Nonprofit Fundraising Conferences You Need to Attend in 2018
Updated
It’s not always easy to escape the office, but attending industry-specific conferences can be hugely beneficial for your organization. Nonprofit conferences hold great opportunities for nonprofit professionals. At these conferences, you can network and collaborate with other nonprofit leaders from around the country and around the world.
In the nonprofit arena, there are hundreds upon hundreds of conferences to choose from with specialties including SEO, content, non-profit marketing, fundraising, tech, and more.
Pick a month that is typically a bit slower for your nonprofit and book one of these nonprofit fundraising conferences to help grow your nonprofit.
To get the most out of each nonprofit conference you attend in 2018, it’s a good idea to spend time in advance researching each conference.
Since nonprofit conferences require an investment of both time and money, make sure that the conference(s) you choose to attend:
- Focus on areas in which you and your profit need to grow in. Make sure the conference themes align with your team’s focus for the year.
- Provide plenty networking opportunities with relevant contacts.
- Align with your schedule and timeline in terms of dates and locations.
- Fit into your budget.
It can be hard to choose a conference that’s right for your nonprofit. So, we’ve compiled a list of 10 conferences for 2018 that we think are worth your while.
1. 2018 Washington Nonprofit Conference
Where: Washington DC
When: February 21-23, 2018
What: The Washington Nonprofit Conference, organized by the DMA Nonprofit Foundation is a two-day event for nonprofit professionals to exchange innovative marketing and fundraising ideas, generate insightful solutions and think creatively to help you make the relationship with your donors even stronger.
Audience size: 150
Audience profile: Marketers, Fundraising Professionals
Price:
Conference Only – $559
Conference & Workshop – $659
Preconference Workshop – $175
2. Nonprofit Hub: Cause Camp
Where: Lincoln, NE
When: March 26-27, 2018
What: Cause Camp is an annual two-day nonprofit conference hosted by Nonprofit Hub in Lincoln, Nebraska and virtually, throughout the world. Attendees will have ample time to take in the full Cause Camp experience and interact with fellow do-gooders, speakers, staff, exhibitors, and nonprofit professionals who will work one-on-one to solve real issues your organization is experiencing—from trivial to complex.
Audience size: 100
Audience profile: Nonprofit professionals
Price:
Online Stream Attendee – $99
In-Person Attendee – $299
3. Nonprofit Technology Conference
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: April 11-13, 2018
What: The Nonprofit Technology Conference features over 100 educational sessions, an exhibit hall highlighting the latest nonprofit products and services, and networking events each day.
Audience size: 1500
Audience profile: Nonprofit professionals
Price:
Member Price: $599-899
Nonmember Price: $899-1199
4. International Fundraising Conference
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: April 15-17, 2018
What: The International Fundraising Conference is aimed at supercharging your professional development with more than 90 total education sessions over 3 days to choose from, covering all aspects of professional fundraising and nonprofit management (Fundamentals of Fundraising Donor Retention, The Major Gift Challenge, Story Telling, Authentic Leadership, Talent Management etc.)
Audience size: 4000
Audience profile: Nonprofit professionals, Philanthropy Professionals
Price:
$499-$1499
Cost and registration information can be found at: https://afpfc.com/
5. IFC 2018: Together We Can
Where: Noordwijkerhout, Netherlands
When: October 16-19, 2018
What: Now in its 37th year, IFC was built on the idea that better fundraising means better results. But as we stare down 2018, it’s clear that money is the muscle that moves the mission but that Alongside a rich roster of sessions about fundraising, IFC 2018 will showcase strategies for collaboration and models of interconnectedness, presented by world-class speakers and practitioners from every corner of the globe.
Audience size: 1000
Audience profile: Nonprofit professionals
Price: £1815 – £3100
6. Annual Conference for Grant Professionals
Where: Chicago, IL
When: November 7-10, 2018
What: The Annual Conference for Grant Professionals Association aims to help nonprofits maximize their return on investment by increasing the amount of grant money or to better manage their current grants. The conference features excellent speakers, more than 70 workshops taught by industry professionals as well as opportunities to network. GPA states it is the ONLY international organization that works toward enhancing the role of grant professionals.
