18 Nonprofit Conferences to Attend in 2024

Nonprofit conferences create unique opportunities for fundraising professionals across all cause categories to come together and discuss the global state of the social sector.

Industry leaders are increasingly challenged by a growing list of expectations for support and fundraising, requiring innovative strategies to achieve lasting impact. The good news is they don’t need to do it alone, and the incredible roster of 2024 nonprofit events is a testament to that. 

This year, a strong mix of in-person conferences and innovative hybrid events will bring even more learning, collaboration, and networking opportunities. We’re helping you find the best nonprofit conferences of 2024 with this comprehensive list of must-attend events. 

Best Overall Nonprofit Conferences

Collaborative by Classy

When: May 15-16

Where: Chicago, IL

Collaborative by Classy is a two-day experience curated for forward-thinking nonprofit professionals seeking an immersive experience filled with networking, community-building, inspiration, and insights into the latest fundraising trends. 

The 2024 event will return with a new location in Chicago, gathering the brightest minds in the industry. This isn’t just another nonprofit conference but a true experience to ignite essential conversations about pressing concerns, the future of philanthropy, and the new perspectives that will expand everyone’s thinking.

Every speaker, venue, host, and experience will give attendees actionable, relevant, and refreshing takeaways. This year’s speaker lineup features a wide variety of experts and leading minds, including:

• Xavier Ramey, CEO of Justice Informed
• Crystal Washington, Technology Strategist and Futurist
• Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya, Co-Founders of I AM ALS

What to expect: 

• A trip to the iconic city of Chicago to immerse yourself in its history, culture, and innovation in and outside of the conference venues
• A community of inspiring leaders and forward-thinking professionals that continues to collaborate well after the event concludes
• A host of ideas and strategies that propel the sector forward and challenge your thinking to stay on the cutting edge

Each year, we challenge ourselves to raise the bar on discussions, brainstorms, solutions, and concepts in one-of-a-kind sessions and interactive experiences. Don’t miss out on the chance to network like never before and walk away reenergized about what’s possible.

Register to Attend the 2024 Collaborative

Dreamforce

When: September 17-19

Where: San Francisco, CA

Dreamforce is an annual event that brings together the global Salesforce community for learning, fun, community-building, and philanthropy. Trailblazers gather to share their insights and successes and learn about the latest industry innovations.

Since 2003, Dreamforce has delivered an immersive experience with can’t-miss keynotes and new perspectives about the future of technology. Dreamforce is about empowering attendees to grow their organizations and careers in this modern age of technology, as Salesforce describes it as the “AI event of the year.”

What to expect:

• Breakout sessions, trainings, and certification opportunities that will help you discover innovations to business challenges
• Demos of the latest technology Salesforce has to offer nonprofits
• Networking with like-minded individuals and industry experts

Nonprofit Marketing Conferences

19th Annual Bridge to Integrated Marketing & Fundraising Conference

When: July 31-August 2

Where: National Harbor, MD (Adjacent to Washington, D.C.)

The 19th Annual Bridge Conference is a chance to collaborate with nonprofit professionals, consultants, agencies, and other marketing experts. Centered on collaborative strategic approaches, the Bridge Conference 2024 elevates your voice to change the world amid a year of evolution.

This year’s theme is about making things better, more beautiful, and more impactful through change. Attendees will feel inspired to become the champions of social change within their organizations and the industry.

What to expect: 

• Over 90 breakout sessions on 15 topics tailored for modern fundraisers, marketers, and technology professionals
• A Solutions Showcase with over 100 partners to support nonprofit marketing
• Connection and collaboration opportunities before, after, and between sessions

The Nonprofit Innovation and Optimization Summit

When: September 18-19

Where: Indianapolis, IN

The NIO Summit is for those who want to grow their online fundraising and marketing skills. NextAfter hosts the event to showcase worldwide, hand-selected experts who will teach you how to become innovative digital marketers and raise more money to fuel a worthy cause. 

Attendees can discuss the realities of working as a fundraiser or marketer at a nonprofit. Marquee speakers from for-profit and nonprofit organizations will offer actionable insights and steps to improve fundraising results in various TED Talk-style presentations.

What to expect: 

• Focused content from unforgettable speakers ready to present clear and practical examples that leave you energized, focused, and inspired 
• Time to connect and exchange ideas with passionate peers and experts
• A fun format that weaves in several learning experiences from live workshops and one-on-one consults to conference parties, prizes, and swag 

Nonprofit Storytelling Conference

When: November 11-13

Where: Santa Ana Pueblo, NM

The Nonprofit Storytelling Conference is a perfect opportunity to hone your communication skills and learn how to appeal to modern donors. An event that promises to take storytelling to a new dimension, the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference ignites all senses with a highly interactive format.

This year’s conference will offer unique sessions and workshops that engage attendees and demonstrate how to engage supporters in memorable, powerful ways. Anyone interested in nonprofit marketing, campaign execution, and fundraising strategy will take something new away.

