In an ever-evolving landscape of nonprofits, staying current on the latest trends, forming meaningful relationships, and gaining insight and inspiration is crucial to achieving your goals. One of the best ways to do this is by attending nonprofit conferences.
In 2024, several can’t-miss events are poised to provide invaluable resources for nonprofit professionals.
Why Should I Attend Conferences?
We get it – you have so much on your plate, why add yet another thing? Especially one that involves a few days of your valuable time? Nonprofit staff members can, however, benefit from conferences in several ways.
1. Networking opportunities
Conference attendees come from various nonprofit sectors, including fundraising professionals, volunteers, and experts. The chance to form relationships and develop partnerships with fellow conference-goers can result in resource sharing, fundraising boosts, and more.
2. Learning and education
Nonprofit conferences offer workshops, panels, and keynote speeches from industry leaders who have quite a bit of experience in your shoes. Each educational opportunity provides insight, best practices, and strategies you can apply in the real world.
3. Staying up-to-date
Many conferences are hosted or sponsored by leaders in the fundraising SaaS space. These conferences are excellent chances for these platforms to share their products and services and for nonprofit professionals to get a closer look.
Nonprofit conferences are also the best time to learn more about the latest fundraising trends, successes, and issues other organizations have had. The knowledge learned at these conferences helps nonprofits stay competitive and meet their goals.
4. Inspiration and motivation
If you’ve ever attended a nonprofit conference, you know first-hand how inspiring they can be. Being part of a gathering of like-minded people sharing successes and challenges can make you feel like you’re part of a community and can rejuvenate the passion that got you started.
The Top Nonprofit Conferences in 2024
1. PeerToPeer Professional Forum
Dates: February 21-23
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Overview: Peer-to-peer fundraising has been a common fundraising practice for many nonprofits for a while. It should be expected that one or two nonprofit conferences would focus on the success and problems associated with this type of fundraising.
This February, P2P Professional Forum attendees will leave “informed, connected, and inspired,” according to the conference website. Nonprofit professionals will meet at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown to discuss various aspects of peer-to-peer fundraising, including –
- Storytelling
- Relationship building
- Data analysis
- Event production
- And community engagement
Pricing: Early Bird prices are offered through January 17, 2024, for:
- $895 for P2PPF Members (regular price is $1,045)
- $995 for Non-Members (regular price is $1,145)
- $1,595 Agency/Supplier (inquire about discounts for conference sponsors)
2. Nonprofit Technology Conference
Dates: March 13-15
Location: Portland, Oregon and Virtual
Overview: The Nonprofit Technology Conference promised to share details on essential nonprofit technology best practices while connecting you with fundraising professionals.
The Live Conference in Portland, Oregon, includes:
- 135 in-person sessions
- Keynote speakers
- Networking opportunities during breakout sessions and three receptions
- Vendors offering technology solutions
- Five-day pass for TriMet, Portland’s mass transit system
- Access to virtual sessions for three months
Virtual Conference attendees have access to:
- 35 live virtual sessions
- Networking opportunities
- Keynote speakers
Live Conference Pricing:
- $675 for members (increases to $775 after February 15, 2024)
- $975 for non-members (increases to $1,075 after February 15, 2024)
Virtual Conference Pricing:
- $350 for members (increases to $400 after February 15, 2024)
- $650 for non-members (increases to $700 after February 15, 2024)
3. AFP Icon 2024
Dates: April 7-9
Location: Toronto, Canada
Overview: Toronto, Canada, will host the Association of Fundraising Professional’s Icon Conference in 2024. This event attracts over 3,000 fundraising professionals annually and is home to over 100 educational sessions and endless networking opportunities.
This year, the crowd is bound to be even greater with Pulitzer-Prize Reporter and creator of the 1619 Project Nikole Hannah-Jones as Keynote Speaker. Registration is open now, with discounted advanced rates ending January 19!
Pricing: Pricing varies greatly depending on the type of registrant. Advanced Rates (ending January 19, 2024) start at $599 for collegiate members, $1,099 for Young Professional members and small nonprofits, $1,549 for AFP members, and $2,249 for non-members. Additional charges apply for various pre-conference ‘Deep-Dives.’
4. Good Tech Fest
In-Person Dates: April 29 – May 2
Location: Utah
Virtual Dates: May 1 – May 2, 2024
Overview: The Good Tech Fest focuses on how nonprofits can use emerging technologies. The in-person conference in Utah is by invitation only for 80-100 social sector leaders. Attendees will connect with peers, share lessons, and apply data and technology to social sector issues.
An international audience can view plenary talks, off-the-record fireside chats, and panels. Virtual attendees will also have access to recordings of all sessions. Registration will open soon.
Pricing: Pricing varies depending on if you are attending the in-person or virtual conference.
- The in-person event includes lodging, meals, and all sessions, and is $2,500 for nonprofits.
- Virtual registration for Global North attendees is $250 for Global North attendees and $50 for Global South attendees
Scholarships and group discounts are available.
Bonus: Good Tech Fest will also hold an additional conference in Nairobi this Fall 2024!
5. Engage for Good
Dates: May 14-16
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Overview: This year’s Engage for Good conference theme, “Turning Moments into Movements,” will explore how to bring lasting change by shifting our perspective from isolated campaigns to social movements. Over 600 social impact leaders join this conference every year to share their expertise and connect with fellow nonprofit professionals.
