Lessons, Laughter, and Lightbulb Moments: The 2025 ANA Nonprofit Conference
Walking into the 2025 ANA Nonprofit Conference, I could immediately feel the energy — and it was from more than just the casino!
The conference brought together fundraisers, marketers, and nonprofit leaders ready to tackle challenges, exchange insights, and find new ways to drive meaningful change at a time we need it more than ever.
This year’s event was packed with lightbulb moments, and here are my biggest takeaways:
Retention is King (or Queen!) — Nearly every conversation and session emphasized donor retention, and rightfully so. Why chase new donors when you can build lasting relationships with the ones you already have? Most people who know me know that retention is my favorite metric, and I was thrilled to be around so many who agree and share that love.
Monthly Giving = Mission Stability — Monthly giving programs were front and center, and the data doesn’t lie: monthly donors are the backbone of financial stability. If you’re feeling behind when it comes to growing your program, now is the time to start. There are so many organizations in the industry at different phases of their journey, and there’s a wealth of data and experience to learn from.
Storytelling Motivates — Donors want to hear how their dollars are making a difference, and they want to be brought into the experience and feel like more than just a check writer (or card swiper/DAF granter, etc.). Moving speakers from organizations like the American Heart Association and World Central Kitchen took the time to tell us their stories and bring us into their missions — leaving us all inspired to be able to do the same for our donors.
Beyond the sessions and speakers, what truly made this conference special was the sense of community. It can sometimes feel like we are climbing a mountain in roller skates. But when we are together with people who understand the challenges and share the same drive — I am inspired for all that is to come.
And that leads me to my biggest takeaway. The future of fundraising is bold and innovative. When met with challenges, we are proactively finding solutions. Those who stay informed and inspired will thrive.
Thank you, ANA team, for a truly great experience!
If you were there and have more to share, we’d love to hear from you!