What to expect: 

• A venue with a thousand years of culture and history to open doors for meaningful storytelling that pushes boundaries
• Specialized sessions that focus on in-person, direct mail, and online donor communications and how to create a well-rounded giving experience
• Workshops on significant donors, fundraising events, fundraising appeal toolkits for extra donations, and creative campaign ideas 

Nonprofit Technology and Leadership Conferences

Good Tech Fest 2023

When: April 29-May 2 

Where: Sundance, UT + Virtual

Good Tech Fest is an invitation-only retreat held over three days in the mountains. Nearly 100 social sector leaders share how their organizations apply technology and data to their operations while taking in a beautiful view. 

This is a good event for technologists, nonprofit leaders, and fundraising professionals excited about the advancements 2024 revealed. The common mission of using data and technology to drive impact unites every session and interaction. Invitations are available upon request.

What to expect: 

• In-person and virtual conference options for attendees located anywhere in the world
• Focused conversation on topics like AI, Web3, machine learning, and app development 
• An opportunity to stay at the Sundance Resort in Utah and learn from practitioners using new tools and find applications that inspire your next innovation

If the spring event is full, the first global in-person Good Tech Fest will take place in Nairobi in the fall of 2024. The organization will post more details soon.

Engage for Good 

When: May 14-16

Where: Minneapolis, MN

Engage for Good is where business and corporate social impact leaders come to grow their knowledge and network. The event recognizes the impact of bringing corporate and nonprofit partnerships even closer to addressing pressing social challenges.

This year’s theme is “Turning Moments into Movements,” which will help attendees feel the essence of Engage for Good’s collective mission: To bring lasting change by shifting our perspective from isolated campaign moments to becoming driving forces within social movements.

What to expect: 

• An event full of doers and dreamers seeking new resources to navigate corporate social impact
• Thoughtful speakers, including innovators well equipped to teach about impactful collaboration
• Immersive learning experiences, such as evaluating the “Barbie” movie as a global cause marketing case study
• An opportunity to pause and feel recognized for the impact work your nonprofit does daily

TNPA Leadership Summit 2024

When: September 9-12

Where: San Diego, CA

The TNPA Leadership Summit is where you can join fellow nonprofit industry leaders to learn how to navigate the world’s evolving business and service models. This year’s event will help attendees harness the power of transformation to strengthen their impact collectively and on an organizational level.

What to expect: 

• Networking facilitation techniques that stimulate critical conversations and liberate the full potential of any group or individual
• Discussions that recharge your vitality and endurance as you navigate challenges within your role and organization
• Insight from top leaders on ways to build a road map to success 

The Matching Gift Summit

Cause Camp

When: October 21-22

Where: Colorado Springs, CO

Cause Camp is a nonprofit conference that Forbes has named a “must-attend” event for nonprofit professionals. Join the experience to connect with top industry speakers, participate in engaging breakout sessions, and take advantage of one-on-one networking to collaborate with and learn from other leading minds in the space.

The 2024 theme is a nod to the Olympic motto, “Better, Higher, Successful—Together.” This year’s event is all about uniting around the sector’s pitfalls and priorities: Helping each attendee reignite their purpose and walk away with actionable strategies to use immediately.

What to expect: 

• The best and brightest speakers working in or with the nonprofit sector
• A stay at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs as the backdrop for a professional development experience like no other
• An event format that aims to inspire and educate instead of lecturing to help the learning stay with you as you return to your day-to-day

Recapping Highlights from Early 2024 Nonprofit Events You Might Have Missed 

This year is already off to a great start with incredible momentum, idea exchange, and community-building. We wanted to make sure you’re up to speed on the events that attendees have enjoyed so far this year and give you a head start on registering for 2025.

P2P Professional Forum Conference

When: February 21-23

Where: Philadelphia, PA

The P2P Professional Forum Conference gave leaders a chance to focus on the intricacies of peer-to-peer fundraising, like managing staff, volunteers, and fundraisers. The event offered breakout tracks curated for marketing, corporate relations, and human resources professionals. 

The P2P Forum, which started in 2007, also provides resources like monthly webinars, timely data and information, and a vibrant online community to help peer-to-peer fundraisers access best practices and support outside its annual conference.

Event highlights:

• More than 600 peer-to-peer changemakers came together 
• Conversations blossomed around storytelling, relationship-building, data analysis, event production, and community engagement
• Industry-segmented tracks and a first-time attendee meet-and-greet event welcomed people into a personalized and relevant experience

Details about the 2025 event are forthcoming. 

Community Boost’s Nonprofit Marketing Summit

When: March 5-7

Where: Virtual

Community Boost’s Nonprofit Marketing Summit: The Big Innovation introduced three days of free virtual learning from the industry’s top voices and thought leaders. The event touched on various aspects of nonprofit marketing in the digital age, leaving attendees inspired by new fundraising techniques.

Event highlights: 

• Over 75 high-impact sessions on topics like navigating the AI landscape and taking advantage of new tools like Google Gemini and ChatGPT to expand reach
• Speakers that represent every corner of the sector
• The unveiling of a proven Google Ad Grant maximization process that over 500 organizations rely on to be successful
• The ability to register as an event VIP for access to session recordings, notes, and more

VIP access registration will allow you to view session recordings on demand.

