The 9 Best Nonprofit Networking Events in Portland

Can you see yourself making a positive impact on your community as an integral part of a local nonprofit organization? Portland, Ore. has a large and robust community of nonprofit organizations, offices, and engaged professionals. This expansive community brings you lots of choices for nonprofit networking events in Portland.

If you’re looking to advance your nonprofit career in Portland, or you want to transition into the nonprofit sector, the single best thing you can do is network. Networking is the most effective to connect with your peers, make yourself known among industry leaders, and find hidden opportunities for meaningful employment. Here are eight nonprofit networking organizations in Portland and Southwest Washington that offer valuable events and opportunities to explore:

1. Nonprofit Association of Oregon

When it comes to the Portland nonprofit scene, NAO is the place to start. Each week, NAO hosts multiple training events for nonprofit professionals, most of which are open to non-members. The NAO Events Calendar is the most comprehensive list of nonprofit-themed events, with listings from many organizations around the state. NAO also has a robust selection of trainings for established nonprofit professionals.

2. YNPN Portland

The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) is a volunteer-led and volunteer-run organization that supports current and future nonprofit leaders. The Portland chapter coordinates regular educational and networking events throughout the metropolitan area. From events like a summer pizza party to a seminar on managing conflict, YNPN has a lot to offer to those interested in making waves in the nonprofit world.

3. Housing Oregon

Are you interested in helping solve the issue of houselessness for Oregon’s vulnerable populations? Housing Oregon is a statewide association of 75 organizations that are building, financing, and supporting affordable housing. They advocate on the local and state levels for programs and policies that enable members to provide housing for working families, people with disabilities, seniors, and others struggling to meet their needs in communities throughout Oregon.

4. Partners in Diversity

Partners in Diversity works to increase multicultural inclusion in the workplace and support local professionals of color. They offer a series of services and training to for-profit, nonprofit, and government professionals. Their quarterly Say Hey! series is Oregon’s largest multicultural networking event.

5. People’s Nonprofit Accelerator

The People’s Nonprofit Accelerator (formerly Willamette Valley Development Officers) is a local membership association dedicated to the continuing development of nonprofit fundraising professionals. They organize regular seminars, conferences, and online courses to improve nonprofit development programs.

6. Engaging Local Government Leaders

Interested specifically in local government jobs? ELGL represents the unique needs of public service professionals. They coordinate numerous networking and educational events for their members. Check out their “City Hall Selfie Day” page to get a sense of their trademark enthusiasm for all things local government.

7. GATHER: A Happy Hour for Social Good

GATHER is a quarterly networking event for folks working in and adjacent to the nonprofit sector. This networking event is for mission-driven professionals looking to connect with like-minded folks. Whether you need moral support, a dose of inspiration, or are looking for collaborators, this is the event for you!

8. B Local PDX

While not nonprofit-specific, B Local PDX is a group of Certified B Corporations from Oregon and Southwest Washington working to foster and deepen connections among organizations in the region who share its purpose and passion for using business as a force for good.

9. ComNetworkPORTLAND

ComNetworkPORTLAND is a network of Portland-area communications professionals who believe in the power of smart communications to improve lives. In affiliation with The Communications Network, ComNetworkPORTLAND is one among over a dozen cities with active local groups of communicators working in various facets of the social sector, including at foundations, nonprofits, and as consultants.