The Sector That Sustains Australia: The Way Forward
Australia’s national gathering of NFP leaders, government and academics to strengthen the role of the sector in Australia’s social and economic future.
The National Not for Profit Summit 2026 will bring leaders from across the sector, government and academics together to examine the systemic drivers shaping the market, strengthen the case for the NFP sector’s role, and progress coordinated reform aligned to the Not-for-Profit Blueprint.
Because a sector of this scale and impact requires national focus, clear direction and collective leadership.
Summit Details
- Date: Tuesday 25 August 2026
- Time: 8.00am – 5.00pm
- Location: Hotel Realm, Canberra
- Registrations include: Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea PLUS access to a networking event the evening prior (5.30 - 7.30pm, Monday 24 August at East Hotel, Canberra)
2026 Program
What to expect:
- Keynote, plenary and collaborative sessions
- Inaugural National Not for Profit Oration
- Translating the Not-for-Profit Blueprint into action
- Strengthening funding and commissioning approaches
- Reframing collaboration as a driver of impact
- Building a more sustainable, capable NFP sector
View the full Program and Speaker line up
Who should attend?
The Summit is aimed at executives, senior leaders and decision-makers from NFP organisations delivering human and social services, along with government, policy and sector stakeholders shaping the future of the NFP sector.
With thanks to our 2026 Summit Partners
Principal Partner
Collaborating Partner
Media Partner
Fringe Events
Consider registering for one (or more!) of our official National NFP Summit Fringe Events:
Monday 24 August — Social Enterprise Fundamentals Workshop
Delivered in collaboration with ACRE.
Grow social enterprise to generate income and sustain impact.
Social Enterprise Fundamentals has been designed to equip NFP boards and management teams to start or accelerate their social enterprise journey. Grounded in real-world practice, the workshop focuses on building sustainable, impact-driven enterprise models and translates social enterprise fundamentals into practical, actionable pathways for diversification, impact and long-term sustainability.
Masterclass Details
- Location: East Hotel, Canberra
- Time: 9.00am – 5.30pm
- Ticket inclusions: Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea PLUS access to Networking Event (5.30pm - 7.30pm)
Facilitators: ACRE
You'll gain:
- An understanding of social enterprise values and purpose
- Clarity on definitions and models
- Practical options for generating income
- Insight into suitable legal structures
- Tools to balance social impact and revenue
- Connections to support and funding pathways
- Approaches to measure and communicate impact
Who should attend? Leaders, board members and teams exploring or implementing social enterprise models and those looking to build confidence before taking the next step. Also suited to individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of social enterprise.
About ACRE: The Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) is a globally recognised social enterprise working to renew rural communities so future generations can thrive. Through innovative programs and real-world learning, ACRE builds capacity, raises aspirations and supports individuals, organisations and communities to unlock the potential of social and local entrepreneurship.
Strictly Limited Spots!
Combination Tickets also includes access to the Networking Event & National NFP Summit.
Monday 24 August — NextGen Leadership Assembly
A half-day assembly for the next generation of NFP leaders (Gen Z & Gen Y) to connect fresh thinking with real influence and direct engagement with current decision-makers, providing a rare opportunity to engage openly on the future of human and social services in Australia. The NextGen Leadership Assembly culminates in a live, intimate & off-record dialogue with the Minister for Social Services, The Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP.
This is a space for voices that don’t always get access to decision-making rooms.
Who should attend? The NextGen Assembly is designed for those voices in the next generation with vision, presence and influence working in NFP human and social services, whether or not they hold a senior title. The "next" generation and future leaders (Gen Z & Gen Y) of the NFP sector.
Assembly Details
Location: East Hotel, Canberra
Time: 2pm – 5.30pm
Registrations include: Afternoon tea PLUS access to Networking Event (5.30pm - 7.30pm)
Facilitator: Satara Uthayakumaran (Young Leader & Activist)
Special Guest: The Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Social Services
Strictly Limited Spots!
Combination Tickets also includes access to the Networking Event & National NFP Summit.
Wednesday 26 August — From Purpose to Profit Workshop
Following the Summit, we are pleased to offer one more workshop.
Hands-on applied Masterclass, taking participants from concept to commercial action
Amplify Alliance members are at an inflection point. With the federal government signalling longer-term relational contracts, growing momentum for social procurement policy, and a $100 million Outcomes Fund now being deployed — the conditions for social enterprise have never been more favourable. But for most NFPs in the room, the question is no longer "What is a social enterprise?" — it's "How do we actually build and trade as one?"
This masterclass is designed to answer exactly that.
“From Purpose to Profit" is a hands-on, applied masterclass that takes participants from concept to commercial action. It is explicitly designed to complement ACRE's Social Enterprise Fundamentals session (taking place on Monday 24 August), positioning this session as the actionable second step in a powerful two-part program. Attendees who stay for this session leave with a completed "Trading Canvas" tailored to their organisation's real assets and circumstances, a clear certification pathway, and momentum to act.
Workshop Details
Date: Wednesday 26 August 2026
Time: 8.30am – 12.00pm (Half-day workshop)
Location: Hotel Realm, Canberra
Registrations include: Morning tea
Facilitator: Wendy Bezzina, Managing Director, Tuscany Impact Solutions.
Registration Information
Review our ticket prices and cancellation policy
Ticket Prices
Lower ticket prices available exclusively for Amplify Alliance Members. Members must log into the portal to access the Member-only pricing.
All tickets include access to the exclusive Networking Event on Monday 24 August at East Hotel (evening prior to the National NFP Summit).
Ticket prices include GST.
Cancellation Policy