Top Reasons to Attend the 2025 Raise Conference

Calling all nonprofit leaders and #FearlessFundraisers, this is a conference you WON’T want to miss!

The Raise 2025 conference, presented by OneCause, is for nonprofit and fundraising professionals wanting to take giving to the next level. Join cutting-edge nonprofits for two full days (September 8-9, 2025) of trends, best practices, and sessions to unlock the innovator in all of us. Part interactive learning + part crowd-sourcing = 100% FUNdraising!

“Raise is more than just a conference; it’s a vibrant gathering of passionate individuals dedicated to advancing the landscape of generosity,” said Karrie Wozniak, Chief Marketing Officer for OneCause. “This year’s event promises to ignite conversations, foster connections, and equip fundraisers with the tools they need to make a lasting impact. We’re thrilled to host this experience, as we explore innovative strategies to shape the future of fundraising.”

Here are the top 7 reasons to attend Raise 2025:

1.  Learn from fundraising experts

This conference provides a space for fundraising professionals from around the country to gather for 2 full days and learn from industry insiders. There are four session tracks to challenge fundraising innovation: Fundraising Strategy & Donor Engagement; Event, Peer-to-Peer, & Auction Fundraising; Storytelling, Brand, & Marketing; and Leadership, Operations & DEI.

These session tracks expose you to current industry trends straight from thought leaders. You will hear the newest ideas to level up your organization’s fundraising initiatives.

2.  Receive CFRE Credits

Participants at Raise 2025 have the ability to earn Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) continuing education credits. CFRE is an independent global organization that oversees a certification process for fundraising professionals. 

3.  Interact with amazing speakers

Event fundraisers, industry experts, and thought leaders from across the country will present fundraising best practices and share relevant trends. Take a look back at our 2024 speakers – they left Fearless Fundraisers feeling equipped, inspired, and energized.

Check out the full lineup of speakers from Raise 2024!

4.  Honor our Raise Award Winners

The annual Raise Awards honor the vision, passion, and dedication of top fundraising professionals and their nonprofit organizations.

Submissions will open in March 2025 for the following award categories:

1. Fundraiser of the Year: This award acknowledges the rock stars among us, who aspire and inspire us each and every day. These individuals live out the organization’s mission, are dedicated to the donor experience, never stop learning, and always give 100% to the cause.
2. Storyteller of the Year: This award goes to a nonprofit recognized for excellence in communicating their purpose and vision through branding, narrative, and promotion that informs the mind and moves the heart. Share your story with fellow Raise attendees.
3. Innovative Nonprofit of the Year: This award goes to the nonprofit most marked by creativity in the fundraising process. This organization is one that pushes itself, inspires others, and consistently reaches for new heights by implementing new ideas.

To learn more about these awards and how you can apply, visit the Raise Conference site today. Want to learn about past winners? Check out the Raise Awards Hall of Fame.

5. Hosted in San Antonio, TX!

With past locations varying from Chicago, IL, to Nashville, TN, this year’s Raise Conference will be held in San Antonio, TX, at the Marriott Riverwalk. San Antonio is a vibrant and dynamic city that captures the spirit of Texas. Located along the iconic River Walk, the Marriott Riverwalk immerses you in the city’s culture, history, and fun, with stunning river views just steps from your room.

6. All-Star networking & legendary Raise soiree

At Raise, we believe we’re at our best when we share ideas and work together. So, we build in plenty of time for attendee, speaker, and sponsor interaction and fun. Meet like-minded fundraisers, industry experts, and expand your circle of contacts while having a blast.

Join us for the best Raise party yet! Enjoy a break from learning and socialize with other fearless fundraisers. Drinks, food, and dancing are all included with your Raise registration. You won’t want to miss!

Limited space available. Registrations will go fast, so join us in San Antonio for Raise 2025!

7. Meet our Raise sponsors

We value the power of partnerships. Raise features fantastic sponsors, well versed in supporting nonprofits and fundraising. At the conference, be sure to stop by the sponsor pavilion to say hello and earn Raise Bucks!

We are grateful for our amazing partners who help make Raise possible. Learn more about our 2024 Raise sponsors here!

Explore Fundraising Resources

The fun doesn’t stop at Raise – check out these resources to help your fundraising all year long!

• 5 Best Strategies to Boost Your Nonprofit’s Growth This Year: Expand your nonprofit in new and dynamic ways, while also helping you stay organized to engage new and existing supporters.
• Your Guide to Creating a Ticketed Event Page with OneCause: Save time with easy setup and customization for an event page that attracts, informs, and converts.
• Complete Guide to Nonprofit Event Marketing: Learn how to take your event fundraising to the next level with this guide.