Difference Maker Summit
Our 2025 Difference Maker Summit was an incredible day of inspiration, connection, and impact! Nonprofit leaders, innovators, and change-makers came together to share stories, strategies, and actionable insights—all with one goal: creating real change in our communities.
Relive the energy and excitement through our highlight video and the Great Day Louisiana feature below, showcasing moments from the day, including interviews with attendees and our team.
Want to be part of the next one?
Join our invite list to be the first to hear about the 2026 Difference Maker Summit!
Interested in speaking at a future event?
Submit a proposal for consideration.
Download RFP
Past Webinars & Resources
| 10 Tips for Setting Up Your Social Media Accounts for Success Gabrielle Tutko, Dudley DeBosier | WATCH |
| Empowering Nonprofits: Top Free Resources for Success Rebecca Gardner, Hands Producing Hope | WATCH |
| Grants: How & Where to Find Them Cathy Denison-Robert , Business & Workforce Recovery Solutions | WATCH |
| Finding the Right Partners & Donors for Nonprofit Organizations Gabrielle Tutko , Dudley DeBosier | WATCH |
| Networking Strategies for Nonprofit Success Corey J. Frank, Spoken Red | WATCH |
| Community Engagement & Collaboration for Nonprofits Heather Blanchard , United Way of Acadiana | WATCH |
About the Difference Maker Summit
At Dudley DeBosier, we believe that strong nonprofits build stronger communities — and that those who serve deserve support, encouragement, and practical resources. That’s why we created what is now known as the Difference Maker Summit: a free annual training conference designed specifically for nonprofit leaders, employees, board members, and volunteers.
The Difference Maker Summit began in 2018 with just 10 nonprofit organizations in the room, but its roots stretch back even further. Since 2015, our team had been informally coaching local nonprofits — helping with everything from fundraising strategies to board development. We realized there was a real need for a larger, more accessible platform where nonprofits could come together, learn from experts, collaborate with peers, and leave feeling empowered to expand their impact.
Originally launched as the Leadership Academy, the event was rebranded as the Difference Maker Summit in 2024 to better reflect the heart of its mission: celebrating and equipping those who make a difference in our communities every day.
What started as a small gathering has grown into a statewide event, bringing together hundreds of nonprofit organizations each year. Today, the Difference Maker Summit stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration — helping Difference Makers at every level strengthen their missions, extend their reach, and make Louisiana an even better place for all.
What can you expect from Difference Maker Summit? Hear it from your fellow Difference Makers!
“I have been in ministry and directing NPOs for nearly 44 years. This is one of the best trainings I have been exposed to.”
The Kingdom Group, Inc. | Elmo Winters
“I took a USA Grant Writing Class last year, and this was more in-depth than that was. Thank you!”
Louisiana Warriors Unleased (LWU) | Jesse Walls
“I’m truly thankful for these events. I always leave with great knowledge and connections I otherwise would not have.”
UpLIFTD | Katie LeBlanc
“The information y’all provide, and the energy in the room, was so wonderful! I walked away with so many great ideas! We are all in this together, and it’s so wonderful to have a for-profit business that fully supports and understands the need for the nonprofit sector.”
McMains Children’s Developmental Center | Linda Spalatin
“The conference was excellent! We will make every effort to attend [in the future].”
Meaningful Minds of Louisiana, Inc | Jennifer Randal-Thorpe
Questions? Email DifferenceMakers@dudleydebosier.com.
