Nonprofit Community Forum 2026
From Uncertainty to Opportunity
Thursday, January 15, 2026 | Stevens Point Downtown Campus | LEAD Center
The Nonprofit Community Forum: From Uncertainty to Opportunity is a dynamic, in-person gathering for nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers to connect, learn, and grow together.
This event is designed to support local nonprofits, community groups, and public institutions across central Wisconsin with tools, strategies, and inspiration to turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s progress.
Whether you're a longtime leader or just starting your journey, engaging sessions will inspire and empower you to build more connected, resilient communities.
It’s a time to move forward together. Let’s gather.
Get notified when registration opens
Event Details
Thursday, January 15, 2026 • 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Stevens Point Downtown Campus • LEAD Center
Conference fees are kept to a minimum through generous contributions from our Conference Partners, the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin and the United Way of Portage County.
Regular Rate: $99 per attendee
Early Bird Rate (By November 15, 2025): $79 per attendee
Student scholarships are available
Call for Presenters
The Nonprofit Community Forum is seeking dynamic, passionate, and knowledgeable presenters for our 2026 event!
This year’s theme—“From Uncertainty to Opportunity”—invites nonprofit leaders, community changemakers, and mission-driven professionals to explore how challenges can become catalysts for innovation, collaboration, and resilience.
We are seeking session proposals that equip attendees with tools, insight, and inspiration to move their organizations forward with confidence, creativity, and clarity—even in unpredictable times.
What We're Looking For
We welcome proposals on topics including (but not limited to):
- Leading through uncertainty and change
- Fundraising and relationship-building in evolving environments
- Strategic planning and adaptive leadership
- Data-driven decision making and evaluation
- Marketing, communications, and storytelling for impact
- Social enterprise and nonprofit sustainability
- Technology and AI tools for nonprofit productivity
- Board development and governance best practices
- Mental health, burnout, and nonprofit workplace culture
- Cross-sector collaboration and community partnerships
- Volunteer recruitment and engagement
Session Formats
Sessions are 50 minutes each.
- Breakout Sessions: Interactive presentations or panels
- Workshops: Hands-on, skill-focused learning sessions
- Roundtables or Case Discussions: Peer dialogue and shared problem-solving
Who Should Apply
We welcome proposals from nonprofit professionals, consultants, funders, educators, community leaders, and anyone with experience and insight to share. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a passionate practitioner with a great case study or framework, we want to hear from you.
Submit Your Proposal
Deadline: September 15, 2025
Sponsors
Schedule
What’s in store for you at the Nonprofit Community Forum? Details on the breakout sessions and workshops will be posted soon. Attendees will choose one presentation per breakout session.
8:00 – 8:30 AM
Registration & Light Breakfast
8:30 – 9:00 AM
Opening Remarks
9:00 – 9:20 AM
Keynote Address 1
9:20 – 9:50 AM
Keynote Address 2
9:50 – 10:05 AM
Break
10:05 – 10:55 AM
Breakout Session 1
10:55 – 11:10 AM
Break
11:10 AM – 12:00 PM
Breakout Session 2
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 – 1:50 PM
Breakout Session 3
1:50 – 2:05 PM
Break
2:05 – 2:55 PM
Breakout Session 4
2:55 – 3:10 PM
Break
3:10 – 4:00 PM
Breakout Session 5
4:00 – 4:30 PM
Closing Remarks
Session Descriptions & Presenter Bios
Session descriptions and presenter bios will be released in October.