This year’s conference will include the Halos Award’s Gala, an evening with entertainment, inspiring speakers, and spotlighting the best partnerships. Registration for the EFG conference and Halo Award’s Gala is open now.
Pricing: The Early Bird pricing for Engage for Good Conference ends January 25, 2024, and is as follows:
- Members – $1,495 (increasing to $1,795 from January 25 – April 11)
- Non-members – $1,596 (increasing to $1,895 from January 25 – April 11)
Additional fees apply to those wishing to attend various workshops and summits.
6. Bridge Conference
Dates: July 31 – August 1
Location: TBD for 2024 (held in National Harbor, MD in 2023)
Details for the 2024 Bridge Conference have yet to be released. The 2023 conference was held at Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Attendees enjoyed 90+ breakout sessions covering 15 topics and networking opportunities on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Wednesday included three additional Master Class workshops: Strategic Planning, Major Gifts, or Sustainers, BridgeTECH for technology partners, and a Faith & Fundraising Forum by the Nonprofit Alliance Catholic Development Council.
Pricing: Registration and pricing has yet to be released, but 2023 conference rates were as follows:
- Best Value (ended Mar 31) – $625 Member/$730 Non-member
- Early Bird (ended June 9) – $730 Member/$835 Non-member
- Regular (ended July 7)- $835 Member/$940 Non-member
7. Dreamforce
Dates: September 17-19
Location: San Francisco
Overview: The Dreamforce conference by Salesforce will be held in San Francisco this year, and while much is still to be finalized for the 2024 conference, their website has a lot to share about the successes of their 2023 event.
Last year’s Dreamforce was the largest AI event of the year, with a speaker list that included –
- Marc Benioff, CEO and Co-Founder of Salesforce
- Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI
- Ayanna Howard, Ph.D., Entrepreneur and Educator
- Matthew McConaughey
- Governor Gavin Newsom, Governor of California
- Spike Lee
- Dr. Jane Godall
If this year’s conference is half as good, it will definitely be a can’t-miss event!
Pricing: Registration dates and pricing have not been released – stay tuned!
8. NIO Summit 2024
Dates: September 18-19
Location: Indianapolis
Overview: The NIO Summit can teach nonprofits a thing or two about branding. With their Indiana Jones theme and imagery and last year’s bull riding, arcade games, concerts, and other exciting activities, this year’s event is bound to be another must-attend conference. The summit provides principles and tactics to help nonprofit attendees innovate and optimize online fundraising.
Pricing: There are less than 90 tickets left at half-price, for $695, so be sure to sign up as soon as possible!
General Admission for NIO Summit Sessions is $1,295, with an optional additional $300 for the pre-summit certification workshop.
9. Cause Camp
Dates: October 21-22
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Overview: Cause Camp’s focus this year is “Better, Higher, Successful – Together.” Nonprofits can only survive when the collaborative spirit of the sector is strong. Past attendees praise this two-day conference for offering the chance to learn and apply this new knowledge that same day.
Pricing: Cause Camp offers in-person and virtual attendance opportunities at various price points.
Registration opens on January 15, 2024. In-person and virtual watch party tickets are non-refundable, but scholarships are available for those interested.
10. Nonprofit Storytelling Conference
Dates: November 11-13
Location: Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico
Overview: Quality storytelling is a critical element of nonprofit fundraising. As such, the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference’s promise to teach you how to connect and communicate better with donors makes it a much-attend event.
Specialized training sessions for in-person and virtual attendees will share how to create stories that attract new donors, raise more money, and engage current supporters. You’ll receive ten free bonus storytelling videos by Steven Screen and Jim Shapiro when you purchase your tickets.
Pricing: Registration is open, and pricing is as follows –
- Video Only – $1,495 to access the main sessions on video, digital session handouts, the private Facebook group, and ten free bonus videos.
- Ticket Only – $1,995 to attend the conference in person, and access digital session handouts, the private Facebook group, and ten free bonus videos.
- Ticket & Videos – $2,095 to attend the conference in person, plus access to all conference sessions and keynotes on videos, digital session handouts, the private Facebook Group, and ten free bonus videos.
11. Nonprofit POWER Conference
Dates: TBD (held December 4 – 6 in 2023)
Location: TBD (held in Baltimore, MD in 2023)
Overview: If the price for other conferences is out of your reach, the Nonprofit POWER Conference is right up your alley. This conference is free for all qualified attendees. Attendance is limited, so make sure you fill out this form to show your interest.
This conference aims to share emerging fundraising trends and next-gen technologies with nonprofit leaders. Attendees will explore fundraising strategies for direct marketing, peer-to-peer fundraising, and technology, and will attend:
- Boardroom case studies – where you’ll learn from experts and your peers
- 1:1 meetings with industry-leading solutions providers
- Networking opportunities
Pricing: Free for qualified attendees!
Are You Ready for 2024?
Nonprofit conferences are more than a bunch of informational sessions. They ignite passion, educate, and forge connections that propel organizations forward. Each conference on our list offers a unique perspective on fundraising and the tools you need to thrive as a nonprofit in 2024.
Participating in these transformative events can expand your network, develop strategies, and help your organization reach new heights. While you wait for your favorite conference to get here, visit Donorbox’s Nonprofit Blog for tips and resources to help your organization meet its fundraising goals.