33 Free Nonprofit Webinars for October 2024

Every month, we compile the internet’s biggest list of free nonprofit webinars.

Organizations are always looking for innovative ways to adapt to the challenges of working remotely, all while trying to find volunteers and lead successful teams.

It’s more important than ever for us to come together and share our knowledge and resources.

The webinars below cover everything your nonprofit needs to know about fundraising, events and all the tips and tricks for using GoogleAds.

Topics include donor acquisition, artificial intelligence, strategic planning, board building, sustainability and much more.

Now onto this month’s webinars. Please note, all times are indicated in ET (unless otherwise noted).

The Power of Gathering

October 1, 1:00 PM

Gatherings are an important tool in fundraising. They have the power to unleash extraordinary generosity. But why do they work and how can we create experiences that move donors to give transformational gifts? The key lies in understanding the neuroscience of generosity. It’s the building block for creating powerful gatherings that can fuel an organization’s mission and vision. 

Raise More for Your Library Foundation

October 1, 1:00 PM

Transform your Library’s online fundraising game with actionable tips you can implement today! Join us on October 1st as Emily Kelly shares key insights and best practices from successful nonprofits. Learn how to make simple yet powerful changes to boost online donations, avoid common fundraising roadblocks, and confidently hit your fundraising goals.

Ask Me Anything: Candid experts on individual giving

October 1, 2:00 PM

Most nonprofits know that a successful organization has diversified funding streams and that the majority of philanthropic dollars in the US come from individuals. But how do you access these dollars and where do you start? Join us for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session all about individual giving, featuring Candid fundraising expert Krista Berry, MS and special guest for an opportunity to ask all the questions on your mind.

How to Use Text Fundraising During Year-End Fundraising

October 1, 2:00 PM

Text fundraising is an effective way to engage donors where they spend much of their time—on their phones—making it especially useful during time-sensitive periods like year-end campaigns. This webinar will explore how text fundraising works, its benefits, and strategies for incorporating it into your fundraising efforts. Attendees will also learn best practices to enhance their year-end campaigns, boost donor engagement, and increase overall contributions. Discover how text fundraising can make your campaigns more effective this season!

Branding your giving programs to attract, retain, and upgrade donors

October 1, 2:00pm

Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Ishmam R. Rahman, deputy director, mid-level giving at International Rescue Committee (IRC), will explore why and how to brand donor giving programs (mid-level, monthly, and planned giving) and how to build a connection between them so that donors feel a sense of community and belonging. By sharing insights and examples from a recent project between Big Duck and IRC, Farra and Ishmam will review how to understand donor motivations through surveys and interviews. They’ll examine the ways we factored equity into our processes and outputs, in an effort to move away from traditional “best practices” which can cause harm to your clients. They’ll share how you can establish an ecosystem between giving programs, and use it as a tool to retain, upgrade, and convert donors and also explore how to create sub-brands for different kinds of giving like mid-level, monthly, and planned that link back to your primary brand and tools you can use to re-introduce giving programs to your staff and community.

Social Media Boot Camp: Part One

October 1, 2:30 PM

This Social Media Boot Camp is a two-day webinar series that combines webinars Social Media 101, 102 topics, and includes more resources for you to elevate your social media presence. On day one, you’ll learn practical tips and tools for extending your cause and mission via social media. This webinar will cover the basics of using social media for your nonprofit organization and give you handy tips for the most useful social media platforms for nonprofits.

Maximize Giving Season fundraising with Candid profiles

October 2, 2:00 PM

Candid’s nonprofit profiles power giving platforms like Facebook and Network for Good. Profiles provide prospects access to information to guide donation decisions. To prepare for Giving Season, it’s important to make sure your Candid profile is active and up to date.  This webinar will guide you through the quick and easy steps on how to claim your profile, how to earn a Seal in a few clicks, and share the benefits you unlock when you earn your Seal. 

Giving Tuesday Can Be Good in Many Different Ways!

October 2, 2:00 PM

This webinar will explore how Giving Tuesday can jumpstart end-of-year giving and unlock new revenue streams from local and regional businesses. Participants will learn about Giving Tuesday’s potential as a catalyst for fundraising, strategies for attracting business donations, and how to leverage the event for long-term donor engagement. Attendees will also gain insights into maximizing their Giving Tuesday campaigns to boost overall fundraising success. 

Social Media Boot Camp: Part Two

October 2, 2:30 PM

This  Social Media Boot Camp is a two-day webinar series that combines webinars Social Media 101, 102 topics, and includes more resources for you to elevate your social media presence. On day two, it’s time to use social media to stand out from the crowd. You’ll learn a few advanced social media tips and tricks, elevate your social media presence through micro strategies and activate your advocates.

How to be a Nonprofit CFO Who Takes Your Org from Tech Laggards to Tech Leaders

October 3, 1:00 PM

The world and technology are changing fast, and nonprofits need to adapt or risk losing out on revenue, quality staff, better data, and more. This is especially true for organizations trying to operate as efficiently as possible. But effective change  does not come naturally to most teams, and taking advantage of the most cutting-edge financial technology may not seem accessible. In this webinar, Forvis Mazars will discuss how to build change management skills and capacity within your organization based on your specific goals, and three areas where change management facilitates lasting transformation for the finance office. 

