Your "Can't-Miss List" of the Top Nonprofit Fundraising Conferences to Attend in 2024
Nonprofit Conferences aren’t just an opportunity for fundraising professionals to stay up to date on industry trends.
At their best, nonprofit conferences also provide new fundraising ideas to help fundraisers innovate how they grow generosity for their cause, while fostering a collaborative community where nonprofit fundraisers can connect, share ideas, and have a great time.
But with so many to choose from, which nonprofit conference should you attend in 2024?
Which are the most inspiring? Which provide the most value? Which provide the best sense of community?
To help you pick the best nonprofit conference for your needs, we’ve created this “can’t-miss list” of conferences that you should consider attending in 2024.
NIO Summit 2024
When: September 18-19, 2024
Where: Indianapolis, IN
Cost: $1495 Now just $795
The Nonprofit Innovation and Optimization (NIO) Summit is a two-day experience specially curated for nonprofit professionals interested in innovating their approach to digital fundraising.
NIO Summit offers a unique blend of metric-based, research-proven content with a lively, colorful atmosphere and over-the-top fun.
Billed as the “Fundraising Conference Unlike Any Other”, NIO delivers an what past attendees have called “a magnetic, immersive learning experience … packed with great content, insightful speakers, and actionable strategies.
One of NIO’s biggest draws is the unique lineup of speakers (on a single track so you don’t have to pick and choose which sessions to attend)!
NIO Summit is hosted by leading digital fundraising agency, NextAfter, and features speakers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines — speakers you won’t fund at any other nonprofit conferences — who deliver their unique expertise through the lens of fundraising and change-making.
Over the years, this blockbuster list of speakers has included thought leaders like:
Carlos Whittaker, Author of How to Human
Joanna Wiebe, Founder of CopyHackers
Mallory Erickson, Nonprofit Executive Coach
Seth Godin, Author and Speaker
Peep Laja, Founder of CXL
In 2023, nearly 1,000 fundraisers attended the event to network, collaborate, and get the latest in fundraising research, resources, and tactics to help them grow online revenue and make an impact on the issues they’re most passionate about.
What to expect:
Ted Talk styled presentations delivered by the brightest minds in fundraising, digital marketing, branding, persuasion, analytics, CRO, and more!
Diverse talks blending high-level strategy and practical tactics that you can immediately put into play to improve results!
A shift away from “best practices” toward innovative concepts that have been tested and proven to grow online fundraising!
Ample opportunities to get one-on-one help with your most important fundraising assets and optional targeted workshops!
Two full days of learning and fun, including all-day presentations and two unapologetically fun conference parties for networking and team-building!
Your NIO Summit experience will unfold against a jaw-dropping backdrop of electrifying entertainment, unforgettable events, and indelible venues where you will laugh, network, and dance the night away with thousands of other likeminded fundraisers who are already members of the amazing NIO Summit Community.
NextAfter’s NIO Summit has been called, “the single most valuable decision a nonprofit fundraiser can make.”
Join thousands of other likeminded nonprofit professionals and become part the NIO Summit community in Indianapolis, September 18-19 2024!
AFP Icon
When: April 7-9, 2024
Where: Toronto, ON
Cost: $1,099 for small nonprofits and $2,699 for others
The Association of Fundraising Professionals International Conference, or as it is better known, AFP ICON, is often billed as the number one nonprofit fundraising conference in the world. More than 3,000 professionals attend this event every year in order to network and learn more about emerging fundraising practices.
This event does not fall short of options for learning, with more than 100 educational sessions to choose from, executive coaching sessions, group meetings, and top speakers that are sure to offer new insights into the nonprofit industry. For 2024, AFP ICON boasts a keynote speech from Pulitzer Prize-winner, New York Times Magazine staff writer and creator of The 1619 Project, Nikole Hannah-Jones.
This event is also known for its entertainment and massive networking opportunities. One particularly exciting part of the event is the “speed networking” events that give nonprofit professionals a chance to meet and rapidly expand their networks.
What To Expect
Keynote speeches from top speakers such as Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones.
More than 100 educational sessions to help you build and update skills in a wide range of topics across the nonprofit sector.
Countless opportunities to network with the best and brightest nonprofit leaders from around the world.
For nonprofit fundraisers, AFP ICON offers a lot of value, with chances to build skills through educational sessions and coaching and develop new relationships through networking opportunities. Whether you are new to the industry or just looking to grow your nonprofit, this event has opportunities for you.
Cause Camp
When: October 21-22, 2024
Where: Colorado Springs, CO
Cost: TBA, but passes cost $375 per person and $1,200 for a group of four in 2023
The camp is not as large as the previous conferences, generally averaging a few hundred attendees, but what it lacks in numbers, it makes up for in top speakers and training opportunities. This nonprofit fundraising conference also boasts a smaller price tag than many of the other nonprofit conferences on this list.
