CALL FOR PRESENTATION PROPOSALS:
2025 Drury Nonprofit Leadership Conference

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Conference Date:  Friday, Oct. 3, 2025
Proposal Submission Deadline:  May 1, 2025

The 14^th annual Drury University Nonprofit Leadership Conference takes place
8:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3 at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center in
Springfield, Mo. We experienced a record turnout in 2024. Due to the growing demand for this conference, we’ve added a fourth track in Finance and Operations! All sessions will feature in-person presentations. Individuals with relevant presentation proposals are encouraged to submit them for consideration. We are expecting more than 250 members of the nonprofit community will attend this year’s conference.

About the 2025 conference:

This year’s conference theme, “The Way Forward,” acknowledges the ongoing change and uncertainty that nonprofit organizations are navigating and inspires attendees to explore ideas, opportunities and frameworks that can fuel progress and meaningful action. In a world where rapid change is the new normal, nonprofits must cultivate resilience and adaptability to stay relevant and continue advancing their mission. The conference will illuminate the way forward by providing nonprofit leaders, staff, and board members with actionable insights and strategies to thrive in this ever-shifting landscape. From adapting to new operational challenges to deepening community engagement, attendees will leave with valuable tools to manage change effectively, strengthen their organizations, and create lasting impact in these dynamic times.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) is open through midnight on Tuesday, May 1, 2025.

Session Requirements:
The sessions will be 60 minutes in length and prioritize audience engagement. If you have a vision for setting up your session as a workshop experience, we would love to hear it! Attendees seek timely information, relevant examples, hands-on learning, actionable takeaways, and the opportunity to ask questions. Presenters should provide clear learning objectives and when possible, provide resources to aid attendees in the implementation of ideas. Conference attendees are a mix of early, mid, and late career professionals.

Conference planners invite proposals that fit with one of the four following tracks:

• Track 1: Leadership and Governance
  This track is designed for nonprofit leaders and board members seeking to strengthen their leadership skills and enhance governance practices. We are interested in proposals that explore the evolving role of leadership in a changing world, including strategies for fostering a resilient organizational culture and building diverse, effective boards. Sessions may also address how leaders are using technology, AI, and innovation in governance (e.g., policy development and decision-making). Attendees will gain practical insights to lead with confidence, inspire teams, and advance the organization’s mission.

• Track 2: Fundraising and Development
  This track is designed for leaders and team members interested in new and proven strategies to sustain and grow their organization’s funding base. From overcoming challenges in fundraising environment to maximizing donor engagement and retention, attendees will leave with actionable ideas to diversify their revenue streams. We are interested in proposals on donor stewardship, online fundraising, and adapting practices to changing economic conditions. Special focus will be placed on grant writing and grant management, providing tools and resources to effectively pursue funding opportunities, manage grants, and navigate compliance requirements.
• Track 3: Communication and Marketing
  This track is designed for the individuals or teams who are responsible for internal and external communication, brand awareness, and community engagement. We are interested in proposals on how to harness digital marketing, social media strategies, and storytelling to elevate an organization’s brand and increase visibility. Attention should be given to the appropriate metrics that help assess outcomes and effectiveness. Additionally, with the increasing use of artificial intelligence in marketing, we’re interested in helping attendees learn how AI tools can streamline content creation, audience targeting, and engagement strategies, helping nonprofits maximize their marketing efforts and resources.
• Track 4: Operations and Finance – New Track for 2025!
  This track is for staff, leaders, and board members who are responsible for the core elements of financial health and operational efficiency. We are interested in presentations offering strategies for navigating and mitigating the effects of staff turnover and ensuring continuity, budgeting during times of uncertainty, and tools/technologies (AI and data management resources) that can streamline operations, enhance resource management, and improve financial transparency. Sessions included in this track should provide leaders of small or large nonprofit organizations with the insights needed to ensure strong operational and financial foundations.

Submit a Presentation Proposal

The Drury Leadership Collaborative hosts the annual Nonprofit Leadership Conference. Since 2011, nonprofit and community leaders, staff, board members, volunteers, and students have gathered to explore issues and opportunities facing the nonprofit community. The annual Nonprofit Leadership Conference is one of the many ways Drury University enacts its mission to transform lives through educational opportunities.  

Questions? Contact event co-planners:

Regina K. Waters, Ph.D., Director of the Drury Leadership Collaborative, rwaters@drury.edu ,
417-873-7251

Abby Glenn, Conference Co-Planner, glenn.abby01@gmail.com