Is starting a nonprofit right for you?

October 3, 2:00 PM

Starting a nonprofit can seem terrifically complicated–is it worth it?  This class can help you decide. In this session you’ll learn the legal and logistical elements necessary to start a successful nonprofit.  You’ll also learn about possible alternatives to starting your own nonprofit that you may not have considered.  Finally, you’ll be introduced to a tool that will help you assess your own readiness to move forward.

Why Giving is Selfish: How Helping Others Boosts Your Own Well-Being

October 8, 1:00 PM

Join Jenn Klein, CFRE and Author of “Giving is Selfish” to uncover the joy in generosity for a healthier, happier you. With nearly 20 years of fundraising experience and a certification in health coaching, Jenn understands the science behind the “helpers high” and how giving benefits not only others, but also your own mind and body. In this session, Jenn will draw from her own life and lessons learned from interviewing “philanthropists next door” on her podcast. Discover how a daily gratitude practice and cultivating an abundance mindset shift from scarcity to a life of plenty.

Jump-start Your 4th Quarter with Year-End Appeals that Work!

October 8, 3:00 PM

End your 2024 fundraising on a high note and learn how to optimize your short-term fundraising campaigns. In this webinar you’ll explore the important role your website plays, powerful fundraising tactics you can implement, and the essentials for an integrated communications plan.

Top Trends Impacting Higher Education Annual Giving Fundraising

October 9, 1:00 PM

Higher Ed Annual Giving programs are at a pivotal moment in time. Please join fundraising experts, Brian Kish and Stacy Rooney, as they add context to data trends emerging from hundreds of institutions. Brian and Stacy dive into topics such as: Higher Education climate in 2024, annual Giving Trends emerging from FY24, and how to think about strategy for 2025 and beyond.

Board in Times of Adaptation

October 9, 1:00 PM

As nonprofit leaders and team members continue to develop and implement new and creative ways to be responsive and relevant to the needs of their clients, what is the role of the nonprofit board right now? Where is their leadership needed most to support the organization, its employees, and the recipients of its services? This webinar highlights the critical actions nonprofit boards can take in this time of ongoing uncertainty when the ability to adapt is more important than ever before.

Blueprint for Impact: Maximizing Your Year-End Strategy

October 10, 2:00 PM

In this session, Lauren from ARCHITECT Philanthropic Collective will guide grassroots nonprofits through innovative year-end fundraising strategies, focusing on crafting authentic narratives, designing multi-channel outreach, and measuring impact. Drawing from real-world data and community-centered approaches, the webinar emphasizes equity, authenticity, and leveraging the unique strengths of community-led organizations for fundraising success.

Navigating Nonprofit Governance: Crafting Effective Board Agendas

October 10, 3:00 PM

In just 45 minutes, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and tools to revolutionize your board meetings and drive your nonprofit towards its goals. During this webinar you will learn how to: design an effective agenda, avoid ineffective meeting planning, engage your board in meeting planning, use a consent agenda, and more!

Harness the Power of Your Data to Raise More for Your Mission

October 15, 1:00 PM

Engaging new audiences, delivering impactful programs, and ensuring a seamless ticket-buyer experience while raising critical funds is challenging. Data silos and manual processes hinder growth and community impact, leading to missed fundraising opportunities and disjointed patron experiences. Enrich the guest experience and set your fundraisers up for success!

3 Pitfalls to Avoid for Successful Corporate Partnerships

October 16, 2:00 PM

Successful corporate partnerships are essential for many charities and nonprofits, providing vital financial and/or in-kind support while boosting an organization’s reach and credibility within the community. However, there are common pitfalls that can undermine these partnerships, making it difficult to achieve long-term success. In this free webinar, join Heather Nelson, Founder and President of BridgeRaise, to learn how to avoid these pitfalls and build sustainable, lucrative corporate partnerships at your organization.

Accessibility: How to Make Your Website Usable For Everyone

October 16, 2:00 PM

You can have the most beautiful website, but if it’s not accessible for all visitors it’s not doing its job! Join this webinar for a concise yet comprehensive presentation followed by an engaging open Q&A session. It will delve into the core principles of accessibility, exploring real-world examples of disabilities and situational challenges users face. From understanding WCAG standards to addressing specific populations, this session will equip you with actionable insights to create truly accessible websites.

Transforming Event Attendees into Lifelong Donors

October 16, 2:00 PM

Elevate your event fundraising by shifting the focus from a single event to fostering lifelong donor relationships. It’s essential to meet attendees where they are along the engagement spectrum. For those connecting with your organization for the first time, the goal is to spark their interest and get them more involved. For those already engaged as donors, volunteers, or supporters, the objective is to encourage them to invest more deeply in your cause. Claire will provide strategies to help you guide your event attendees to think about their “next steps” in supporting your organization, ensuring sustained engagement beyond the event.

