Audience

Our participants include professionals across the Bay Area nonprofit sector, with roles spanning program and outreach, fundraising, marketing, advocacy, operations, and leadership. Proposals should be designed for mixed-experience groups and clearly indicate the intended audience (by role, function, or issue area) and any prerequisites. We anticipate 400+ nonprofit practitioners in attendance.

What We're Looking For

We invite speakers and facilitators to submit proposals for sessions that:

• Address urgent nonprofit challenges (compliance, fundraising, leadership, operations, advocacy)
• Provide practical tools and strategies nonprofits can apply immediately
• Center equity, resilience, and accessibility
• Accommodate different learning styles (visual, auditory, experiential)
• Foster peer-to-peer learning and connectivity

Session Length & Format

We welcome sessions of 30, 45, or 60 minutes in any of the following formats:

• Interactive Workshops or skill-building sessions
• Panel Discussions (with diverse perspectives)
• Peer Learning Circles: Facilitated conversations where participants share experiences, challenges, and solutions
• Designed to build relationships and strengthen networks across the sector

Proposal Requirements

Your proposal should include:

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on: 

• Relevance: How does the topic address current and pressing nonprofit sector needs; showcase real-world lessons; align with our audience needs by role or issue area?
• Practicality: Are there clear, actionable takeaways and resources?
• Engagement: Does the session include interactive elements and accommodate diverse learning styles?
• Equity & Inclusion: Does the content reflect and advance racial justice, accessibility, and community voice?
• Facilitation Quality: For peer learning circles, does the plan foster meaningful dialogue and networking?

Speaker & Facilitator Benefits

• Complimentary conference registration
• Networking with nonprofit leaders and changemakers
• Opportunity to showcase your expertise and contribute to sector-wide resilience

Compensation & Equity Commitment

Nonprofit Convergence is committed to advancing racial equity and inclusion—not only in content, but in how we value the time and expertise of speakers and facilitators. We recognize that unpaid labor disproportionately impacts leaders from underrepresented communities and those whose speaking is not part of their salaried role.

1. I have a fixed speaking rate and would like to share it.  
   We will review and confirm what is feasible within our budget.
2. I accept SVCN’s honorarium.
   ‍Honorarium ranges: $200-250 for panels; $350 for workshops or peer learning circles.
3. I choose to donate my time.
   Thank you for supporting sector-wide learning. Your contribution helps us allocate resources to equity priorities.

Submission Instructions

Please submit via the form below and include:

Speaker Application

Equity & Accessibility

We welcome proposals that reflect diverse perspectives and practices. Please note any accessibility considerations, language needs, or community-centered approaches in your design.

‍Questions? Contact Danna Elneil, DannaE@svcn.org