"ignite!" is a conference that aims to create exchange and co-creation by bringing together certified NPOs, companies and industry groups. More than 400 people attended the first edition in 2025. This year's second edition coincides with the 25th anniversary of the certified NPO system, and organizers aim for 700 participants, including 200 certified NPOs and 100 companies.
The keynote will be delivered online from the United States by Scott Harrison, founder and CEO of the international NGO charity: water, which has brought clean water to more than 20 million people. Drawing on the organization's experience in winning broad support through sophisticated creative work and thorough transparency, the session, moderated by the chair of the Japan Fundraising Association, will explore the potential of brand building for nonprofits.
Other sessions cover topics such as the NPO system, AI, co-creation with companies, branding, and organization and leadership. They include a discussion in which the heads of the Japan Association of New Public Interest, the Japan Fundraising Association and the Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation talk about the future of NPOs, and a session that looks at society ten years from now from the front lines of work with children. In addition, "ignite!PITCH2026" will feature leaders from six organizations each sharing their dreams and visions in seven minutes.
Key points
- The founder of charity: water, which has delivered clean water to more than 20 million people, will speak on brand building for nonprofits
- The heads of the Japan Association of New Public Interest, the Japan Fundraising Association and the Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation will discuss the core purpose of NPOs
- "ignite!PITCH2026" will feature leaders from six organizations sharing their dreams and visions in seven minutes
Why We Recommend This Event
As social issues grow more complex, this conference is a place where NPOs, together with companies and industry groups, aim for a larger impact than NPOs could create alone. Hearing from organizations in many fields, from international cooperation to child support, in a single day is a valuable opportunity.
By bringing together the experience of an organization that has won wide support overseas and the 25-year journey of Japan's certified NPOs, the event is likely to offer hints for thinking about the future of giving and collaboration.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“This conference, held 25 years after the certified NPO system began, aims for about 700 participants. I'm curious to hear the founder of an organization that has brought clean water to more than 20 million people talk about brand building.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“I'd love to hear the talk on brand building that Aoba mentioned, too. Ways of communicating that earn empathy and trust connect to our own work. The seven-minute pitches about dreams should also show the power of words.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“Building on what you both said, I feel there is meaning in NPOs and companies talking about the future in the same room. A day to look back on 25 years and think about the next 25 seems likely to give many organizations a gentle push forward.”
Interested in this event?
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“The program looks rich in learning not only for people working at NPOs, but also for those at companies who collaborate with NPOs, and for students interested in social issues.
Ticket types and speaker details are available in the guidebook and on the registration page. If any session catches your interest, please consider joining.”