Top 12 2026 Nonprofit Conferences to Attend

Going to nonprofit conferences is one of the best ways to keep up in the changing world of social impact. Whether you lead a nonprofit organization, coordinate volunteers, raise funds or work in CSR, these events provide useful insights. They also offer networking opportunities and tools to help you grow your mission.

Here are some of the most impactful nonprofit conferences to consider in 2026:

1. Points of Light Conference 2026

• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Dates: June 22–25, 2026

The Points of Light Conference is our flagship event, bringing together nonprofit professionals, corporate leaders, educators, government officials and civic innovators from around the world. Focused on advancing volunteerism and civic engagement, the conference offers more than 70 sessions, hands-on workshops and networking opportunities designed to inspire action and strengthen communities. We may be a little biased, but in a 2025 comparison of similar nonprofit leadership conferences, ours stood out for offering the best value in terms of session volume, cross-sector collaboration and practical takeaways. It’s a space where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed and real-world impact begins.

2. Global Volunteering Summit

• Location: San Francisco Bay Area
• Date: February 25–26, 2026

Hosted by Goodera, this invite-only summit brings together over 200 social impact leaders to explore the future of employee volunteering and corporate social responsibility. The event features thought leadership panels, interactive breakout sessions, volunteer activations and networking opportunities designed to accelerate innovation in corporate volunteering programs.

3. NTEN Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC)

• Location: Detroit, Mich.
• Dates: March 10–13, 2026

The Nonprofit Technology Conference is an annual gathering for those dedicated to positive social change through skillful and equitable technology use. Attendees learn essential nonprofit technology best practices and connect with a like-minded community. The NTC fosters community through networking opportunities, promotes knowledge growth via formal sessions and informal sharing, prioritizes equity through initiatives like racial affinity spaces and accessibility focus, and provides inspiration through keynotes and reflective spaces.

4. SXSW (South by Southwest)

• Location: Austin, TX
• Dates: March 12–18, 2026

SXSW is a globally recognized event that brings together professionals from across industries to explore the intersection of technology, culture and social impact. With programming that spans innovation, creative arts, civic engagement and emerging tech, SXSW offers a dynamic platform for learning, networking and collaboration. It’s a hub for nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers looking to stay ahead of trends and drive meaningful change.

5. Engage for Good Conference

• Location: Palm Springs, CA
• Dates: April 21–24, 2026

The Engage for Good Conference is a premier event focused on corporate social impact, bringing together nonprofit leaders, CSR professionals and business innovators to explore how partnerships can drive both purpose and profit. Held annually in Palm Springs, the conference features inspiring keynotes, tactical workshops and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and elevate impact. Attendees gain practical tools and insights on topics like CSR, DEI, ESG and leadership development, making it a must-attend for those working at the intersection of business and social good.

6. AFP ICON 2026

• Location: San Diego
• Dates: April 26–28, 2026

AFP ICON is a multi-day conference offering fundraising training, extensive networking and insights from experts. This gathering of diverse fundraising professionals provides a rich program of educational sessions, workshops and discussions, empowering attendees to learn new strategies, connect with peers and be inspired by industry leaders.

7. GEO 2026 National Conference

• Location: Boston
• Dates: June 1–3, 2026

Hosted by Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO), this biennial national conference brings together over 1,000 philanthropic leaders to explore equity-centered, community-driven and systems-informed grantmaking practices. The 2026 theme, Reimagining Capacity Building: Navigating Culture, Systems & Power, focuses on transforming philanthropic culture through flexible, reliable funding and inclusive learning. Attendees will engage in peer learning, breakout sessions and community-building activities designed to strengthen the effectiveness of grantmaking organizations.

8. Social Innovation Summit

• Location: Atlanta, GA
• Dates: June 2–3, 2026

The Social Innovation Summit is a premier gathering of purpose-driven leaders from across sectors—including Fortune 500 companies, foundations, nonprofits and social enterprises—who are committed to advancing social impact. The 2026 flagship eventwill take place in Atlanta and convene over 1,200 changemakers to explore bold ideas, build transformative partnerships and drive scalable solutions to today’s most pressing challenges. Attendees can expect dynamic keynotes, collaborative sessions and networking designed to spark action and innovation.

9. Nonprofit Innovation and Optimization Summit (NIO)

• Location: TBD
• Date: Likely Fall 2026

The NIO Summit is a high-energy conference designed for nonprofit fundraisers and digital marketers. Known for its immersive and creative atmosphere, the event blends timeless fundraising principles with modern strategies, donor psychology and emerging technologies. Attendees can expect dynamic workshops, engaging presentations and interactive experiences that challenge conventional thinking and inspire innovation in donor engagement and retention.

10. SOCAP: Nonprofit Storytelling Conference

• Location: TBD
• Dates: Likely Fall 2026

Funders, founders and representatives from philanthropy, government, education, media, finance, science, faith-based organizations, NGOs, creatives, nonprofits, community leaders and more will unite to drive meaningful impact.

11. Social REV LIVE

• Location: TBD
• Date: Likely Fall 2026

Social REV LIVE is an immersive, two-day learning experience designed for social impact professionals and volunteer leaders who are part of the Social REV community. Centered around the Transformative Approach, the event blends professional development with hands-on service, allowing participants to immediately apply what they learn through community volunteering. It’s a unique opportunity to grow leadership skills, deepen program impact and connect with peers in a collaborative setting.

12. Upswell Summit 2026

• Location: TBD
• Dates: Likely Fall 2026

Hosted by Independent Sector, the Upswell Summit is a dynamic gathering of changemakers, nonprofit leaders, philanthropists and civic innovators committed to advancing equity and social good. The event offers a mix of thought-provoking keynotes, collaborative workshops, and community-driven conversations that explore the most pressing issues facing the social sector. With a focus on inclusion, innovation and impact, Upswell provides a platform for bold ideas and transformative action.

Why the Points of Light Conference Stands Out

With so many strong options among nonprofit conferences in 2026, choosing where to invest your time and resources can be challenging. What consistently sets the Points of Light Conference apart is its breadth of perspectives and its focus on civic engagement as a unifying theme across sectors. While many conferences specialize in a single area—like fundraising, marketing or technology—Points of Light brings these threads together, offering a holistic view of how volunteerism and community leadership can drive meaningful change. It’s not just about learning new strategies; it’s about connecting with a broader movement. As you plan your year of professional development, we hope you’ll consider joining us in Washington, D.C.