Get ready for Nonprofit Appreciation Month in November! 

Thursday, October 22 2026

8 AM - 7 PM
Multi-day Event
Conferences

Presented By AFP

 

AFP LEAD is AFP’s

 leadership conference designed to enhance your leadership skills and organizational impact, all with a nonprofit/fundraising focus. During AFP LEAD, you’ll experience:

 

  • 3 engaging days of leadership and nonprofit management content
  • 9 blocks of breakout education sessions
  • Recordings of each breakout education session for on-demand viewing following the event
  • 2 inspiring keynote addresses
  • A plethora of networking opportunities with hundreds of fellow nonprofit leaders

 

                                   Register Here

9 AM - 11 AM
Community social or …

Presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of RI

Price: $125-$8,000

 

Join us for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island’s signature morning celebration – the Big Breakfast! This annual gathering brings together community leaders, local businesses, mentors, families, and supporters to honor the everyday champions who help ignite potential in young people across our state.

 

The Big Breakfast is all about connection. It’s a warm, energizing start to the day where we highlight the power of mentoring, share inspiring stories from Mentors, Mentees, and families, and celebrate the partners who make our work possible. Together, we recognize the individuals and organizations whose commitment strengthens our mission and expands opportunities for youth.

 

Guests will enjoy:

  • A delicious plated breakfast and morning program
  • Inspiring stories from our BBBSRI community
  • Special award presentations honoring outstanding supporters
  • Opportunities to support and invest in mentoring across Rhode Island

 

Every dollar raised helps match more young people with caring mentors and provides the wraparound support families need to thrive. When our community comes together, we fuel the potential of hundreds of children and teens each year.

 

Register Here

1 PM - 2 PM
Webinar

Presented by the Center for Law and Social Policy.

 

We are pleased to announce an outstanding lineup of experts for the next installment of CLASP’s Equity Matters discussion series, which will examine what it means to build a truly equitable universal child care system—and why the building process matters as much as the vision itself. 

 

Panel Moderator  - Marica Cox Mitchell,

Chief Program Officer, Bainum Family Foundation 

 

Panelists 

- Charis Davis, Parent Leader, Ohio Parent Advocacy Network and United Parent Leaders Action Network 

- Olga Grays, Provider and Owner of Mrs. Olga's Daycare, New Mexico 

- Emmy Liss, Executive Director, Mayor's Office of Child Care, New York City 

- Cleo Rodriguez, Jr., Executive Director, National AgFamilies Head Start Association Presenters 

- Anali Alegria, Director of Federal Advocacy and Media Relations, Child Care for Every Family Network 

- Wendy Chun-Hoon, President and Executive Director, CLASP

- Stephanie Schmit, Director, Child Care and Early Education, CLASP

- Alyssa Fortner, Policy Analyst, Child Care and Early Education,

 

CLASP Join us on October 22 for a thought-provoking conversation that will give attendees a deeper understanding of why centering the leadership and expertise of those most impacted is essential to advancing racial equity and building a universal child care system that is just, inclusive, and responsive to all who rely on and sustain it. 

 

Register Here

1:30 PM - 3 PM
Webinar

How can nonprofits protect their organizations and the communities they serve while staying focused on their missions? Join the Lawyers’ Committee for Rhode Island and attorneys from Covington & Burling LLP for a practical presentation on federal investigations and enforcement under the Trump administration. We will explain the tools the government can use, including congressional inquiries, Department of Justice investigations, False Claims Act enforcement, IRS audits, and federal grant oversight, and assess what these risks mean for Rhode Island and Massachusetts nonprofits.

Designed for nonprofit leaders, board members, and staff, the presentation will cover steps organizations can take now to strengthen compliance, protect sensitive client information, and prepare to respond to subpoenas, audits, or other government demands. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of their rights, when to seek legal help, and options for challenging government overreach. Our goal is to help nonprofits make informed decisions, prepare with confidence, and continue their essential work without allowing fear and uncertainty to dictate their missions.

 
3 PM - 4 PM
Webinar

Presented by Public Service Promise and the National Council of Nonprofits

 

Join the National Council of Nonprofits and Public Service Promise for a FREE expert-led webinar on how to obtain student loan relief from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF program is administered by the U.S. Department of Education and is designed to forgive the student loan balances of those employed by a nonprofit organization or government.

 

PSLF is a vital program that allows eligible borrowers with federal loans to earn forgiveness after working in public service and making 120 qualifying payments. Executive actions currently threaten the program by unlawfully limiting which charitable nonprofits qualify, excluding organizations based on their mission or the communities they serve. NCN filed litigation to oppose these changes and won in court. Now that decision is being appealed.

 

Betsy Mayotte, an expert on student loans and President of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors, will walk through the requirements of qualifying for the program and will answer general questions about how to navigate the application process.

