PROGRAM & SCHEDULE

Step away from the day-to-day and look toward a brighter future for your organization at this exclusive, game-changing event. Register today!

Aspire. Adapt. Advance.
This isn’t just another nonprofit event – it’s your opportunity to aspire to bold new goals, adapt with resilience in a changing landscape, and advance your mission with greater impact. Immerse yourself in cutting-edge fundraising strategies, innovative tools, and future-focused insights designed to empower you and your organization to thrive.

Symposium Highlights:

• Inspiring Keynote Sessions: Hear from renowned thought leaders from within and outside the nonprofit sector.
• Interactive Workshops & Breakout Sessions: Engage in hands-on programs that provide actionable strategies.
• Exclusive Networking Opportunities: Connect with top nonprofit professionals and forge valuable partnerships.

Limited to just 150 seasoned nonprofit leaders with 10+ years of experience and 150 professionals serving the nonprofit sector, this Symposium offers a unique chance to step away from your daily routine and focus on future planning to propel your mission forward.

 

Preliminary Program
As of September 30, 2025 – This is a listing of currently confirmed sessions and speakers. More details to come!

AI That Matters: Turning Disruption into Mission Momentum
AI is transforming the nonprofit landscape, but technology alone won’t move missions forward. What matters is knowing where AI adds value, where it distracts, and how to use it to deepen trust and accelerate impact. In this high-energy, hands-on session, Cherian Koshy, CFRE, CAP®, cuts through the noise to show nonprofit leaders how to put AI to work with focus and confidence. You’ll see practical examples from peers, experiment with live prompts, and walk away with a clear, actionable playbook to start (or accelerate) your AI journey tomorrow.

At-A-Glance Takeaway: You’ll leave ready to use AI immediately — ethically, effectively, and with measurable results.
Speaker: Cherian Koshy, CFRE, CAP®

Beyond ROI: Impact Isn’t Simply Numbers
For years, nonprofit fundraising success has been judged by ROI and short-term returns. But today’s realities demand a broader lens. True impact is seen across channels, audiences, and time — and the ability to articulate that impact is what earns investment, trust, and long-term growth. In this session, you’ll learn how to frame your program’s value in ways that resonate with CFOs, CEOs, boards, and stakeholders. We’ll explore attribution models (with lessons drawn from the commercial sector and list brokers), and uncover how the different parts of your program amplify one another. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, you’ll be equipped to move the conversation from “just numbers” to a holistic story of impact — a story that matters in times of crisis and in shaping the future of your mission.

At-A-Glance Takeaway: You’ll gain tools to make the case for long-term value and tell a unified story of impact.
Speakers: Kate Hollandsworth, SVP Strategy at AKwire and Tyler Kalogeros-Treschuk, Senior Director of Individual Giving, CRR

The Calm in the Storm: Leading Your Organization through Risk and Uncertainty
Nonprofits face turbulence from every direction — funding shifts, external crises, even negative headlines. But instability doesn’t have to derail your mission or your team’s morale. This session equips nonprofit leaders with strategies to prepare proactively, manage risk with mission in mind, and build cultures that foster resilience instead of burnout. With practical tools and real-world insights, you’ll learn how to steady your organization in uncertain times and inspire confidence no matter the storm.

At-A-Glance Takeaway: You’ll gain tools to make the case for long-term value and tell a unified story of impact.
Speaker: Pherabe Kolb, Founder and CEO, Reveillon Solutions LLC

From Cuts to Comebacks: The Biggest Loser Amid Federal Funding Reductions
What happens when a major revenue stream vanishes overnight? This session takes you inside real-world case studies of organizations hit by federal funding cuts — and the tough decisions, quick pivots, and smart strategies that kept them afloat. From restructuring staff to rethinking programs and diversifying income, you’ll gain a roadmap to weather sudden shocks and emerge stronger. Packed with practical tools, this session prepares your organization before the next funding cliff hits.

At-A-Glance Takeaway: You’ll leave with proven strategies to adapt fast, diversify revenue, and strengthen resilience before crisis strikes.
Speakers: Lacey Stone, Chief Development Officer, USA for UNHCR and Sarah Wilber, Fundraising Strategy Lead, Stand Together

Trapped Wealth: Unlocking Donor Advised Funds
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) hold over $200 billion in charitable assets, yet much of this wealth remains “trapped,” not reaching the nonprofits that need it most. At the same time, reduced barriers to entry are opening DAFs to more donors — creating both fresh opportunities and new challenges for fundraising leaders.
This session explores how nonprofits can unlock DAF giving, inspire recurring support, and build stronger, more meaningful donor relationships across the giving ladder.

