Vu Le

2026 Keynote

Author of “Reimagining Nonprofits: Unlocking the Full Potential of a Vital and Complex Sector”

Vu is one of the nonprofit sector’s most original voices — a writer, speaker, and longtime nonprofit leader with a no-BS approach and an irreverent sense of humor that makes big ideas stick. He is the creator of Nonprofit AF, the beloved blog that has celebrated the people doing the work, and inspired thousands of nonprofit and philanthropic professionals around the world.

Vu has over two decades of experience in the sector, including 13 years as an executive director across two nonprofits. He is one of the co-founders of the Community-Centric Fundraising movement. Vu has written a new book called “Reimagining Nonprofits and Philanthropy: Unlocking the Full Potential of a Vital and Complex Sector,” which his 9-year-old said, “Is not as boring as I thought it would be.” In his free time, Vu hangs out with his kids, watches TV shows and movies, and eats way too much dark chocolate. He has a BA in psychology and a Master of Social Work, which disappoints all his relatives.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to the field, Vu’s talk will help you:

  • See familiar sector challenges in a new light

  • Break down myths like the overhead myth and sustainability myth

  • Reimagine equitable support, collaboration, and community engagement

  • Celebrate the passion and resilience that brought you into this work in the first place

Audiences rave about Vu’s keynote for being funny, provocative, and deeply resonant, with insights that stick long after the event ends.

More on Vu’s recent book: Reimagining Nonprofits and Philanthropy: Unlocking the Full Potential of a Vital and Complex Sector

The nonprofit and philanthropic sector is full of amazing people trying to do good work. At the same time, we're trapped in systems that make it nearly impossible sometimes. Entrenched societal problems, unrealistic expectations from the public, scarcity mindset, lack of funding, and unfair comparison with the for-profit sector are just a few. Not to mention terrible office chairs! Over time, we start to think all of it is normal.

Well, it's not! With everything being so urgent and dire, it's time we let go of a lot of philosophies and practices we've taken as sacred. In this no-nonsense book, Vu combines all of his rants into one cohesive place, neatly organized into chapters on boards, fundraising, advocacy, data, hiring, work culture, leadership, capacity building, and of course DEI. There won't be pictures of baby animals, but Vu's trademark sense of humor and metaphors are all there. You'll read feeling hopeful, fired up, and ready to flip some tables over!

“A transformative read. It redefines leadership, fundraising, and the very purpose of philanthropy.”
― Philip Li, President & CEO, Robert Sterling Clark Foundation

“What would it be like to have a friendly, smart and funny unicorn come over and sit next to you and chat for a couple of hours about your life working in nonprofits? Vu Le is that unicorn and his book is full of fun and extremely on-target, pointed essays on grantwriting, budgets, burning bridges and more.”
―Jan Masaoka, Co-Chair, Philanthropy Project

“As a fellow author and nonprofit truth-teller, I hollered, laughed, and nodded through every page of Reimagining Nonprofit and Philanthropy. Vu Le has done something most folks don’t have the guts to do―tell the whole truth about the sector with humor, clarity, and a sharp eye for what’s broken and what’s possible. This book is a balm and a blueprint for every weary changemaker who’s ever tried to fix systems while running on fumes. It’s funny, it’s fiery, and it’s filled with the kind of hard-won wisdom you only get from someone who’s been in the trenches and kept their heart intact.

Vu reminds us that being busy isn’t the badge of honor we think it is, and that our sector’s addiction to hustle, martyrdom, and perfectionism is costing us real change. This book isn’t just an invitation to dream―it’s a dare to do things differently. Whether you’re a funder, nonprofit leader, or just someone who cares deeply about justice, this is required reading. Grab your snacks, your sticky notes, and your courage―because Vu is taking us all the way there."
―Kishshana Palmer, podcaster, trainer, advisor, keynote speaker, and author of Busy is a Four Letter Word: A Guide to Achieving More by Doing Less