2026 Collaborative Conference Request for Proposals

Thank you for your interest in submitting a session proposal for the 2026 Collaborative Conference, presented in partnership by the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) and Villanova University.

Nonprofits continue to operate in an increasingly complex and challenging environment. As such, we’re seeking proposals that will support conference attendees in rooting deeper into the relationships, purpose, and strength that have carried us through to now, and rising together into the work we are called to do. Formats include working sessions and learning sessions. Each session will be supported by a synthesizer. Some definitions before you get started:

• Working Sessions should be designed not just to inform, but to gather attendees around a common challenge and offer time, tools, and frameworks to move toward solutions together in real time. Think real-world simulations, design-thinking activities, “impact labs”, and more.
• Learning Sessions should be designed to provide some context around the topic chosen – with questions and prompts to generate stories and ideas from those on the ground doing the work. This could look like a more “traditional” workshop format, where facilitators share timely, relevant information, invite attendees to discuss how this topic is showing up in their work, and offer practical, actionable takeaways.
• Synthesizers will help us capture what’s shared, synthesize insights, and connect dots for attendees (this is a role we explored in 2025 and are excited to fully implement this year!).

Submission Deadline and Selection Notification
Deadline for submission of session proposals and applications for the synthesizer role is 5:00 PM ET on Thursday, June 4, 2026. All submissions will be reviewed by our RFP committee and selection decisions will be shared by 5:00 PM on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

A Note about Compensation for Selected Submissions
While we cannot guarantee honorariums, travel stipends, or other financial compensation, all selected session facilitators and synthesizers will be offered complimentary registration to the full conference. We do understand, however, that costs add up. If covering an overnight stay would present a financial hardship for you or your organization, please reach out to Christina Spadaro, Assistant Director, at christina@pano.org. We’ll do our best to work something out!

Submission Process
Scroll down for our online form, which must be submitted for your application to be considered. To help you collect the materials you need to submit, please review the PDF of the request for proposals (RFP) in advance of starting the form. And if technology is not your friend today, you can fill out this Word version of our RFP and return to Christina Spadaro at christina@pano.org.

Got questions along the way? Christina can help with that, too (christina@pano.org | 717-839-6560). You can also drop in during the following open office hours:

• Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 3:00 – 4:00 pm via this Zoom link.
• Thursday, May 28, 2026, 10:00 – 11:00 am via this Zoom Link.

Take Advantage of the Save-And-Return Function!
Before you begin the online form, we strongly recommend scrolling to the bottom of the first page and clicking “Save and Continue Later.” This allows you to enter your email address and receive a link to return to your application at any time. Applications are only considered complete once you’ve received a confirmation that it has been submitted, not just saved.