At-A-Glance Takeaway: You’ll gain practical strategies to tap into DAF dollars, engage donors at every level, and turn “trapped” wealth into mission-moving support.
Speakers: Michelle Boggs, Executive Nonprofit Industry Advisor, GoFundMe PRO; Dean Axelrod , Vice President, Partnerships and Philanthropy, Direct Relief; Tracy Malloy-Curtis, Vice President, Legacy Giving, Mal Warwick Donordigital

I Didn’t Sign Up for This! Keeping It Together
Leading a team in today’s nonprofit landscape can feel like a full-contact sport. Between flat or reduced budgets, limited travel and training funds, salary freezes, and an unpredictable political climate, even seasoned leaders are stretched thin. Add in the complexities of managing within Collective Bargaining Agreements, and it’s easy to find yourself saying, “I just want to fundraise — I didn’t sign up for this!”

If that sounds familiar, this session is for you. Hear from colleagues who have weathered the storm and from experts in nonprofit management who offer real-world advice and proven tactics to keep morale strong, stay focused, and lead with confidence through uncertainty.

At-A-Glance Takeaway: You’ll leave with concrete strategies and peer-tested advice for leading teams through turbulence while keeping yourself — and your people — steady and motivated.
Speakers: Brandy Swimeley, Vice President, Marketing, Defenders of Wildlife; Meredith Weiss, Vice President, Individual Giving and Revenue Operations, HIAS

A Balancing Act: Team vs. Tools

Have we become over-reliant on the idea that technology can solve every challenge? This session explores the balance between people and technology in fundraising—how to determine when the solution is a tool, when it’s a team practice, and when it’s a thoughtful blend of both. What we may think is the best solution doesn’t always mean it’s the right one—we’ll discuss how to account for adoption, resources, and implementation.

This session will explore scenarios when a “people fix” (role clarity, training, process tweaks) is the smarter move than a technology investment—and where a “tech fix” (automation, integrations, data hygiene) truly unlocks capacity. We’ll walk through clear decision criteria for weighing problem fit, readiness, cost, risk, and change impact—so you can choose with confidence and purpose.

At-A-Glance Takeaway: You’ll leave with a clear “Team or Tool?” decision framework, a shared language for aligning stakeholders on trade-offs and feasibility, and an approach for sequencing people and technology changes to maximize adoption and results.

Speaker: Sterrin Bird, Founder & Principal, Wingspan Consulting

Fractional Firepower: How to Deploy Elite Talent Without Bloating Your Headcount

In today’s volatile nonprofit landscape, organizations need specialized, senior-level expertise—from integrated digital strategy to complex donor analytics—but often lack the budget or capacity for full-time executive hires. This session unpacks the strategic advantage of Fractional Marketing and Fundraising Professionals.

Join Katrina VanHuss and Dan Thorpe as they reveal how leading nonprofits are successfully leveraging fractional talent to fill critical skill gaps, lead major campaigns, and drive sustainable growth without permanent salary commitments. Learn how to determine the optimal moment to bring in fractional leadership, how to integrate these experts seamlessly with your existing team, and, most importantly, how to measure the outsized impact and ROI this model delivers. Walk away with a clear roadmap for accessing elite talent on a flexible, project-based schedule.

At-A-Glance Takeaway: You’ll learn how to strategically deploy fractional roles—such as a CMO or Director of Digital Strategy—for maximum impact, understand the financial advantages of fractional hiring, and apply best practices for integrating these professionals to enhance team performance and results.

Speakers: Katrina VanHuss, Turnkey for Good, and Dan Thorpe, Chief Development Officer, HelpMeSee

Trends Among Trends: What Fundraisers Need to Know
Every major publication—and many minor ones—across every industry and field publishes trends each January. If you’ve ever wondered how anyone can keep up with even the most relevant ones, let alone make time for those outside your own sector, this session is for you.

Nancy Murphy, CEO of CSR Communications, will share her 2026 “Trends Among Trends” report, highlighting 10 meta-trends that transcend industries. Together, we’ll explore what these mean for nonprofit fundraising—how they influence individual donors, corporate partners, and institutional funders—and how to leverage them for success in the year ahead.