Amazon IMAGINE: Nonprofit

When: March 20

Where: Washington, D.C.

The IMAGINE: Nonprofit conference was a moment to collectively celebrate how technology leads to positive outcomes for people and the planet. Amazon Web Services presented the event for an audience of nonprofit leaders, purpose-focused technologists, and impact innovators. 

Attendees learned from thought-leadership sessions, how-to technical talks, workshops, and networking to generate new ideas. The recording of this event is available on demand for anyone looking for that spark of creativity and innovation.

Event highlights:

• A global meeting of nonprofit peers, AWS experts, Amazon team members, and social sector entrepreneurs to advance their missions collectively
• Conversations about generative AI, machine learning, edge computing, and data analytics that support nonprofits in the digital age
• A deep dive into fundraising advancements through the alignment of people, process, and technology to engage with a personalized experience
• Technically focused and nontechnical tracks to appeal to any comfort and experience level

Online sessions are now available as recordings to watch on demand.

Nonprofit Fundraisers Symposium

When: March 20-22 

Where: Washington, D.C.

The Nonprofit Alliance hosted its 2nd Annual Nonprofit Fundraisers Symposium to bring new insights and dialogue from nonprofits, agencies, consulting firms, and marketing professionals. 

Specifically designed for anyone with over 10 years of experience in fundraising and marketing, the event levels up the conversations and appeals to an ongoing desire to grow.

Together, attendees addressed the sector’s burning questions and timely priorities to establish clear and thoughtful paths forward. The solutions left everyone with new considerations about charitable giving in 2024 and beyond.

Event highlights:

• An impressive speaker lineup included the SVP of Direct Marketing and Operations at the American Cancer Society and New York Times bestselling author and innovation consultant Diana Kander
• A wide range of topics, including AI opportunities, the historic transfer of wealth, and future-proofing teams in times of change and disruption
• An evening of professional networking and connections at a designated reception in the D.C. area for registrants and local nonprofit leaders

AFP Icon 2024

When: April 7-9

Where: Toronto, Canada

The AFP ICON is a nonprofit event hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Everything about the annual experience keeps fundraising experts and professionals in mind. 

This year’s event in Toronto offered an engaging format to help attendees discuss, demonstrate, and absorb forward-looking fundraising trends and approaches.

AFP ICON helps more than 3,000 fundraising professionals annually to advance their craft over three days they won’t forget. 

Event highlights:

• Impressive keynote speakers like Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of The 1619 Project and staff writer at The New York Times Magazine
• More than 100 educational sessions about leadership, relationship-building, innovation, and tapping into fundraising potential
• A mobile app specifically for the event to capture sessions, schedules, and critical information right from attendees’ phones

The Outcomes Conference

When: April 9-11

Where: Jacksonville, FL

The Outcomes Conference is a large-scale gathering of Christian nonprofit professionals with a shared drive to create change for good. This year’s event welcomed attendees eager to learn and connect with peers focused on similar challenges and provided ample opportunities to discuss effective solutions.

Everyone had the opportunity to connect on a deeper level and feel the impact of their collective missions in action. Christ-like leadership training also offered those in high-impact positions an inspiring way to guide their teams and programs in the coming year.

Event highlights:

• Interactive booths that featured free leadership coaching and advice on topics like nonprofit bookkeeping for attendees to stop by and engage with
• A movie premiere of “The Forge” to add some bonding time and lighthearted idea exchange during the event
• Main stage and special presenters like Marvin Campbell of The Navigators challenged, encouraged, and inspired attendees to think outside of the box 
• Roundtable discussions that fostered professional development and a collaborative community for learning

NTEN Nonprofit Technology Conference

When: April 16-18

Where: Baltimore, MD

The NTEN Nonprofit Technology Conference, often called the NTC, is an annual event that helps nonprofit professionals understand the benefits of technology, innovation, and forward-thinking. Every aspect reflects a community focus, prioritizing accessibility, equity, and inclusivity.

Regardless of their job, role, or life experience, attendees left this year’s event feeling more knowledgeable and passionate about their work and their organization’s impact on the world.

Event highlights: 

• A chance to make long-lasting friendships, meet new mentors, and network with valuable partners
• Inspiring keynote speakers and thought-provoking breakout opportunities
• Community conversations that shared stories and created connections in a relaxed environment
• Time to reflect and feel reenergized through carefully chosen event spaces

Attendees participated online and in person with thousands of other nonprofit staff members, volunteers, board members, funders, consultants, and tech vendors. You can catch up on videos, photos, and notes from the 2024 NTC conference and save the date for next year’s event in Baltimore, Maryland, from April 16 to 18, 2025.

Don’t Miss Out on the Top 2024 Nonprofit Conferences 

Nonprofit conferences keep you at the top of your game—no matter your experience level or specific function at your organization. There’s no shortage of options to challenge you and your team in new ways for the strongest return on investment. 

Fundraising thrives in community, and it all starts with these opportunities to share in collective learning that strengthens your network in the years to come.

Copy Editor: Ayanna Julien