Save the Date: April 21, 2026

2025 Sorkin Summit

On Course Summit

A Nonprofit Governance Conference

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Chicago | Washington, DC | Minneapolis-St. Paul | Philadelphia | Virtual

Compass Pro Bono’s annual On Course Summit is a one-day, interactive conference designed for Executive Directors and Board Members of nonprofits. Each year, the Summit convenes hundreds of social impact leaders for fresh insights, structured peer learning, and powerful networking.

We’re seeking dynamic speakers and expert panelists to share their knowledge, best practices, and innovative ideas with this influential audience. Past sessions have explored governance, strategy, fundraising, local issues, and more. Submit the interest form by October 31.

Submit a Speaker Interest Form

Watch the video of last year’s 2025 Nonprofit Leadership Summit (previously known as the Sorkin Summit) and view our 2025 agenda below to see examples of last year’s sessions.

While we’ll connect in person within our local communities, we’re also coming together across all four cities and virtually—harnessing our collective wisdom and energy in service of our communities.

May 2025 Nonprofit Leadership Summit

10:00am – 10:15am ET | Welcome

Get settled in for a day full of informative sessions.

10:15am – 11:15am ET | Succession Planning for Nonprofit Leaders

Whether leadership transition is imminent or years away, nonprofits should have a plan for succession. This session will cover the current state of the workforce for the Executive Director and other leadership roles, board and staff responsibilities in planning, and budgeting and fundraising for a transition.

Panelists

Carlyn Madden

CEO and Founder, Good Insight

Andrew Blaisdell

CEO, FXG Partners

Moderator

Charles Moore

Founder & CEO, Thrive Street Advisors

11:20am – 12:20pm ET | AI and Fundraising

Starting with demystifying AI, this session will showcase immediately applicable AI tools for fundraising and demonstrate how AI can support a fundraising campaign from drafting a campaign plan through execution. Specific AI prompts will be provided.

Presenters

Mike Burger

Co-Founder, Headquarters for AI

Kevin Chaplin

Co-Founder, Headquarters for AI

12:20pm – 1:20pm ET | Lunch and Activity

Lunch break and activity.

1:30pm – 1:45 p.m. ET | Business at Its Best: Maximizing Impact Through Volunteering

Volunteers from the business community are more critical than ever to the social impact ecosystem. We will share actionable strategies for how corporate leaders and nonprofit partners can reignite involvement, drive meaningful change and strengthen communities.

Keynote Speaker

Mike Gianoni

CEO, Blackbaud

1:50pm – 2:45 pm ET | Nonprofit Sector Trends: Managing in Uncertainty

Rapid changes on the national and local levels are requiring nonprofit boards and Executive Directors to be nimble and prepared. Learn about leading in unsettled times, staying true to your mission and values and planning with uncertain funding

Panelist

Minal Bopaiah

Founder, Brevity & Wit

Nonoko Sato

President & CEO, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

Alex Clark

Executive Coach and Consultant, Turnlane


Moderator

Niila Hebert

Executive Director, Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement

2:45pm – 3:00 p.m. ET | Closing

End for the day.

Interested in sponsoring the event?
Learn more or contact Wendy Gualtieri, Managing Director.

Feedback from previous Nonprofit Leadership Summits

“This was an excellent day. I really appreciated the opportunity to talk with fellow attendees and hear their perspectives. To speak with other nonprofit professionals as well as board members was a wonderful opportunity. I did not know who Jerry Sorkin was before attending but I truly appreciate everything he did to advance board service.”

Nonprofit Board Member

“This was a great opportunity to build knowledge for work I’m doing as a consultant to two non-profit organizations. It was really well done. Quick and to the point. The right tone and amount of content.”

Management Consultant

“The entire day was incredibly helpful for takeaways on questions to ask and things to think about. Looking forward to applying what I learned to organizations I work with currently and will in the future.”

Nonprofit Board Member

“I loved this summit. The panelists were amazing and so prepared. Felt like such a productive and useful use of my time and I so appreciate the day.” 

Nonprofit Executive Director