What Collaborative Means to Me: A Look Inside the Inspiring Nonprofit Event
Collaborative 2025 is fast approaching with tailored experiences attendees are sure to love.
Forward-thinking nonprofit professionals and social sector experts nationwide eagerly anticipate this dynamic two-day event. Forget stuffy conferences, information overload, and packed agendas—Collaborative is here to inspire. With engaging venues, stimulating interactions, and lively social activities, it’s where creativity and innovation thrive.
This year, we’re returning to the vibrant West Loop in Chicago as our home base for new ideas and strategies to expand the collective impact of the social sector.
Collaborative holds unique meaning for each attendee, and with excitement building for this May’s event, we explored what keeps them coming back. Learn firsthand what attendees value most about the experience.
Join us May 14-15A cherished space for community
Community is at the heart of fundraising, and Collaborative attendees experience that firsthand. Every connection made has the potential to become a trusted resource and ally.
With hundreds of passionate changemakers from across the country, Collaborative fosters an unmatched sense of unity and shared purpose.
I had the wonderful opportunity to attend Collaborative this week in Chicago with my team at Feed My Starving Children. I am left feeling inspired by all the amazing speakers and panelists that are doing some incredible work in the nonprofit sector. It is so great that we can come together as a community and help each other become better changemakers.
Next-level networking
Collaborative attendees know they’re in the right place to make lasting connections. Our event unites the industry’s brightest minds and top fundraisers in comfortable venues, making conversations easy.
This year, Collaborative will hold its main events at Morgan MFG and City Hall/Recess. There will also be plenty of time for meaningful conversation before and after sessions in local spots like the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, Time Out Market Chicago, and surrounding West Loop restaurants.
A quick chat can spark a lasting connection, making ample time to network invaluable.
At most conferences, I leave exhausted from presentations that didn’t capture my full attention. But I leave Collaborative exhausted (in a good way) from learning new ideas and meeting great people. I leave energized to take on the important work we’re all doing.
Relevant and applicable discussions
While every nonprofit is unique, leaders often share common goals and challenges. Collaborative attendees get uninterrupted space to innovate and brainstorm together on ways to navigate the ever-changing giving landscape.
However, the real value of Collaborative is having some of the top thinkers together in the same room. The various perspectives from those with different approaches and methodologies can leave anyone with an inspiring list of actions to take when they return home.
As someone who has worked for different causes, including healthcare, the arts, DEI, and now STEM, it was truly inspiring hearing what other organizations are doing in this space.
A high-energy and uplifting environment
Collaborative is an event like no other. Beyond the networking and in-depth discussions about fundraising and technology, attendees walk away feeling renewed and reenergized.
Every learning opportunity helps curious minds do more good in the world in an uplifting, fresh, and synergistic way. The agenda incorporates meaningful breaks, high-energy conversations, and opportunities to pause and take it all in when needed.
Collaborative can best be described as APPROACHABLE. It’s a MUST-attend conference built on community first. I feel inspired and enthusiastic about the future.
Join us at the 2025 Collaborative in Chicago
You may see yourself in the words of other attendees or be curious about what it would mean for you to experience Collaborative 2025. We would love to find out with you!
Join us May 14-15, 2025, for your chance to join the leading philanthropic minds and hearts inspired to change the world.
Copy editor: Ayanna Julien
Join us at Collaborative 2025
