13 Must-Attend Nonprofit Conferences in 2026
Looking to grow your network and skills as a nonprofit leader this year? I’ve highlighted the 13 best nonprofit conferences in 2026 you shouldn’t miss.
Updated
Looking to grow your network and skills as a nonprofit leader this year? I’ve highlighted the 13 best nonprofit conferences in 2026 you shouldn’t miss.
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When hundreds of nonprofit leaders come together in one place, amazing things can happen!
Nonprofit fundraising conferences give you a chance to step off the hamster wheel, explore cutting-edge ideas, learn from industry experts, and make connections you simply wouldn’t find anywhere else.
With so many gatherings taking place, I’ve rounded up the best nonprofit conferences in 2026 to help you choose the ones that best fit your nonprofit’s goals, budget, and location.
Date: February 25–26, 2026
Location: Virtual
Overview:
The Monthly Giving Summit is the only global nonprofit event completely dedicated to growing your recurring giving program.
This online conference features interactive workshops and plenty of opportunities to connect with peers, share insights, and learn from each other’s experiences.
Through the 2026 theme, The Believer Blueprint, you’ll learn how to cultivate loyal donors, or “believers,” who are deeply committed to supporting your mission over the long term.
Pricing:
Free! You also have the option for paid upgrades for additional resources and perks like session recordings and exclusive content.
What Stands Out:
While the Monthly Giving Summit is fully virtual, it delivers a highly interactive and hands-on experience, all for free! What really sets it apart are the peer-led opportunities, especially the behind-the-scenes case studies.
Date: March 10–13, 2026
Location: Detroit, Michigan, and Virtual
Overview:
Hosted annually by NTEN, the Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC) brings together nonprofit professionals at every level who are eager to use technology to make the world a better place.
This year, attendees can choose from more than 180 sessions, available both in person and online, covering key topics like fundraising, marketing, leadership, operations, and IT, making it easy to tailor the experience to your role and goals.
The NTC is all about quality and intentionality. Each speaker and topic is carefully selected from over 700 proposals, ensuring every session brings real value. The conference also puts a strong emphasis on equality and accessibility, making sure that sessions, sponsors, and event logistics meet the needs of all attendees, including those requiring childcare or other accommodations.
Date: April 21–24, 2026
Location: Palm Springs, California
Engage for Good caters to corporate, nonprofit, and agency leaders who are ready to move beyond conversation and into action, tackling today’s social and political challenges with strategies that drive real, measurable impact.
You’ll be challenged through inspiring main-stage sessions, practical workshops, and opportunities to build corporate partnerships that extend beyond the conference.
Pricing varies based on the type of experience you choose, with available discounts for members, nonprofit organizations, groups, and more.
Engage for Good is one of the best nonprofit events for organizations ready to move beyond talk and achieve real, measurable results. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn proven strategies while building lasting partnerships with others who are equally committed to turning purpose into action.
Date: April 26-28, 2026
Location: San Diego, California
Hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), ICON is one of the largest fundraising conferences in the world, bringing together more than 3,000 nonprofit leaders to learn, share ideas, and connect.
This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Bob Johansen, will challenge attendees to rethink what’s ahead by reframing the future from chaos to possibility and positive action.
You can also choose from 200+ speaker sessions, workshops, personalized coaching, and an exhibit hall filled with the top vendors, Donorbox included, so be sure to stop by and say hi!
Pricing for AFP ICON 2026 varies depending on your membership status, how early you register, and whether you choose full conference access or more limited options. Price ranges from $599 for collegiate members to $2,999 for non-members.
What stands out:
AFP ICON is a large, high-energy conference, which makes it especially powerful for networking. The in-person experience is intentionally designed to help you build meaningful connections and engage face-to-face with peers who understand your challenges and share your passion for fundraising.
Date: April 15-16, 2026
Location: Virtual
More than 5,000 volunteer leaders and fundraisers from nonprofits and schools will unite at Double the Donation’s Virtual Workplace Fundraising + Volunteering Summit. Hear from industry experts as they share actionable insights for growing your revenue and amplifying your workplace giving programs.
Access proven strategies for elevating your fundraising in areas such as:
Free! By registering, you’ll also receive session recordings, so you don’t miss out on any strategies to grow your fundraising and impact.
This summit gives you insider access to powerful and proven ways to enable sustainable corporate revenue streams. If you’re a nonprofit leader who wants to move beyond reactive approaches to workplace fundraising, this event is for you.
Date: May 6–9, 2026
Location: Long Beach, California
The North American YMCA Development Organization is hosting the 2026 Anchored in Giving conference, offering a tailored experience with expert speakers and focused tracks. This year’s tracks cover Marketing and Communications, Board and Volunteer Development, Major and Planned Gifts, Community Building, and more, offering practical insights for every aspect of nonprofit growth and engagement.
Pricing depends upon the time you purchase your ticket and whether or not you’re a NAYDO member.
NAYDO is all about hands-on learning! Attendees can hear directly from local YMCAs about their philanthropic journeys during in-person tours and participate in volunteer service projects in the Long Beach community through Philanthropy Live.
Plus, Donorbox will be there! Be sure to stop by and visit our booth while you’re there to see how we’re supporting nonprofits like yours.
Date: June 1–3, 2026
This well-known conference, hosted by Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO), is designed to help nonprofits and funders strengthen their grantmaking practices. GEO 2026 will center on Transforming Philanthropic Culture and Practice, exploring how effective grantmaking can be paired with the leadership of communities driving equity-focused social change.