 

Public Service Promise is a new nonprofit that works with unions, along with nonprofit and government entities, to educate public servants about the process for obtaining student loan forgiveness through the PSLF. Public Service Promise does not provide individualized financial counseling or legal advice.

 

Register Here

3 PM - 4 PM
Webinar

Join the National Council of Nonprofits and Public Service Promise for a FREE expert-led webinar on how to obtain student loan relief from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

The PSLF program is administered by the U.S. Department of Education and is designed to forgive the student loan balances of those employed by a nonprofit organization or government.

PSLF is a vital program that allows eligible borrowers with federal loans to earn forgiveness after working in public service and making 120 qualifying payments. Executive actions currently threaten the program by unlawfully limiting which charitable nonprofits qualify, excluding organizations based on their mission or the communities they serve. NCN filed litigation to oppose these changes and won in court. Now that decision is being appealed.

Betsy Mayotte, an expert on student loans and President of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors, will walk through the requirements of qualifying for the program and will answer general questions about how to navigate the application process.

Public Service Promise is a new nonprofit that works with unions, along with nonprofit and government entities, to educate public servants about the process for obtaining student loan forgiveness through the PSLF. Public Service Promise does not provide individualized financial counseling or legal advice. 

Speakers:

  • Tiffany Carter, Public Policy Director and Counsel, National Council of Nonprofits
  • Joy Silvern, Executive Director, Public Service Promise
  • Betsy Mayotte, President and Founder, The Institute of Student Loan Advisors (TISLA).
5:30 PM - 8 PM
Community social or …

Since 1981, Justice Assistance has proudly honored individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, service, and commitment to the justice profession and the public interest. In 1988, the award was renamed in memory of Neil J. Houston, Jr., recognizing his outstanding contributions to the fields of justice, public service, and philanthropy before his untimely passing.

Please join us for the 44th Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Awards on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Providence Marriott Downtown, as we recognize four more Rhode Islanders whose leadership and service are making a lasting impact on justice, community, and opportunity across our state.

We are proud to present this year’s award recipients:

Kevin Barry, Lt. Colonel (Ret.), RI State Police
Magistrate John F. McBurney, III, RI Superior Court
Jane Quinlan, Administrative Clerk, RI Traffic Tribunal

We are also proud to announce the Edward V. Healey Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions in justice services, and the R. Kevin Horan Emerging Leader Award, which recognizes young professionals who intend meaningful, long‑term improvements in the justice system. The Jonathan J. Houston Founders' Award honors individuals who demonstrate and personify the spirit of selfless service, and has made significant contributions toward the quality of life of individuals.

2026 Edward V. Healey, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient:
Victoria M. Almeida, Esq, Vice Chairperson, Rhode Island Parole Board

2026 R. Kevin Horan Emerging Leader Award Recipient:
Chelsea A. Kelly, Esq, Community Liaison, RI Public Defender’s Office

2026 Jonathan J. Houston Founders' Award Recipient:
The Honorable Jeanne E. LaFazia, Chief Judge, Rhode Island District Court

For more on Neil's accomplishments, please see here: Neil J. Houston, Jr. Biography

6 PM - 8 PM
Multi-day Event
Community education program

Presented by KCRS Empowerment

 

Write Your Crown is a virtual creative writing experience designed to help youth and young adults discover the power of their voice, strengthen their writing skills, and express themselves with confidence. Through guided writing activities, journaling, storytelling, poetry, creative prompts, and group discussions, participants will have a safe and encouraging space to explore their ideas, experiences, goals, and creativity. No previous writing experience is required. Participants only need an open mind, a willingness to participate, and something to write with!

 

Program Schedule

Dates: October 5, 2026 – May 31, 2027

2nd & 4th Mondays, with select 5th Monday

6-7pm: 10-15 years old

7-8pm: 16+ years old

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

This session will provide age-appropriate creative writing activities focused on: •Building confidence and self-expression •Journaling and creative writing prompts •Short stories and storytelling •Poetry and spoken-word activities

 

Register Here

6 PM - 8 PM
Multi-day Event
Community education program

Presented by KCRS Empowerment

 

Write Your Crown is a virtual creative writing experience designed to help youth and young adults discover the power of their voice, strengthen their writing skills, and express themselves with confidence. Through guided writing activities, journaling, storytelling, poetry, creative prompts, and group discussions, participants will have a safe and encouraging space to explore their ideas, experiences, goals, and creativity. No previous writing experience is required. Participants only need an open mind, a willingness to participate, and something to write with!

 

Program Schedule

Dates: October 5, 2026 – May 31, 2027

2nd & 4th Mondays, with select 5th Monday

6-7pm: 10-15 years old

7-8pm: 16+ years old

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

This session will provide age-appropriate creative writing activities focused on: •Building confidence and self-expression •Journaling and creative writing prompts •Short stories and storytelling •Poetry and spoken-word activities

 

Register Here