Cause Camp offers plenary sessions, meaning you don’t have to worry about missing any of the handpicked speakers chosen each year. Plus, this conference offers “breakout sessions” where experienced leaders will train attendees in the skills they need to know to succeed. This makes Cause Camp a great choice for those new to the nonprofit sector or anyone looking for a more intimate learning experience.
What To Expect
Intimate learning opportunities in breakout sessions where nonprofit leaders provide training, not just speeches.
Prizes and swag bags to ensure attendees not only learn but have a great time, too.
Access to nonprofit vendors and specialists to help you find solutions to the latest problems facing nonprofits.
No matter who you are, Cause Camp offers a great chance to build real-world experiences to bring back to your nonprofit organization. Plus, those attending will receive access to session recordings, making it easy to hold on to important lessons.
Raise
When: September 9-10, 2024
Where: Nashville, TN
Cost: $795
The Raise Conference is a premier nonprofit fundraising conference brought by the industry innovators OneCause. This two-day event is designed to help nonprofit innovators and industry leaders meet and share ideas. Entering its eighth year, this conference has built a reputation for world-class keynote speakers and an incredible selection of educational sessions selected from the best in the nonprofit sector.
Raise conference also brings immersive workshops, networking activities, and fun activities designed to provide attendees with new ideas, best practices, and a great time! For 2024, Raise will be returning to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
What To Expect
Exciting keynote addresses brought by industry leaders designed to inspire and educate.
Innovative sessions and workshops that will leave attendees with actionable takeaways.
Access to in-person-only sessions as well as access to conference materials for up to one year after the conference.
The Raise conference is a powerful experience brought by industry professionals that is sure to provide a powerful mix of learning and fun. Last year’s event was sold out, so for those interested in attending, it is important to plan ahead.
Collaborative By Classy
When: May 15-16, 2024
Where: Chicago, IL
Cost: $399
2024 finds this dynamic conference with a new city playing host. The Collaborative Nonprofit Conference by the fundraising platform Classy is a two-day event that brings together almost a thousand nonprofit fundraising professionals for their June event each year. In 2022, over 293 organizations attended the event, bringing the knowledge and insights of the industry’s top professionals.
In addition to offering top speakers, Collaborative offers hands-on workshops offering the chance to brainstorm and develop new ideas with like-minded peers. These working sessions are one of the best ways to build networks and collaborate with the best in the nonprofit sector.
What To Expect
A curated selection of speakers was chosen based on the input of previous attendees, offering meaningful insights and ideas for nonprofit professionals.
Hands-on workshops and collaborative opportunities to learn best practices, explore new topics, and develop solutions to the latest challenges facing nonprofits.
The opportunity to participate in post-panel working sessions with speakers.
Don’t think that it will be all work, however, because Collaborative also offers a chance to unwind with opening and closing parties. By the time you leave, you will be ready to get back to work equipped with all the tools and services you need to take your nonprofit organization to the next level.
Nonprofit Technology Conference
When: March 13-15, 2024
Where: Portland, OR
Cost: In person rates range from $575 for members to $1,075 for non-members, depending on registration date. Virtual rates begin at $300 for members, up to $700 for non-members.
The Nonprofit Technology Conference, or NTC, is the longest-running annual technology conference in the U.S. Brought by NTEN, the Nonprofit Technology Network. This nonprofit conference is designed to help nonprofit professionals learn how technology can assist their mission.
The three-day conference is accessible both online and in person and covers a wide range of topics across more than 180 interactive sessions. In addition to addressing new strategies, recent issues, and best practices, these sessions explore topics such as digital equity, cyber security, digital marketing strategy, and more. This means that there are actionable topics for every attendee to bring back to their nonprofits.
What To Expect
More than 180 interactive sessions exploring a wide breadth of topics on how technology can help nonprofits.
Chances to collaborate with thousands of attendees from across the nonprofit sector, bringing new ideas and experiences.
Inspirational speakers and tech vendors bringing the latest in nonprofit technologies.
Whether you attend in person or online, this hybrid event brings the opportunity to learn about the latest in nonprofit technologies.
Plan Ahead for the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Conference Experience in 2024
Today it’s not enough to have a compelling cause. In the increasingly competitive landscape of digital fundraising, you have two choices:
1. Innovate new ways to reach and engage your donors, or
2. Find ways to optimize what you’re already doing
To do this, fundraisers and other nonprofit professionals must regularly commit to replenishing their knowledge, network, and take time to team-build outside the walls of their offices to their fundraising impactful and stay top-of-mind for their donors.
Choosing to attend a nonprofit conference can pay huge dividends for your fundraising and help you make a bigger impact on your way to creating lasting change!