The best nonprofit conferences in 2026

Between running campaigns, managing donors, supporting your team, and responding to constant change, finding time to step away for a conference can feel unrealistic. And with so many nonprofit conferences out there, it’s hard to know which ones are actually worth your time and budget.

Still, the right nonprofit conference can do more than just fill your notebook with ideas. It can reconnect you to your mission, introduce you to tools that save real time, and give you a community of people who understand the challenges you’re navigating.

That’s why we’ve rounded up the best nonprofit conferences in 2026—covering nonprofit technology, fundraising, marketing, storytelling, and leadership—so you can choose events that support your goals this year. We’ve also included summits and events that offer comparable opportunities for learning, connection, and innovation.

How to plan your year with nonprofit conferences:

• Map conferences across the year so they don’t overlap with major campaigns or reporting deadlines 🗓️ 
• Match events to your role and goals, whether it’s fundraising, marketing, leadership, or technology 🎯 
• Balance budget and value by mixing free virtual events with one or two high-impact in‑person conferences 💰 
• Prioritize community and connections—the best conferences help you build long-term relationships, not just new ideas 🤝 

Note: Conference dates and pricing are based on historical schedules and are subject to change as 2026 details are announced. These nonprofit conferences are listed in roughly the order they tend to happen throughout the year, so you can plan ahead and avoid calendar or budget conflicts.

1. We Are For Good Summit 🩵

A nonprofit storytelling and fundraising conference centered on community, generosity, and purpose-driven growth for modern nonprofit teams.

👋 Hosted by: We Are For Good

🗓️ Date: February 12, 2026, with local meet-ups after

📍 Location: Virtual (live from NYC) with local in-person gatherings to follow

🎟️ Cost: Free

🎯 Best for: Nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and marketers—the summit has a special track for each role! 

🔗 Where to register: Learn more about We Are For Good Summit and register →

2. Nonprofit Technology Conference 💻

A leading nonprofit technology conference focused on helping organizations use technology ethically, effectively, and strategically to advance their missions.

👋 Hosted by: NTEN

🗓️ Date: March 10-13, 2026

📍 Location: Option to attend virtually or in-person in Detroit, MI

🎟️ Cost: Pricing depends on registration type and membership status. Virtual tickets range from $250–$450, and in-person tickets range from $725–$1,025. Prices may increase after February 9.

🎯 Best for: Nonprofit tech, ops, and digital transformation leaders

🔗 Where to register: Learn more about Nonprofit Technology Conference and register →

3. AFP ICON 🌍

A flagship fundraising conference covering major gifts, donor stewardship, leadership development, and emerging trends shaping the future of philanthropy.

👋 Hosted by: Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)

🗓️ Date: April 26-28, 2026

📍 Location: San Diego, CA 

🎟️ Cost: Pricing varies by membership status, package, and purchase date. More details are available on AFP ICON’s pricing page.

🎯 Best for: Professional fundraisers, advancement leaders, and development directors

🔗 Where to register: Learn more about AFP ICON and register → 

4. NAYDO Conference 🏛️

A national conference for YMCA and youth-serving nonprofit professionals focused on fundraising strategy, leadership development, and community impact.

👋 Hosted by: North American YMCA Development Organization & YMCA of Greater Long Beach

🗓️ Date: May 6-9, 2026

📍 Location: Long Beach, CA

🎟️ Cost: Pricing varies by membership status, package, and purchase date. More details can be found on the NAYDO Conference registration page.

🎯 Best for: YMCA leaders, youth-serving nonprofits, and advancement teams

🔗 Where to register: Learn more about the NAYDO Conference and register →

5. Bridge Conference 🌉

A nonprofit leadership conference focused on people-first strategies, organizational alignment, and navigating change in complex nonprofit environments.

👋 Hosted by: Independent organizers

🗓️ Date: July 29-31, 2026

📍 Location: Virtual

🎟️ Cost: Pricing varies depending on membership status, package chosen, and time of purchase.

🎯 Best for: Executive directors and senior leadership teams

🔗 Where to register: Registration for the Bridge Conference 2026 is not open yet, but you can view last year’s education sessions in the meantime. 

6. The Nonprofit Innovation & Optimization (NIO) Summit 🌱

An in-depth nonprofit operations conference exploring systems, strategy, and sustainable growth for high-performing organizations.

