Do you need inspiration to take your fundraising and donor outreach efforts to the next level? Then look no further than these nonprofit conferences that are great for inspiring leaders of small nonprofits!
For small nonprofits navigating the ever-evolving landscape of social impact, choosing the right conferences can be a game-changer. In 2024-2025, the opportunities are boundless, and the possibilities for growth and learning are endless. Whether you're seeking insights on fundraising strategies or craving connections with like-minded change makers, conferences empower small nonprofits to thrive.
Let’s explore the must-attend events that promise to inspire, educate, and elevate your nonprofit endeavors in the coming year!
*It’s important to note: that many of these conferences offer early bird discounts. If you’re planning to attend one, book early to save!
Nonprofit Marketing Summit
Dates: March 4-6, 2025
Location: Virtual
Price: FREE
The Nonprofit Marketing Summit (NMS) is a free, virtual conference put on by Community Boost. With over 75 sessions by nonprofit thought leaders, you’re sure to take away valuable insights from NMS!
NMS focuses on effective marketing strategies and outreach ideas. But it also prioritizes other important issues that many small nonprofit professionals are facing. Whether it be burnout, diversity and inclusion, or collaborating with other nonprofits, the Nonprofit Marketing Summit is likely to cover the topics you’re interested in. It even offers CRFE (Fund Raising Executive) credits.
Community Boost provides points of connection throughout the conference so that you can still network with other professionals. On top of that, you’ll have a chance to connect and network with each speaker after their session. In the speaker’s lounge, you can ask them specific follow-up questions. It’s a great time to clarify how to apply their guidance to your specific nonprofit and connect with other nonprofit professionals.
Best of all, it’s completely FREE to attend! However, if you’re looking for exclusive content, access to speaker notes and slides, and the option to rewatch sessions in the future, there is an option to upgrade to VIP. Even if you decide to upgrade, the conference is still significantly cheaper than many other conferences.
Between saving on conference and travel costs, as well as being able to pop in and out as it works for your schedule, the Nonprofit Marketing Summit is a great conference option for small nonprofits!
AFP ICON
Dates: April 27-29, 2025
Location: Seattle, WA
Price: $$$
AFP ICON, hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), is one of the largest and most prominent conferences in the nonprofit and fundraising sector. Held annually, it draws fundraisers, nonprofit leaders, consultants, and industry experts from around the world to explore trends, learn best practices, and network with peers.
The conference offers a wide range of sessions, workshops, and keynote presentations covering topics such as fundraising strategies, donor engagement, technology in fundraising, diversity and inclusion, ethics, and more.
AFP ICON aims to inspire and equip professionals to enhance their fundraising skills, deepen their impact, and stay ahead of changes in the nonprofit world. It's a great opportunity for attendees to gain new insights, explore innovative tools, and connect with other like-minded professionals dedicated to advancing philanthropy and making a difference.
Though the conference can be a bit pricey, they offer a discount for small nonprofits to make it more accessible.
Nonprofit Innovation and Optimization (NIO) Summit
Dates: Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2025
Location: Kansas City Music Hall
Price: $$$
The Nonprofit Innovation and Optimization Summit known primarily as the NIO Summit is an over-the-top, energetic conference experience. Put on by NextAfter, they are sure to keep you on your toes, while also offering innovative insights to optimize your nonprofit’s marketing and outreach efforts.
Each year, industry leaders and attendees come together to spark imaginations and reinvigorate their passion to make a difference by rethinking their approach to fundraising. With many opportunities to connect with like-minded nonprofit professionals, you’ll have the opportunity to talk through all of the practical and actionable content you’re learning from the speakers.
While the price of attending NIO can get pretty expensive, the earlier you buy your ticket, the cheaper the NIO conference is. Their early bird discount typically starts at over 50% off. So, if you are planning early in the year, this is a reasonably affordable conference for small nonprofits to attend.
Whether it's creating an entire Wizard of Oz themed musical or building several gameshow sets, NextAfter unforgettably sticks to their NIO theme. For small nonprofits, NIO offers actionable tips to innovate your fundraising and build confidence with practical ideas you can implement right away.
Collaborative by Classy
Dates: May 14-15, 2025
Location: Chicago, IL
Price: $$
Collaborative by Classy is an annual event hosted by Classy, a leading nonprofit fundraising platform. This conference is designed for nonprofit professionals, social impact leaders, and innovators who aim to deepen their knowledge, expand their networks, and explore cutting-edge strategies for making a difference.
This conference is designed to empower nonprofits with actionable insights and practical tools for success. With a focus on fundraising innovation and strategies to scale impact through technology and collaboration, Collaborative by Classy sets attendees up to return home ready to grow their nonprofit.
What sets this conference apart is its community-driven focus, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where participants can exchange ideas and share success stories. With a strong emphasis on innovation, the event showcases how technology and creative problem-solving can tackle challenges in the nonprofit sector. Additionally, keynote speakers from diverse backgrounds bring an extra layer of inspiration, offering fresh perspectives and ideas to energize and elevate your nonprofit’s mission.
Local Conferences
Date: Varies Location: Near you Price: $
While you’re on the hunt for the perfect conference for your small nonprofit to attend, don’t overlook the richness of local conferences. Local conferences are a great way to connect with other nonprofit professionals in your area, while offering practical tips and insights known to work for your region.
To find a conference in your area connect with your local nonprofit association. They typically put on an annual conference. Or search “Nonprofit conferences in [your state].”
These conferences tend to be on the smaller end, which works well if you’re hoping to catch speakers and build better relationships with them. They foster a sense of community and local commitment to doing good together.
And, they are typically more budget-friendly than national conferences because both ticket costs and travel costs are lower.
If you’re a small nonprofit looking for a great conference to attend, definitely check out your local conference options!
Cheers to the growth of your small nonprofit with these conferences!
As you think about fundraising this 2024-2025, let these conferences be your source of energy, ideas, and connections for your small nonprofit.
Hoping to go into each conference well prepared? Track your donor data, so you can make the most of the insights from each conference! Get started with DonorDock for free!
Here’s to a year of growth, ingenuity, and making a difference.