At-A-Glance Takeaway: You’ll gain a clearer understanding of the cross-sector patterns shaping 2026, see real-world examples of how they’re unfolding in and beyond the nonprofit world, and learn actionable ways to apply these insights to strengthen your fundraising strategies this year.

Speaker: Nancy Murphy, CEO, CSR Communications

The Brain Behind the Ask: A Deep Dive on Science-Driven Fundraising
Ever wonder why some fundraising appeals inspire immediate action while others fall flat? The answer lies in the brain! Brain chemistry, emotions, and cognitive processes all shape donor behavior.

This session explores the psychology and neuroscience of giving. We’ll look at how storytelling triggers oxytocin and empathy, why urgency activates dopamine and decision-making, and how trust and transparency build long-term donor loyalty. By blending science with strategy, nonprofit leaders will learn to design fundraising experiences that are both ethical and effective.

At-A-Glance Takeaway: You’ll explore how urgency, reciprocity, and trust influence generosity; understand ethical considerations for applying neuroscience to fundraising; and gain evidence-based strategies to improve donor engagement and retention across all giving levels.

Speaker: Steve Agauas, Ph.D., Director, Neuro-Fundraising® Lab Division

When Taking a Risk Paid Off

Session Description: Yes, Goldilocks, there will be a case for you! In this session you will hear from three organizations—small, medium, and large—about a surprising success. Each of these organizations took a risk on something new and different to create a major change in their fundraising programs. You’ll get the full story in each case—the background, what led to the new idea, and how the team and organization decided to try something new. You’ll also hear about the implementation and execution that led to success.

Some practical ideas that you will take away include how to generate the big idea, choose the one with the best opportunity for success, and identify the critical factors for implementation.

We hope these examples will inspire you to take a chance on something new—especially something with the capacity to meaningfully change your organization’s fundraising program. Best of all, we will have time for a little workshopping: bring an idea you’ve been thinking about, share it with the group, and get feedback.

At-A-Glance Takeaway: Learn a “just-right risk” approach—how to surface bold ideas, pick the most promising one, and execute it well—illustrated by three real-world case studies, plus live workshopping to turn your idea into next steps.

Speakers:
Dorota Amin, Chief Philanthropy & Partnerships Officer, WFP USA — WFP Innovation Unit fundraising app; influencer marketing
Jessica Cassidy, Cornell Lab of Ornithology — The Power of Merlin: how a free app changed the game (40% donor growth, 67% revenue growth over 5 years)
Lori Held, National Park Foundation — Sweepstakes program

Future-Proofing Fundraising: Building Capacity for What’s Next

As fundraising landscapes evolve with unprecedented speed, organizations must build capacity not just to survive, but to thrive. This engaging panel brings together accomplished fundraisers who will share their experiences navigating change, embracing innovation, and cultivating resilient teams.

Panelists will explore how they’ve adapted to shifting donor expectations, integrated new technologies, and diversified revenue streams. They’ll also discuss the human side of fundraising: how to foster team morale, support professional growth, and lead with empathy during times of uncertainty.

Whether you’re a frontline fundraiser, senior leader, or executive, this session will offer practical insights and inspiration to help you future-proof your fundraising strategy and build a culture of adaptability and purpose.

At-A-Glance Takeaway: Practical ways to build adaptable teams and strategies—balancing innovation, tech adoption, and human-centered leadership—to strengthen resilience and long-term fundraising results.

Panelists: Elizabeth O’Toole (Lili), Assistant Vice President, Acquisition & Annual Giving, Children’s National Hospital Foundation – more to be confirmed

The AI Factor: How Donors Discover and Choose Nonprofits in the Age of Algorithms

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how donors discover and support nonprofits, from AI-powered search results to recommendation algorithms on donor platforms. These shifts are redefining how organizations must position themselves to stay visible, relevant, and engaging in an AI-driven world.

This session will explore the impact of AI on donor discovery and decision-making, highlighting how technology shapes the nonprofit ecosystem. Attendees will gain practical strategies to adapt, using AI to enhance visibility, personalize outreach, and build stronger connections with donors.

Nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and marketers will leave equipped with actionable insights to navigate and thrive in this evolving landscape.

At-A-Glance Takeaway: Understand how algorithms influence donor discovery and choice—and leave with practical tactics to boost visibility, personalize outreach, and build trust in an AI-driven landscape.

Speaker: TJ Peeler, UX Director, Allegiance + Pursuant

Keynotes, guest speakers and more sessions to come!