Request for Proposals: 2025 Collaborative Conference for Nonprofits – Jul 2

Posted by PA Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) on June 24, 2025

At a time when nonprofits are stretched thin, communities are under pressure, and policy landscapes keep shifting, the 2025 Collaborative Conference, Meeting the Moment – Rooted Together, calls us to meet this complex, high-stakes moment with shared strength, supportive connection, and statewide solidarity. The conference will be held on September 25-26, 2025 at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center.

Meeting the Moment – Rooted Together is a rallying cry and a grounding principle. It calls us to forge deep roots in shared purpose and statewide movement-building. By meeting this moment together, we carry each other forward – and grow what’s next.

The 2025 conference seeks to:

• Energize a statewide movement built on nonprofit solidarity and strategic advocacy; and –
• Create space for joy, awe, and real talk because movement-building also requires relationship-building, rest, and connection.

We’re seeking session proposals that meet this knotty moment that is also filled with possibility. This is a space for collaborative learning, reflective dialogue, and shared wisdom. We want not just relevant content, but approaches to presenting that go beyond top-down lectures.

We invite you to apply by July 2, 2025 at 5 pm ET if you fall into one or all of these categories:

• Synthesizers who can capture what’s shared, synthesize insights, and help connect dots for attendees (new this year!).
• Facilitators with both subject matter expertise and true facilitation skills. You know how to create a space for shared learning, foster authentic dialogue, and hold a room.
• Bold speakers with a story that engages, inspires, and challenges us in a powerful 10-minute talk.

Session Types In 2025

This year, we’re offering the following session formats:

• Workshops should be designed not just to inform, but to help attendees connect to each other and leave with practical tools they can apply to their work immediately.
• Facilitated Peer Discussions should be designed to provide some context around the topic chosen – with questions and prompts to generate stories and ideas from those on the ground doing the work
• Taproot Talks should be designed to engage, inspire, and inform in 10 minutes or less.