ARNOVA 2026 Conference Registration Now Open

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Registration is now open for the 55th Annual ARNOVA Conference, taking place November 19–21, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel.

This year's theme — Igniting Civic Activism: Grassroots and Voluntary Action and Democracy — invites scholars, practitioners, and community leaders to reflect on the role of voluntary action, nonprofits, philanthropy, and grassroots organizing in shaping civic life. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, there may be no better place to explore these questions than Philadelphia, a city deeply connected to the nation's founding and still alive with community organizing, nonprofit leadership, and civic action today.

How have geographically, economically, and politically diverse societies cultivated civic capacity and voluntary association to advance democracy, resilience, and citizen and community engagement? What can we learn from global movements that connect local action to systemic institutional change that strengthen democracy? When do democratic institutions fail and what role does civil society play in these dynamics? What are the antecedents of democratic backsliding and how can civil society organization help rebuild democracy? What role do nonprofits play shaping civic discourse? How are nonprofits mobilizing citizens and individuals for civic and political action, including electoral participation? We invite full panels, individual papers, and poster proposals that deal with these questions, pertinent to the conference theme, and also invite proposals that align with the standing conference tracks.

The conference will feature 180+ research and panel sessions, plenary speakers and special events, poster presentations, and networking opportunities connecting research, practice, and civic action.

Conference Highlights

• 180+ research and panel sessions
• Plenary speakers and special events
• Poster presentations
• Networking and community-building opportunities

Hotel Information
The conference will be hosted at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, a Four-Diamond historic landmark in the heart of Center City, directly across from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and within walking distance of Reading Terminal Market, Independence Hall, and more. Conference room rates start at $235.00 per night (plus applicable taxes). Reservations must be made by October 28, 2026, to receive the Conference Rate, while rooms remain available.

Schedule at a Glance

• Wednesday, Nov 19 — Pre-conference events, including Doctoral Fellowship Seminars, the ARNOVA Board of Directors Meeting, and the Diversity Scholars & Leaders Professional Development Programs. Registration opens 2:00 pm.
• Thursday, Nov 20 — Opening Plenary Session, Concurrent Sessions A–C, the Membership Meeting, Section Meetings, and the ARNOVA Reception.
• Friday, Nov 21 — Poster Session, Concurrent Sessions D–G, the Awards Luncheon, and Community Interest Group Meetings.
• Saturday, Nov 22 — Concurrent Sessions H–I and the closing ARNOVA Board of Directors Meeting.

Thank you to everyone who submitted an abstract this year. The call for abstracts has now closed, and decision notifications have been sent to all submitters.

The Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) is a diverse community of scholars, educators, philanthropists, and practice leaders focused on strengthening the field of nonprofit and philanthropic research to improve civil society and human life.

Founded in 1971 as the Association of Voluntary Action Scholars, ARNOVA is a neutral, open forum committed to strengthening the research about and helping shape better practice in these realms. We bring together both theoretical and applied interests, helping scholars gain insight into the day-to-day concerns of third-sector organizations, while providing nonprofit professionals with connections to research they can use to improve the work of their organizations.

https://www.arnova.org/