Introduction to fundraising planning

October 17, 2:00 PM

Does your organization need help directing its fundraising efforts? Planning focuses your organization by setting fundraising priorities and helps give staff and board members a roadmap to success. This introductory class will provide you the basic steps for developing a fundraising plan.

Introduction to finding grants

October 22, 2:00 PM

Are you new to the field of grantseeking? Discover what funders are looking for in nonprofits seeking grants and how to find potential funders in this introductory course. You will learn the 10 most important things you need to know about finding grants, including who funds nonprofits, what funders really want to know about the organizations they are interested in funding, and how you identify potential funders and make the first approach.

Get Tech-Ready for End-of-Year Fundraising and Beyond

October 22, 11:00 AM

As you prepare for year-end appeals and plan next year’s fundraising campaigns, it’s important not to overlook the role of technology in boosting your results. In this session, Mark Becker from Cathexis Partners will provide expert advice on how to make the most of your technology. You’ll learn how to use data segmentation tools to tailor dynamic asks that encourage donors to give more, optimize your donation forms to ensure you’re not leaving money on the table, and get more value from your reporting tools to uncover key insights and improve overall campaign performance.

Strategies for equitable grantmaking in philanthropy featuring the Race and Equity in Philanthropy Group (REPG)

October 23, 2:00 PM

This webinar will explore the Race and Equity in Philanthropy Group (REPG), a network of foundations committed to advancing racial equity in the philanthropic sector. It will discuss how REPG helps members strengthen partnerships and share power with nonprofits that serve the needs of historically marginalized communities. You’ll gain insights on how funders can learn from each other to advance their commitment to racial equity and inclusion even in the current political climate.

Creating a Compelling Online Donation Experience for GivingTuesday

October 24, 12:00 PM

Stand out from the crowd by creating an inspiring online giving experience this GivingTuesday. In this webinar, Allison King and Amy Matthews from Blackbaud University will share proven tactics to help your donation forms stand out and motivate your audience to take action. Learn strategies for designing, testing, and optimizing your donation forms for maximum impact. Explore how to align your donation forms with your overall GivingTuesday strategy, and discover how to create a compelling online donation experience that engages donors and makes giving easy and enjoyable. 

Living Your Plan: Moving From Strategy to Action

October 24, 1:00 PM

This is an engaging and interactive webinar designed for nonprofit leaders and teams looking to transform their strategic plan into actionable results. This workshop will provide you with the tools and steps needed to ensure your strategic plan doesn’t just sit on a shelf but becomes a living document that moves you toward your goal. It will cover practical strategies for transitioning from planning to implementation, aligning daily activities with your strategic goals, and maintaining accountability throughout the process.

Introduction to Foundation Directory

October 24, 2:00 PM

Looking for grants for your nonprofit? Join this webinar to learn how to use Foundation Directory, the most comprehensive prospect research tool for fundraisers, with over 239,000+ grantmaker profiles. You will learn how to search for grantmakers who have funded organizations working on causes and with communities similar to those you serve.

Prospect like a pro: Advanced tips for fundraisers

October 28, 2:00 PM

Successful fundraisers diversify their prospecting strategies. In this webinar, product experts will walk you through the most effective ways to prospect using Foundation Directory Professional. You’ll learn the best practices on how to get started with a search and this session will share more advanced search tactics to expand your prospecting strategy. Hint: you’ll learn how looking into peer organization insights can lead to discovering new funding opportunities. 

If You’re Always Looking Back, You Can’t Lead Forward: Claiming Your Place as the Chief Future Officer (CFO)

October 29, 12:00 PM

The expectations of CFOs are constantly evolving, and no one is sure if they’re doing enough. In this webinar, experts from Forvis Mazars will discuss the new role of a CFO as a Chief Future Officer, how you can embrace and promote innovation and forward-thinking at your nonprofit, and three areas where nonprofit CFOs can spearhead transformational change. 

Introduction to proposal writing

October 29, 2:00 PM

Are you new to proposal writing or want a quick refresher? If so, you don’t want to miss this popular class. This class will provide you with an overview of how to write a standard project proposal to a foundation. It will include the basic elements of a proposal, the “do’s” and “don’ts” of writing and submitting a proposal, and how to follow up whether the answer is yes or no.

How to Have More Productive Conversations with Donors

October 31, 12:00 PM

Join fundraising master trainer, Chad Barger, ACFRE, ACNP, for a session focused on improving the conversations that we have with our donors.  This session will cover practical tips that you can immediately implement to improve your donor interactions and, in the process, Chad will walk you step by step through how he has successfully engaged donors throughout his 25+ year fundraising career.

Introduction to measuring your impact

October 31, 2:00 PM

Your nonprofit does great work, but what is most important is the impact of that work. How do you demonstrate that your programs get results? An outcome-centric approach will lead to stronger program design and increased funding opportunities for your organization. In this introductory course for beginners, learn the basics of shifting focus from your nonprofit’s activities to its outcomes.

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