Audience size: 600
Audience profile: Grant Writers, Grant Managers, Grant Coordinators
Price:
$399-$995
Cost and registration information can be found at: https://www.grantprofessionals.org/conference
7. Nonprofit Storytelling Conference
Where: Orlando, FL
When: October 15-17, 2018
What: The Nonprofit Storytelling Conference focuses on storytelling. Numbers and statistics won’t do the trick when it comes to fundraising. People respond to stories of the real-life impact of the good work that your nonprofit is doing. Learn the ins and outs of good storytelling and what motivate others to give and get involved in your cause. It offers inspiration on how to tell stories effectively and how to use them across multiple channels.
Audience size: TBA
Audience profile: Nonprofit professionals focusing on donor communication and fundraising
Price:
$495 – Video Only
$695 – Ticket Only
$845 – Ticket and Video
8. Inbound
Where: Boston, MA
When: September 4-7, 2018
What: INBOUND’s purpose is to provide the inspiration, education, and connections you need to grow and transform your business.
Audience size: 21,000+
Audience profile: Varied, professionals from any industry and every corner of the globe
Price:
$299-$1599 (until March 15, 2018)
9. BloomCon
Where: Phoenix, Arizona, and Baltimore, Maryland
When: February 26 and May 21, 2018
What: BloomCon is a unique conference for nonprofit fundraisers, consultants, and Bloomerang users. The guest speakers will share the latest research and best practices that will help you unlock the potential of your development.
Audience size: TBA
Audience profile: Nonprofit fundraisers
Price: $99-$149
10. Nonprofit Lab Learning Institute
Where: Newport News, VA
When: March 7, 2018
What: The Nonprofit Learning Lab showcases its conferences all across the U.S., focusing on fundraising, donor relations, board and volunteer management, marketing, event planning, communications, and social media. The events tend to be more affordable than some of the other ones on the list, and they also offer scholarships for nonprofits with small operating budgets.
They’ll be running the conference in other cities too Las Vegas, NV Madison, WI, Phoenix, Arizona, Philadelphia, PA, Los Angeles, CA, Des Moines, Iowa, Dallas, TX).
Audience size: TBA
Audience profile: Nonprofit professionals
Price:
$75-$125
Tips for Attending Nonprofit Conferences
Before the Conference
- Book your hotel—don’t wait, discounted rooms fill up quickly!
- Follow the conference on Twitter and join the conversation using the conference hashtag.
- Connect with other attendees in the community forum, if available.
- Download the conference mobile app, if available.
- Dine with new friends: RSVP for or sign up to host a small gathering at a nearby restaurant.
- RSVP for or self-organize a community event.
- Stock up business cards for networking.
- Let the conference know if you need sign language interpretation, live-captioning, mobility device rental, or other services, if available.
- Review the conference Code of Conduct.
During the Conference
- Come to the registration area for your badge at least 15 minutes before the start of the conference.
- Strike up a conversation and ask questions of the session speakers and attendees. Don’t shy away from doing so during coffee breaks. Some of the best conversations happen in hallways.
- Fill out session evaluations via the mobile app, or via another tool – as provided by the organizers.
- Talk to vendors marketing their products and services.
- Hand out your business cards. This can help you establish meaningful relationships with other nonprofit professionals and expand your network.
- Resist the temptation to leave the conference room immediately after the conference is done and stick around for some of the optional, less formal networking events.
After the Conference
- Stay connected with the conference attendees and vendors on social media and through email.
- If you had a very good time, immediately make plans to go to the next one.
- Consider signing up to speak at a conference the next time you attend one.
The world needs the change that only your nonprofit can drive. Nonprofit conferences can enable you to get actionable ideas for attracting, developing, retaining and maximizing your donors, as well as developing your fundraising efforts – all so that your nonprofit can advance its mission. To improve attract and retain donors, check out Donorbox!
Donorbox is a powerful fundraising software that is super simple to setup and attracts more recurring donors. Start fundraising with a fast, optimized donation payment system in 15 mins. Over 30,000 nonprofit organizations uses Donorbox fundraising software. They include charities, schools, churches, political campaigns, and medical research organizations.
Ilma Ibrisevic is a content creator and nonprofit writer. She’s passionate about meaningful work, sustainability, and social movements. If she’s not working, she’s obsessing over coffee or cooking. You can connect with her on Linkedin.
