Community Meet Ups: ED Coffee Circles

Community Meet-Ups (Monthly)

Connection, conversation, and community at every stage of nonprofit leadership.

Our Community Meet-Ups are rotating, in-person gatherings designed for nonprofit professionals at all career levels—from emerging leaders to seasoned executives. Hosted by members across the region, these meet-ups create space for honest conversation, peer learning, and relationship-building in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Each gathering is intentionally informal yet purposeful, offering a chance to step out of day-to-day demands and connect with others who understand the realities of nonprofit work.

What to Expect

  • Open, facilitated conversations centered on shared challenges and opportunities
  • Peer-to-peer learning across roles, organizations, and issue areas
  • A consistent on-ramp for deeper engagement, leadership, and volunteer facilitation

These meet-ups also serve as a pathway for members and volunteers interested in facilitating conversations and helping steward a stronger, more connected nonprofit community.

Executive Director Coffee Circles

Small, trusted spaces for big leadership questions.

The ED Coffee Circles are intimate, facilitated working sessions designed specifically for Executive Directors and senior leaders. Hosted monthly at rotating coffee shops across South, Central, and North Austin, these circles bring together 10–12 EDs for focused, trust-based problem solving.

This is not a panel or presentation—it’s a working room for leaders who value confidentiality, candor, and collective wisdom.

Style:

In-person, facilitated working sessions

Format (90 minutes):

  • 20 min – Grab a coffee and network! 10% off for attendees
  • 60 min – Peer problem-solving and discussion. This is a great opportunity to float ideas and challenges. Let’s create a supportive space for social sector leaders!
  • 10 min – Key takeaways and reflection

Why Participate

  • Work through real leadership challenges with peers who “get it”
  • Gain perspective outside your organization while building trusted relationships
  • Leave with practical insight, not just conversation

Note: Non-members are welcome to attend. Their $25 registration fee may be applied to membership in 2026

Community Meet Ups: Emerging Leader Socials

Connection, support, and energy for the next generation of nonprofit leaders.

The Emerging Leader Socials are monthly, in-person gatherings designed for early- and mid-career nonprofit professionals who are building their networks, navigating career paths, and looking for authentic peer connection. These sessions create space to relax, exchange resources, and learn from one another—without panels, pressure, or performance.

Hosted by Nonprofit Austin at ACC in partnership with Mission Capital, these meet-ups create space for honest conversation, peer learning, and relationship-building in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Format: In-Person (90 minutes)

  • 15 minutes – Open networking
  • 10 minutes – Introduction to highlighted non-profit leader
  • 55 minutes – Open social connection, peer support, and resource exchange
  • 10 minutes – Group debrief to capture insights, connections, and next steps

Why Attend

  • Build Community: Meet peers who understand the realities of nonprofit work
  • Share & Learn: Exchange tools, opportunities, and lessons learned
  • Recharge: Balance professional growth with movement, laughter, and ease
  • Stay Connected: Plug into a broader ecosystem of nonprofit professionals across the region

Whether you’re new to the sector or stepping into your next chapter, Emerging Leader Socials offer a consistent, welcoming space to connect, grow, and belong.

Spring Social Impact Awards

This event offers nonprofit and social impact professionals an opportunity to celebrate community leadership while strengthening relationships across the sector. Participants will reflect on progress, recognize changemakers, and recommit to collaborative work that advances a more just and equitable future. The format is a brunch gathering and mixer with award recognition and networking. It is intended for nonprofit leaders, community partners, funders, and others engaged in social impact work.

Executive Director Leader Circle

This convening offers nonprofit executive directors a space to connect with peers navigating similar leadership challenges in Texas. Participants will exchange practical strategies for organizational leadership, decision-making, and sustaining impact in a shifting environment. The format emphasizes facilitated discussion and peer learning rather than formal presentation. It is best suited for executive-level leaders seeking candid conversation and actionable insight from fellow practitioners.