholars and practitioners in philanthropy and civil society. Offers research insights and best practices for nonprofits grounded in global data and evidence-based innovation.
14. Inkubator Writing Conference
When: September 8–13, 2025
Where: Online (Sept 8–10) & Cleveland, OH (Sept 11–13)
Register → https://inkubator.litcleveland.org/
While literary-focused, this free conference offers nonprofits valuable sessions on narrative crafting, mission storytelling, and community engagement—skills essential to fundraising and messaging.
15. Nonprofit Leadership Conference 2026 (Mission Accepted)
When: June x, 2026 (TBD)
Where: Tampa, FL
Register → https://nlctb.org/leadership-conference/
Brings nonprofit leaders together for motivational keynotes, practical training, and leadership networking. Ideal for executive directors and board members refining organizational strategy and resilience.
Final Thoughts
These upcoming conferences offer powerful opportunities for growth—whether you’re looking to refine your fundraising strategy, deepen storytelling skills, adopt new technologies, or connect around shared values. Not to mention, free virtual events like Double the Donation’s Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit make development accessible to organizations and budgets of all shapes and sizes.