Pricing depends on the time you purchase the ticket and whether or not you’re a member. Price ranges from $1,600 for members and $2,100 for non-members who register early.
The GEO National Conference is one of the few conferences where funders and grantees are both part of the conversation. This is important because grantmaking isn’t only about establishing new frameworks; it’s also about listening and designing fundraising practices that genuinely support communities.
Date: June 2-3, 2026
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
The Social Innovation Summit is a new gathering for over 1,000 changemakers eager to connect and tackle today’s most pressing challenges. Explore bold ideas through inspiring keynotes, collaborative sessions, and networking opportunities that spark real-world impact. 2026 topics include “Amplifying and Investing in Gen Z’s Social Impact” and “AI as a Force for Inclusive Progress.”
General admission is $1,895.00
The 2026 themes (Gen Z’s social impact and AI) feel especially relevant today. The summit is tackling two areas that are actively reshaping the sector – guaranteeing some insights you won’t want to miss.
Date: June 22–25, 2026
Location: Washington, D.C.
The Points of Light Conference aims to empower nonprofits with the tools, insights, and strategies needed to tackle today’s challenges and better serve their communities. This year’s focus is on boosting volunteerism and civic engagement worldwide. You can get a taste of what to expect at the conference beforehand through their virtual events.
Conference pricing varies based on your registration date and status, such as member, nonprofit, corporate, or volunteer. Early bird rates start at $525 for members and $625 for nonprofits, with standard rates increasing closer to the event.
Points of Light believes in the power of volunteers and civic engagement, making it a great conference for nonprofits prioritizing volunteer programs and expanding their network of supporters.
Date: September 22–24, 2026
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
The Nonprofit Innovation & Optimization Summit (NIO) is an annual conference designed to give your nonprofit the latest strategies and tools for digital fundraising and marketing. The 2026 theme, Saturday Night Live, promises a mix of fun and interactive activities alongside practical sessions on growing your donor base and optimizing your campaigns.
General admission is $1,495 with discounts available for early purchase as well as a pre-summit workshop add-on.
If you want a relaxed and engaging way to level up your digital fundraising, NIO is for you! Expect fun, interactive experiences, like Celebrity Jeopardy, and answering some of the most difficult questions in fundraising.
Date: October 13–16, 2026
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
The Independent Sector’s National Summit 2026 unites nonprofit professionals who are passionate about advancing equity and building a better future. This year’s theme, “The Future We Build Together,” highlights the summit’s focus on collaboration. Look forward to sessions on topics such as building an equitable workforce, strengthening financial health, advocacy strategies, and much more.
Pricing for this summit depends on when you purchase your ticket and your organization type and member status. Early bird prices range from $645 for members to $745 for non-members.
The National Summit offers a wide range of sessions, but it’s particularly valuable for nonprofit leaders in senior roles – those who oversee departments and guide their organizations. Many sessions are specifically designed for organizational leadership – focusing on strategy, and operational governance to help leaders guide their organizations more effectively.
Dates: October 26–28, 2026
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Storytelling is at the heart of every successful fundraising strategy, and the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference is all about helping you craft meaningful stories that truly connect with donors and excite them about your mission.
This year’s conference offers a peaceful retreat in the Sonoran Desert, where you’ll be guided through simple, practical storytelling strategies, clear scripts and frameworks for donor communication, and emotional tools you can use to connect with supporters across any platform.
The Nonprofit Storytelling Conference offers three pricing options:
You can save 50% on regular-priced tickets with the Super Early-Bird Pricing.
If your nonprofit struggles to tell stories that truly move people to action, this conference is the perfect fit. The tools and frameworks shared are immediately practical, and many can be applied to your organization within minutes.
With attendance capped at just 500 participants, this conference offers a more intimate, focused experience, so you can learn and grow without the overwhelm of large crowds.
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Location: Toronto, Canada
The Together for Impact Summit is a one-day conference bringing together organizations of all sizes from across Canada for a full day of skill-building, networking, and practical support.
2026 sessions focus on strengthening your team, aligning your brand with social impact, and enhancing inclusion practices and marketing strategies. Plus, Donorbox is a proud sponsor of this event and is looking forward to connecting with you there in person!
Together for Impact offers four different ticket types:
This summit emphasizes hands-on experiences, including workshops, one-on-one consultations, and team-building activities. Plus, its one-day format makes it manageable for busy nonprofits working with limited time and budgets, while still offering intentional opportunities to learn alongside peers.
Even though conferences come with a ready-made schedule, doing a bit of prep work beforehand will help you make the most of your time and investment.
Here are some tips for making the most of your next conference:
Attending at least one nonprofit leadership conference in 2026 is a goal worth setting. As this list shows, there’s something for everyone, whether it’s a free virtual event or a large in-person experience.
The insights, connections, and strategies you stand to gain may just transform your nonprofit’s mission and reach.
Donorbox will be at several of these conferences, so be sure to stop by, say hello, and sign up for free to see how our fundraising tools empower you to put what you learn into action.
With a background in professional writing, Lydia brings over 10 years of experience in nonprofit communications under her belt, with a strong focus on fundraising and donor engagement. Her passion for supporting nonprofits was sparked during college internships with global mission organizations, where she gained hands-on experience with fundraising marketing strategies.
Lydia went on to serve for more than eight years as a Church Communications Director, overseeing both internal and external communications to clearly communicate the church’s mission, build trust with members, and encourage generosity through accessible tools like online and recurring giving. In this role, she partnered closely with church leadership to support giving campaigns and highlight the real-life impact of financial support through storytelling.
These experiences have continued to fuel her dedication to empowering nonprofits through her writing.
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