Philanthropy News and Insights
for Nonprofit Fundraisers

Top 15 Fundraising Conferences to Attend in 2025
Mike Esposito, CFRE Mike Esposito, CFRE

Top 15 Fundraising Conferences to Attend in 2025

For those in the nonprofit sector, fundraising conferences can provide invaluable opportunities for professional development. Whether you’re working in-house at a nonprofit, serving as a consultant, or providing technology solutions, these events can help you:

  • Network: Find your next employer, mentor, or friend.

  • Stay Informed: Gain insights from fundraising experts and stay ahead of trends and challenges in the sector.

  • Discover Tools: Explore technology and services that can help your nonprofit.

  • Access Coaching: Leverage flash coaching to problem solve and learn from peers.

Here’s a curated guide to some of the top fundraising conferences in 2025, complete with key details to help you plan your year.

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Stronger Together: Why Finance and Development Collaboration is the Key to Nonprofit Fundraising Success
Mike Esposito, CFRE Mike Esposito, CFRE

Stronger Together: Why Finance and Development Collaboration is the Key to Nonprofit Fundraising Success

Successful nonprofit fundraising doesn’t happen in a silo. For fundraisers to build effective strategies, they must develop relationships across their organization—with Programs, Communications, Data and Operations, and Finance. These collaborations ensure fundraisers understand the work, align messaging, and present accurate, data-driven appeals to donors.

Of all these internal partnerships, the relationship between Development and Finance is perhaps the most critical. Here's why a strong, collaborative approach between these two teams is essential for achieving fundraising goals.

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Rewriting the Fundraising Playbook: Lessons from the Savannah Bananas
Mike Esposito, CFRE Mike Esposito, CFRE

Rewriting the Fundraising Playbook: Lessons from the Savannah Bananas

For decades, Major League Baseball had an iron grip on the sport. Then came the Savannah Bananas in 2016, with a bold strategy: if you can’t beat the big leagues, reinvent the game. Their mix of fast-paced play and entertainment now sells out stadiums, commands millions of social media followers, and recently landed them their first TV streaming deal.

No…

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Ask a Responsive Fundraiser: Building Corporate Sponsorships, Authentic Connections, and More
Mike Esposito, CFRE Mike Esposito, CFRE

Ask a Responsive Fundraiser: Building Corporate Sponsorships, Authentic Connections, and More

Welcome back to Ask a Responsive Fundraiser, where we tackle some of the most pressing questions nonprofit organizations face in their quest to make a difference. This week, we welcome Mike Esposito, CFRE. Whether you’re looking to boost your fundraising efforts, connect more authentically with your donors, or harness the full potential of your board members’ networks, we’ve got you covered.

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DAF Giving Ethics: Resolving Complex Scenarios for Nonprofit Success
Mike Esposito, CFRE Mike Esposito, CFRE

DAF Giving Ethics: Resolving Complex Scenarios for Nonprofit Success

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) have become a popular giving vehicle for philanthropic individuals. However, when nonprofit organizations accept DAF donations, it's important to understand the compliance requirements associated with these funds. In this article, we'll explore the ethics of DAF giving, with a focus on transparency and compliance, and discuss how to respond when faced with potential issues.

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AFP-NYC’s Emerging Leaders Committee: Driving Growth and Fostering Community in Fundraising
Mike Esposito, CFRE Mike Esposito, CFRE

AFP-NYC’s Emerging Leaders Committee: Driving Growth and Fostering Community in Fundraising

Our Committee’s Role and Purpose

The Emerging Leaders Committee (ELC) of AFP-NYC exists to amplify the voices and potential of those newer to the sector, regardless of age, by providing mentorship, creating opportunities for learning, and fostering a strong sense of community. As Co-Chair, alongside of Brently Winstead, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the continued impact of ELC on the fundraising profession this year.

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Mentorship, Community, and Growth: Opportunities Through AFP-NYC's Emerging Leaders Committee
Mike Esposito, CFRE Mike Esposito, CFRE

Mentorship, Community, and Growth: Opportunities Through AFP-NYC's Emerging Leaders Committee

As 2021 drew to a close, I found myself at a crossroads in my fundraising career. I had been fundraising for a nonprofit organization for four years and was unsure of what my next step would be. I asked around and was introduced to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)-NYC and the Emerging Leaders Committee (ELC). I am incredibly grateful that I found AFP-NYC’s ELC, as it has allowed me to access a diverse network of members, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

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Unpacking the GivingUSA Report: Insights to Shape Your Fundraising Strategies
Mike Esposito, CFRE Mike Esposito, CFRE

Unpacking the GivingUSA Report: Insights to Shape Your Fundraising Strategies

How can you leverage the latest insights from the GivingUSA report to boost your nonprofit's fundraising efforts? We’re diving into the key findings and trends from the latest GivingUSA report to understand donor behavior and shape effective strategies. Join our panel of experts as they unpack the report and share actionable tips.

Meet the panelists…

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