Join fellow local Executive Directors and board members for a day of insights on trending issues confronting social impact leaders. From experts who share experience and best practices to structured peer learning and networking, the Summit will equip you to better navigate the challenges and opportunities during this period of rapid change.

Wednesday, May 7

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET: Workshops, trainings, networking

Chicago

200 E. Randolph St.

Washington, DC

555 13th St. NW

Minneapolis

225 S 6th St.

Virtual

Zoom

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


2025 Sorkin Sumit Agenda

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

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


Moderator

Niila Hebert

Executive Director, Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement

2:45pm – 3:00 p.m. ET | Closing

End for the day.

Complimentary Employee Engagement Survey for Sorkin Summit Attendees

Nonprofit organizations attending the 2025 Sorkin Summit can take advantage of an opportunity to get feedback from their team to empower their people and fuel their mission. FXG Partners is proud to support the people and culture needs of nonprofit organizations and extend a special offer for an Employee Survey engagement at no cost. The survey will help organizations get a better pulse on their team, including what they love and what might be getting in the way of impact. The results and insights will help leaders fight burnout, increase engagement, and attract outstanding talent. Please find more information here. Following Compass Pro Bono’s Sorkin Summit, attendees will receive a link to register to participate in the survey.

Thank you to our sponsors

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

Feedback from previous Sorkin Summits