About the Thrive Conference
Across the Inland Empire, nonprofit organizations are doing the everyday work of supporting families, strengthening communities, and responding to the evolving needs of the people they serve. The 6th IECC Annual Thrive Nonprofit Conference returns this year as a space to reconnect with peers across the region and step away from the day by day to focus on practical ideas that can strengthen nonprofit work moving forward.
The IECC Thrive Conference has long been grounded in real conversations about what nonprofit organizations are navigating and what can help them move forward, creating a space where learning, collaboration, and shared experience continue to build lasting momentum across the region.
This year’s conference was intentionally designed around topics nonprofit teams across the Inland Empire continue to raise in their work. Conversations throughout the day focus on fund development, technology and data, advocacy, and strengthening nonprofit organizations, exploring practical areas such as using AI and data in everyday nonprofit work, collaborative approaches to fundraising, ways organizations can elevate community voices through advocacy, and strategies for building stronger internal systems and workforce pathways.
Choose Your Own Path
Multiple tracks, one goal: helping you thrive. Select the sessions that best support your work, role, and community.
TRACK 1
Fund Development for a Stronger Future
Strengthen your organization’s fundraising foundation with practical guidance on where to start, how to identify the right funders, and how to prepare the core materials needed to compete. This track also explores collaborative fundraising and partnership-based funding approaches that help nonprofits pursue larger opportunities together.
TRACK 2
Leveraging Technology & Data for Nonprofit Impact
Learn approachable, real-world ways to use AI, data, and digital tools to improve everyday nonprofit work—from planning and grant development to storytelling and decision-making. Participants will also see how mapping, dashboards, and data visualization can bring community needs to life and strengthen proposals, advocacy, and impact reporting.
TRACK 3
Nonprofits Standing Up & Speaking Out for Communities
Build confidence and clarity around what advocacy looks like for nonprofits. This track covers advocacy fundamentals, how to get started, and how to engage public systems effectively. It also helps participants translate concern into action by elevating client voices, engaging decision-makers, and leaving with a simple, practical next-steps plan.
TRACK 4
Strengthening the
Nonprofit Sector
Focus on the internal capacity that helps nonprofits thrive long-term. Sessions highlight building the nonprofit workforce through internships while also addressing organizational resilience through risk assessment and practical strategies to strengthen leadership, operations, finances, technology, and communications before challenges grow.
Thrive 2026 Countdown
The conference will be here before you know it.
Reserve your spot today and register below.
Register Now
Use the registration form to purchase your admission to the 6th Annual Thrive Nonprofit Conference.
Early Bird Registration
Register before April 1st to receive
Early Bird Pricing and save $25 per ticket.
General Registration
After April 1st, Early Bird Pricing goes away.
Speaker Highlights
Vu Le
Author and Speaker
NonprofitAF
Opening Keynote
Geoff Green
CEO
CalNonprofits
Afternoon Keynote
Dr. Fernando Chang-Muy
Lecturer in Law, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
Host and Afternoon Breakout Leader
Agenda | April 23, 2026
8:30 – 9:00 AM
Check-In & Breakfast
Enjoy a continental breakfast to start your day.
9:00 – 9:15 AM
Welcome and Opening Entertainment
Begin the day with joy and celbrate the the nonprofit sector.
9:15 – 9:45 AM
Ice Breaker Activity
Join in and get to know the Inland Empire nonprofit community just a little bit better.
9:45 – 10:30 AM
Keynote Speaker: Vu Le
Vu le is a writer, speaker, vegan, Pisces, and the former Executive Director of Rooted in Vibrant Communities, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by developing leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and fostering collaboration among diverse communities. Known for his no-BS approach, irreverent sense of humor, and love of unicorns, Vu has been featured in dozens, if not hundreds, of his own blog posts at NonprofitAF.com.
10:30 – 10:45 AM
Break & Transition Time
Take a breather and head over to your breakout room.
