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March 25-27, 2026 | The Westin DC Downtown | Washington, D.C.

What is the Symposium?

The Nonprofit Fundraisers Symposium is a three-day event specifically built for senior nonprofit fundraising and marketing professionals with 10+ years of experience.

  • When: March 25-27, 2026
  • Where: The Westin Washington DC Downtown, Washington, D.C.

You’ll engage with industry leaders, dive into actionable strategies, and walk away ready to lead your organization into the future.

Registrant Type Nov 5, 2025 – Dec 6, 2025 Dec 7, 2025 – Jan 17, 2026 Jan 18, 2026 – Mar 24, 2026 Mar 25, 2026 – Mar 27, 2026
Best Value Early Bird Regular Onsite Registration
Member-Nonprofit $599 $699 $799 $899
Member-Corporate $999 $1,099 $1,299 $1,399
NonMember-Nonprofit $799 $999 $1,099 $1,199
NonMember-Corporate $1,199 $1,399 $1,599 $1,699

Why Attend? 

If you’re feeling the pressure of shifting donor behavior, rapid technology change, funding uncertainty, and the need to build resilient strategies, you’re not alone. 

At the Symposium you will: 

  • Learn proven methods to integrate AI into fundraising workflows. 
  • Explore new revenue streams and strengthen donor trust. 
  • Join a peer network of 300 seasoned professionals who face similar challenges. 
  • Gain tools and frameworks you can implement immediately. 

Who Will Be There 

This event is ideal for you if you are: 

  • A fundraising or marketing executive (Director, VP, C-suite) in a nonprofit. 
  • Someone with 10+ years of experience in fundraising, marketing, or development. 
  • Ready to move beyond survival mode and lead with strategic innovation. 

What to Expect 

Here’s what happens across the three days: 

  • Inspiring keynote presentations from Tucker Bryant, Artist & Keynote Speaker, and Dr. Una Osili, Executive Director of Philanthropy, Strategy and Operations, Eli Lilly and Company Foundation.
  • 15+ sessions covering AI in fundraising, donor-trust frameworks, risk & revenue diversification, and leadership in a changing environment. 
  • Hands-on workshops where you leave with actionable templates, playbooks, and peer feedback. 
  • Structured peer networking so you can meet and learn from others who are shaping the next era of fundraising. 

Next Step 

Ready to join a community of forward-thinking nonprofit leaders and lead the next chapter of your organization’s fundraising success? 

Register now to secure your spot or explore the full schedule and speaker lineup to see why you don’t want to miss this. 

Register Now View Schedule & Speakers

Symposium Planning Committee

  • Kerri Kerr, Chief Operating Officer, Avalon Consulting (Co-chair) 
  • Amanda Nelson, Managing Director, Orr Group (Co-chair) 
  • Steve Abrahamson, Vice President, Membership and Advocacy, National Audubon Society 
  • Nosa Adetiba, Director, Nationwide Donor Development, ACLU 
  • Amy Bobrick, Vice President, Decision Science and Strategy, Solutions & Innovation, ABD Direct 
  • Bart Lillie, Vice President, Partner Engagement, Synergy 
  • Amy Pawluk, Chief Operating Officer, Blakely Fundraising 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nonprofit Fundraisers Symposium?

The Nonprofit Fundraisers Symposium is a three-day event produced by the Direct Marketing Association of Washington (DMAW) and The Nonprofit Alliance Foundation (TNPAF). It brings together fundraising and marketing professionals with 10+ years of experience to learn, connect, and build resilient strategies for the future.

How do I contact the registration team?

For questions about registration, program details, or hotel information, email NFSinfo@dmaw.org. Your inquiry will be directed to the appropriate team member.

What is the dress code?

Business casual is what most attendees will be wearing. Feel free to dress comfortably for sessions, networking, and peer conversations. Don’t forget to bring layers as session rooms can get chilly. 

Who is eligible for member registration?