👋 Hosted by: NextAfter

🗓️ Date: September 22-24, 2026

📍 Location: Fort Worth, TX

🎟️ Cost: Nonprofit attendee tickets start at $795 and increase in tiers up to $1,495 as capacity fills. All tickets include full conference access and post-event recordings.

🎯 Best for: Nonprofit operators, COOs, and systems-focused leaders

🔗 Where to register: Learn more about NIO Summit and register → 

7. Fundraising A.I. Summit 🤖

A virtual nonprofit technology conference focused on practical, responsible uses of AI for nonprofits—including fundraising, marketing, and operations.

👋 Hosted by: Fundraising A.I.

🗓️ Date: Usually held in the fall

📍 Location: Virtual

🎟️ Cost: Free 

🎯 Best for: Fundraisers and marketers exploring AI-powered tools

🔗 Where to register: Registration for the Fundraising A.I. Summit 2026 is not open yet, but you can watch last year’s event online.

8. The Spread 🧈

Every September, Givebutter hosts The Spread—the nonprofit sector’s must-watch event for innovation. Part product launch, part learning experience, and part celebration of changemakers, this virtual gathering spotlights the tools, ideas, and strategies shaping how modern nonprofits grow.

👋 Hosted by: Givebutter

🗓️ Date: Usually held in September

📍 Location: Details coming soon!

🎟️ Cost: Free

🎯 Best for: Nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, marketers, and operators focused on innovation

🔗 Where to register: Registration for The Spread 2026 is not open yet, but trust us—you’ll want to be there. Subscribe to the Givebutter newsletter to be the first to know when registration opens.

Can't wait?

Check out highlights from The Spread 2025 →

9. Nonprofit Storytelling Conference 🎤

A mission-driven conference dedicated to helping nonprofits communicate with clarity, authenticity, and emotional resonance.

👋 Hosted by: Independent organizers

🗓️ Date: October 26-28, 2026

🎟️ Cost: Pricing varies depending on membership status, package chosen, and time of purchase. Typically ranges from $695 to $2,195.

📍 Location: Tucson, AZ

🎯 Best for: Nonprofit communications, marketing, and content teams

🔗 Where to register: Learn more about Nonprofit Storytelling Conference and register →

10. NonProfit POWER ⚡

An executive-level nonprofit leadership conference designed for candid, peer-driven conversations around strategy, growth, and organizational sustainability.

👋 Hosted by: NonProfit PRO

🗓️ Date: December 1-3, 2026

📍 Location: Baltimore, MD

🎟️ Cost: Free for qualified attendees

🎯 Best for: Senior executives at midsize and large nonprofit organizations

🔗 Where to register: Learn more about NonProfit POWER and submit an attendance inquiry form →

Make the most of your nonprofit conference calendar

Planning your nonprofit conference calendar is about more than filling your schedule—it’s about choosing moments that help you learn faster, connect deeper, and return to your work with renewed clarity.

Whether you attend one virtual summit or build your year around a few cornerstone events, the best nonprofit conferences are the ones that align with your role, your goals, and your organization’s capacity.

Looking to stay inspired between conferences? Givebutter hosts monthly webinars with nonprofit experts and thought leaders. ✨

Wherever 2026 takes you, we’re excited to learn, build, and grow alongside you.

FAQs about nonprofit conferences

What are the best nonprofit conferences to attend in 2026?

The best nonprofit conferences in 2026 depend on your role and goals, but top options include NTEN, AFP ICON, We Are For Good Summit, and The Spread.

Are there nonprofit technology conferences specifically focused on tools & software?

Yes. Conferences like NTEN and the Fundraising A.I. Summit focus heavily on nonprofit technology, software, and digital innovation.

Are nonprofit conferences worth the cost?

When chosen strategically, nonprofit conferences can be well worth the investment, especially those that offer practical takeaways, strong networking opportunities, and relevant breakout sessions. 

Are there free nonprofit conferences?

Some nonprofit conferences, like the We Are For Good Summit, The Spread, and Fundraising A.I. Summit, offer free or low-cost attendance options—especially for virtual events.

How do I decide which nonprofit conference to attend?

Start by identifying your goals, role, and budget, then prioritize conferences that align closely with the skills and connections you want to build.