We know. You’re busy. You’ve got a mission to run, a team to lead, and a community to serve. But what if one day could help you do all of that, but more efficiently with maps, data, and a room full of people who get it?
We’ve started hosting in-person meetups across the country, and they’re just different than the various nonprofit conferences and webinars we’re all used to. Maybe it’s because this type of forum allows nonprofits to come together and realize that a geographic approach isn’t just a nice-to-have but it’s the missing piece in solving their everyday challenges. Whether it’s organizing volunteers, understanding community needs, or showing impact to funders, geographic information systems (GIS) help nonprofits connect the dots in ways that feel both practical and powerful.
At our most recent Nonprofit Regional Meetup in New York City, NY attendees weren’t just fired up on how they can use GIS as a tool, but how they can use GIS as a strategy to drive change. And that really made this meetup feel less like a conference with only a few standout sessions, and more of a day of meaningful connections and real tools nonprofits can use right away.
What You’re Missing at Each Meetup
During each meetup, Esri’s Nonprofit Team shows how GIS and spatial analysis support a wide range of nonprofit functions from volunteer management and community engagement to storytelling and the underrated capabilities our technology has to offer. But one session recently stood out and sparked the most conversation, “The Secret to Fundraising is Spatial”.
This session revealed how GIS can transform traditional fundraising into a strategic, data-driven effort. Attendees saw how mapping donor locations, enriching profiles with lifestyle data, and identifying “lookalike” communities nearby can unlock new opportunities. Tools like ArcGIS Business Analyst, ArcGIS Tapestry, and ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World can help nonprofits uncover donor patterns they didn’t even know existed, see what certain neighborhoods care about, and how best to reach them.
While fundraising was just one of many GIS applications discussed, it became clear that this is one of the most critical areas for a nonprofit to focus on, especially as nonprofits face shrinking budgets and shifting donor landscapes. GIS offers a way forward, helping organizations build stronger connections with their communities and make smarter, more impactful decisions.
Come for Real Talk from Your Peers
Sure, we kicked things off with updates on the latest technology and how it can support nonprofits, but the real magic happened when local organizations took the mic. Hearing how peers are using GIS to solve real-world problems, make better decisions, and ask each other questions like “How did you do that?” created the kind of environment you just can’t get from a webinar or from a major conference. These meetups provide an intimate environment for you to build connections and learn from your peers.
It’s More Than a Meetup. It’s a Community.
Whether you are a GIS expert or just learning what GIS even stands for, you can be a part of the conversation. Some folks came solo, others brought their IT or data teams. Regardless, everyone left with new connections, fresh ideas, and peers they can reach out to all year long. We witness attendees helping each other out during the meetup, swapping tips, and brainstorming together. That’s what these meetups are all about, creating a network of support.
And what a great idea to get others in your organization to come to these meetups so that they can also see the value of thinking spatially and using GIS to solve common challenges. Let our team and your peers inspire them to drive GIS adoption even further in your organization.
Attend the Next Nonprofit Regional Meetup
Join us for our last meetup of the year on November 13, 2025, we’ll be hosting the event at the Georgia Center of Nonprofit (GCN) headquarters in Atlanta, GA. This all-day event will connect you with fellow nonprofit professionals, Esri experts, and specialized partners who can help you integrate spatial analysis into your organization’s daily operations. Register now to join us.
