NPC Ignites 2026
Tuesday 13 October 2026, London NW1 2BJ
NPC Ignites returns on 13 October 2026 – a date for anyone committed to the future of the impact economy to have firmly in their calendar.
As the challenges facing the sector grow more complex, so too does the need for sharper thinking, stronger connections, and new approaches. NPC Ignites is designed for exactly this moment, offering a day of insight, challenge and forward-looking discussion to help leaders navigate what’s next and maximise the impact of their work.
Now in its second decade, the event welcomes over 250 senior figures from across charities, foundations, social enterprises and purpose-driven organisations. Expect honest conversations, fresh perspectives, and ideas that challenge the way you think and shape what you do next.
A first look at our speakers!
We’re thrilled to announce the first of our headline speakers for NPC Ignites 2026, bringing together leaders from across the charity, philanthropy, social impact, and finance sectors:
- Kate Lee OBE, Chair of the Civil Society Covenant and CEO at NCVO
- Fiona Spellman, Chief Executive at SHINE
- Kelly Fowler, CEO at Belong Network
- Joshua Meek, Chief Impact Officer at Unity Trust Bank
- Adiva Kalms, Deputy CEO at Prism the Gift Fund
- Michael Stickland, Director of Partnerships & Philanthropy at Macmillan Cancer Support
- Asher Craig, Chief Executive at the Pathway Fund.
The day’s proceedings will be chaired by Patricia Hamzahee OBE, NPC’s newest Trustee, with 20 years of work with social enterprises and private capital providers on responsible investment and social impact strategies.
The programme is taking shape, and we’re looking forward to sharing more announcements and session details in the coming weeks!
View the programme
Designed to challenge assumptions, share evidence and connect people beyond their usual circles, the Ignites 2026 programme is about turning conversations into ideas, connections and action
Ignites 2026 is proudly supported by our lead sponsors:
With over 40 years of values-led banking, Unity Trust Bank's double bottom line means it puts delivering economic, environmental and social impact alongside delivering commercial returns. Proving that who you bank with matters, over half of Unity’s lending in 2025 went to areas of high deprivation, meaning they are delivering impact where it’s needed most.
Plinth is an AI-powered platform that helps organisations deliver, measure, and fund community impact. It empowers charities to take control of their data so they can focus on their mission. From one platform, teams manage donors and target the right supporters, track cases and surface risk in real time, and turn qualitative outcomes into clear impact reports. Instead of juggling disconnected tools, organisations get everything they need to run and prove their work in one place. One platform, every need.
With thanks to our sponsors:
SmartyGrants is a user-friendly grants management platform trusted by over 850 funders across 55 countries. Powered by Our Community International, a social-purpose enterprise dedicated to strengthening communities by equipping grantmakers with better technology. It provides an end-to-end solution supporting every stage of grantmaking, from application to final report. Features include form building, workflows, payment tracking, assessment tools, reporting and analytics.
Designed for usability, accessibility and equity, SmartyGrants offers training, technical support, communities of practice and policy guidance. SmartyGrants’ mission is to simplify, streamline and strengthen the practice of grantmaking by providing tools and connections, backed by deep sector expertise.
Good Finance exists to be a trusted source of information for charities and social enterprises navigating the world of social investment. From practical tools, resources, case studies, directories, blogs, online learning and more, our goal is to provide you with everything you need to make an informed decision when exploring social investment.
Social Investment Business uses finance to build stronger communities and a fairer society. It works with charities and social enterprises across the UK. Through a mix of funding and practical, tailored support, Social Investment Business backs the organisations that make up the social economy. Its role is to provide the support, flexibility, and trusted partnership they need to thrive.
Social Investment Business has provided support to thousands of charities and social enterprises, while using its expertise to research, innovate and advocate for the sector. Since 2002, it's deployed and managed over £800m in loans and grants, reaching more than 6,000 organisations.
Become an event partner
View our sponsorship opportunities and to discuss how we can work together, email us at events@thinkNPC.org or via the contact us page
Bursary places
Bursary places are available for small charities, ethnic minority charities of all sizes, and ethnic minority representatives from charities of all sizes. Bursary spaces are available on a first come, first served basis. Places are currently full, but email us to join the waiting list and we’ll be in touch if a place becomes available.
Accessibility
We are actively working to improve the accessibility of our online and in-person events. As part of our commitment, for all online events we use live closed captions and upload the recordings to YouTube which has the capability to select subtitles. For in-person events we strive to use accessible venues.
Highlights from NPC Ignites 2025
“Incredibly open and accessible, providing tangible action giving power to change”
NPC Ignites 2025 delegate
Blog
No organisation changes the world alone
By Sarah Broad .
On 22 September 2026.
Why strong relationships and community networks are essential for achieving greater impact and driving lasting innovation.
Blog
Exploring the future of the impact economy at NPC Ignites 2026
By Jonathan Simmons .
On 11 August 2026.
NPC Ignites brings people across the impact economy together to share ideas, challenge assumptions and build connections that turn conversation into action.
Blog
Investing in the impact economy
By Joshua Meek and Paul Kelly, Unity Trust Bank.
On 9 September 2026.
How place-aware finance can enable organisations to deliver vital community services and what this means for the impact economy.
Blog
From evidence to influence:
By Kim Nicholson and Nell Davies-Small, Greater Change.
On 25 August 2026.
How charities can use evidence strategically to build trust, attract investment and influence wider systems when scaling an innovative approach.
Blog
What does ‘place-based’ really mean?
By Sabrina Bengtzen .
On 7 August 2026.
What a place-based approach really means, why it is gaining momentum across the impact economy, and how collaboration rooted in local communities can drive more effective social change.
Blog
Helping charities tell the story of their impact
By David Holdsworth, Chief Executive Officer of the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
On 2 September 2026.
What the new SORP guidelines mean for charities and how stronger impact reporting can help organisations build credibility and strengthen confidence across the sector.
