Past Conferences
A Legacy of Nonprofit Leadership
For over two decades, the Keystone Nonprofit Conference has brought together nonprofit professionals to connect, collaborate, and strengthen the sector. What began as Nonprofit Day in 2001 evolved into the Keystone Nonprofit Conference, a multi-day experience designed to meet the growing needs of today’s changemakers.
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From one-day gatherings focused on professional development to dynamic, themed events featuring national speakers, intensive workshops, and sector-wide celebration, our conference has grown alongside the community it serves.
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Explore the history below to revisit themes, keynote speakers, highlights, and more from past events.
Jump to a Year
2024: Keystone Nonprofit Conference,
Unite & Conquer
In 2024, the Keystone Nonprofit Conference brought together mission-driven professionals under the theme “Unite & Conquer” — a call to action for the sector to harness its collective power in the face of societal challenges. The conference emphasized collaboration, excellence, and resilience as essential tools for nonprofit success.
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With a blend of skill-building sessions, networking opportunities, and meaningful partnerships, KeyCon 2024 proved to be a must-attend event for nonprofit professionals seeking affordable, impactful professional development. The energy of the conference reflected the sector’s ongoing commitment to showing up, working together, and driving change.
Keynote Speakers:
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Vu Le, NonprofitAF
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Josh Hirsch, Soukup Strategic Solutions
2023: Keystone Nonprofit Conference, Mythbusters
KeyCon 2023 set out to challenge the long-standing myths and limitations that have hindered the nonprofit sector’s growth, innovation, and impact. With community needs continuing to grow, the conference called on nonprofit professionals to reimagine what’s possible — not just for their organizations, but for the sector as a whole.
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Under this bold vision, attendees explored new approaches to overcoming internal and external barriers, confronted outdated narratives, and engaged in deep conversations about the sector’s future. Together, we examined how nonprofits can rise above constraint, embrace innovation, and lead with purpose to solve the most pressing problems facing our communities.
Keynote Speakers:
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Kiersten Hill, Firespring
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Cherian Koshy, NonprofitOS
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Pride
Purpose
2022: Keystone Nonprofit Conference,
Pride and Purpose
KeyCon 2022 focused on reigniting the pride and purpose that define the nonprofit sector. At a time when harmful myths and outdated narratives persist, the conference called on professionals to refocus on mission, challenge misconceptions, and build confidence in the sector’s vital role.
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Attendees explored what it means to lead with purpose, how to strengthen organizational tools, and how to advance the sector’s impact with clarity and conviction. Together, we worked to reaffirm our value, refine our approach, and reinforce the sector as one of America’s greatest strengths.
Keynote Speakers:
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Andrew Davis, BoardSource
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Christal Cherry, The Board Pro
2021: Keystone Nonprofit Conference
2021 marked a milestone — the 20th celebration of The Nonprofit Partnership’s annual conference and the debut of its new identity: the Keystone Nonprofit Conference. What began as Nonprofit Day, a small local gathering for learning and connection, had grown into a premier regional event for nonprofit professionals. After a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic, the return in 2021 was not only a celebration of progress but a bold step forward.
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The new name reflects both place and purpose. "Keystone" symbolizes Pennsylvania, where the event is held, and more profoundly, the nonprofit sector’s vital role in holding communities together. Just as a keystone supports an arch, nonprofits support the systems that uplift society — from education and the arts to health, equity, and environmental stewardship.
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The 2021 conference honored the sector’s legacy, embraced its evolution, and set the stage for continued impact.
Keynote Speakers:
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Rhea Wong, The Nonprofit Lowdown podcast host & Get That Money, Honey! author
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Dr. Tyrone Freeman, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Indiana University & Madam C.J. Walker's Gospel of Giving author
2020: Nonprofit Reinvention Virtual Summit
In response to the extraordinary challenges of 2020, The Nonprofit Partnership reimagined its annual gathering as the Nonprofit Reinvention Summit — a two-day virtual event focused on not just rebuilding, but boldly reinventing the nonprofit sector for greater impact.
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Held on October 26 and 28, the Summit explored two critical themes:
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Day 1: Reinvention through Capacity Building – helping organizations rethink how they operate in a changing world
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Day 2: Reinvention through Diversity & Racial Equity – moving beyond conversation toward real commitments and change
Rather than returning to the status quo, the 2020 Summit challenged nonprofit professionals to embrace innovation, equity, and long-overdue transformation. While the content had a regional lens, the insights were universal — and the conversations sparked a shift in how we think, lead, and serve.
Nonprofit Day
For nearly two decades, Nonprofit Day served as a cornerstone event for nonprofit professionals in the region. Founded in 2001 by The Nonprofit Partnership in Erie, PA, Nonprofit Day began as a one-day gathering focused on learning, networking, and strengthening the sector.
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Over the years, the event grew in both size and impact — expanding from a few hours of workshops into a full-day experience offering rich educational content, meaningful connections, and an energizing atmosphere. Nonprofit Day became a trusted space for nonprofit leaders and staff to build skills, share ideas, and celebrate the important work of advancing community well-being.
2019: Better Together
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2018: Thriving vs. Surviving
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2017: The Power of People
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2016: Celebrating Resilience
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2015: A Culture of Engagement
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2014: Tackling the Tough Questions
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2013: Age of Austerity - Era of Abundance
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2012: Leading in Turbulent Times
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2011: Weaving the Fabric of Our Community
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2010: Solutions, Now! Stepping Up to the Challenges of Change​
2009: Finding Your Way in the Storm - A Compass for Today's Nonprofits
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2008: Mission, Message, and Monday - Moving Your Nonprofit Forward
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2007: Thriving in Changing Times
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2006: Engage the Future
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2005: Learn, Grow, and Build Community
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2001-2004: Nonprofit Day