10:45 – 11:45 AM
Track 1: Funding
Fund Development 101
This session will provide a practical overview of fund development for nonprofits that may not yet have a strong fundraising structure. It will cover the basics of identifying opportunities, understanding funder fit, preparing key materials, and building confidence around the fundraising process.
Track 2: Technology
Practical AI & Data Tools for Nonprofits
This session will introduce practical ways nonprofits can use AI, data, and other digital tools to strengthen everyday work. Participants will learn how these tools can support planning, storytelling, grant work, and better decision-making without making things feel overly technical.
Track 3: Nonprofit Advocacy
Advocacy 101 for Nonprofits
This session will help nonprofit leaders and staff understand the basics of advocacy, including what nonprofits can do, how to get started, and how to engage public systems without feeling overwhelmed. The session is intended to help first-time advocates see themselves in this work.
Track 4: Capacity Building
Strengthening Organizational Infrastructure by Addressing Risk
This session will focus on how nonprofits can build stronger internal systems by identifying risks that may affect their operations, leadership, finances, technology, communications, and overall stability. Participants will learn why risk assessment matters, and what practical steps nonprofits can take to address challenges before they become larger problems.
11:45 – 12:30 PM
Lunch Break
Enjoy a hot catered meal included with registration.
12:30 – 1:15 PM
Speaker: Geoff Green, CEO CalNonprofits
Be the first to hear about the 2026 “Causes Count” report by CalNonprofits. This report provide comprehensive insights into the economic impact and scope of California’s nonprofit sector, highlighting its significance and challenges.
1:15 – 1:30 PM
Break & Transition Time
Take a breather and head over to your breakout room.
1:30 – 2:30 PM
Track 1: Funding
Collaborative Fundraising and Partnership-Based Funding
This session will explore how nonprofits can work together to pursue funding, build stronger partnerships, and position themselves for larger opportunities. It is a good fit for the current moment, given that collaborative fundraising keeps surfacing in regional conversations.
Track 2: Technology
Mapping, Data Storytelling,
& Real-World Use Cases
This session will show how nonprofits can use mapping, dashboards, and data visuals to strengthen proposals, advocacy, and community impact. It will be concrete and example-based, with a focus on what organizations can actually use right away.
Track 3: Nonprofit Advocacy
Turning Concern into
Meaningful Action
This session will move from ideas to action by helping participants think through how to elevate client voices, engage local and state decision-makers, and leave with a simple plan for next steps. The session will also include short panel featuring advocacy leaders from local social justice organizations to offer real-world examples and opportunities for how to engage in this work.
Track 4: Capacity Building
Building the Nonprofit Workforce Through Internship Placements
This session will explore how internship placements can help grow the next generation of nonprofit professionals while also strengthening the work of nonprofit organizations. Participants will learn how internships can create meaningful career pathways, expand local talent, and support nonprofits in building a stronger and more sustainable workforce.
2:30 – 2:45 PM
Break & Transition Time
Take a breather and head over to the plenary room.
2:45 – 3:20 PM
Funders Panel
Hear from funders on the future of the sector.
3:20 – 3:30 PM
Closing Remarks, Evaluation & Adjournment
Take a breather and head over to the plenary room.
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Let’s Get
Registered
Do not miss out on your chance to attend the 6th Annual Thrive Nonprofit Conference.
Early Bird Registration
Register before March 27th to receive Early Bird Pricing and save $25 per ticket.
General Registration
After March 27th, Early Bird Pricing goes away.
Thank you to our sponsors, funders, and partners for supporting IECC & the 2026 Thrive Nonprofit Conference
Become A Sponsor Today
The sponsorship levels below are designed to offer a range of ways to engage with the Thrive Conference. If your organization has specific goals, ideas, or ways you would like to connect with attendees, we are happy to work with you to create a sponsorship that aligns with your priorities and the spirit of the event.