Members of both DMAW and TNPA are eligible for member registration rates. Anyone working in or serving the nonprofit fundraising or marketing community is welcome to attend.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

The cancellation deadline is Friday, February 27, 2026. All cancellations must be submitted in writing to NFSinfo@dmaw.org. Cancellations on or before Feb. 27 receive a refund minus a $75 cancellation fee. No refunds are provided after Feb. 27 or for no-shows.  Cancellation removes eligibility for attendee benefits and publications. 

Can I transfer my registration to someone else?

Yes. Contact NFSinfo@dmaw.org to request a substitution within the same organization. 

Substitutions made after February 27, 2026 incur a $35 substitution fee. 

Is there a fee for badge reprints onsite?

Yes. Lost or damaged badges can be reprinted onsite for a $25 fee. Badge sharing or splitting is not allowed. 

What dietary options are available?

Meals are served buffet-style with options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free ,

Special kosher or halal meals can be requested at registration or by emailing NFSinfo@dmaw.org at least 14 days before the event. 

How do I change my hotel reservation?

Hotel reservation changes or cancellations must be made directly with the hotel. The Symposium cannot modify hotel bookings.

How many attendees will there be?

The Symposium is limited to approximately 300 senior professionals, ensuring high-quality peer interaction and focused learning. 

Does the Symposium accommodate attendees with disabilities?

Yes. The Symposium complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

If you need accommodations, such as a sign language interpreter or other accommodation related to audio, visual, or mobility needs, contact NFSinfo@dmaw.org at least 14 days prior to the event. 

Are children allowed at the Symposium?

No. Attendees must be 18 or older. Children are not permitted in Symposium areas, exhibitor spaces, general sessions, or any educational sessions. Attendees are responsible for arranging childcare independently.

Does the Symposium take photos or videos of attendees?

Yes. By attending, you consent to the Symposium photographing, filming, and recording you for use in publications, marketing, press coverage, social media, and future promotional materials. The Symposium retains exclusive rights to all media captured onsite.

Will my registration information be shared with sponsors?

By registering, you agree that the Symposium may share your basic registration information with sponsors, partners, and affiliates who help make the event possible. 

To opt out, email membership@dmaw.org with a written request. 

What behavior is expected from attendees?

By registering, you agree to follow all attendee guidelines, including:

Keeping electronic devices silent during sessions; Avoiding disruptive or objectionable behavior; Refraining from bringing prohibited items such as weapons, explosives, or hazardous materials; Dressing in business casual or traditional business attire

Violations may affect eligibility for participation in current or future Symposiums.

What is the Symposium’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) commitment?

The convening organizations of the Symposium value the diversity of experiences, ideas, people, and organizations in our community. We believe diversity makes our sector stronger. We strongly encourage and seek speakers and sessions from people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals, women, men, people with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQI individuals, and/or from professionals working for organizations serving those groups. 

What is the Symposium’s anti-harassment policy?

The Nonprofit Fundraisers Symposium maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment in any form. This includes harassment based on gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, religion, age, or any protected characteristic. 

Prohibited behavior includes intimidation, stalking, unwelcome physical contact, disruptive conduct, sexualized imagery, or harassment of any kind. 

Anyone asked to stop harassing behavior must comply immediately. 

Organizers may take action including warnings or expulsion without refund. 

How do I report harassment or unsafe behavior?

If someone makes you feel unsafe, unwelcome, or uncomfortable, report it immediately to a Symposium staff member at registration. You will be supported discreetly, and next steps will be discussed in a safe environment. 

Reports help ensure a safe, productive experience for all attendees. 

Will the event offer CFRE credit?

Yes. The Symposium has been approved for CFRE credit for up to 12.00 points for certification or recertification.

What happens if the Symposium cancels sessions or the entire event?

TNPAF and DMAW may cancel individual sessions or, in a force-majeure situation, the entire event. 

If the full Symposium is canceled due to a force-majeure event, all registrants will receive a full refund of registration fees. 

The Symposium is not responsible for travel costs or related expenses. 

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