BerryDunn’s EMPOWER Summit Highlights Nonprofit Sector Challenges
Event summary
- BerryDunn hosted its 30th Annual EMPOWER Summit on June 24, 2026, a virtual half-day event for nonprofit leaders.
- The summit addressed funding pressures, regulatory scrutiny, audit readiness, and board reporting challenges.
- Key speakers included Principals Emily Parker, Danielle Bedard, Joseph Byrne, Grant Ballantyne, Mark LaPrade, Katharine Balukas, Kristen West, Bill Enck, and Kristin Courtemanche.
- The event has evolved from local workshops to a national virtual conference over three decades.
The big picture
BerryDunn’s EMPOWER Summit underscores the evolving challenges facing nonprofit organizations, including regulatory pressures and funding constraints. As the event transitions from a regional conference to a national virtual platform, it reflects broader industry trends toward digital engagement and specialized advisory services for nonprofits. The firm’s long-standing focus on nonprofit sector issues positions it as a key player in addressing these critical dynamics.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Scrutiny
- How increased federal and state scrutiny will impact nonprofit operations and compliance strategies.
- Funding Pressures
- Whether nonprofits can sustain their missions amid growing resource constraints and funding challenges.
- Audit Readiness
- The pace at which nonprofits adopt process improvements to enhance audit readiness and organizational efficiency.