We Build Community

CNE envisions equitable, thriving, and just communities powered by healthy nonprofits and to achieve that vision, we serve as a champion, learning partner, and advisor to Virginia nonprofits. We invite you to join us in investing in our collective futures.

Vision

Equitable, thriving, and just communities powered by healthy nonprofits.

Mission

We are a champion, learning partner, and advisor for Virginia nonprofits.

Values

We are centered and guided by our values of courage, equity, collaboration, and excellence.

Latest News & Our Blog

Navigating Change: Legislative Updates Nonprofits Need to Know

At CNE we recognize that this year has brought an overwhelming amount of change and uncertainty. Information is coming at us quickly, and many of these shifts—particularly in government funding—have been detrimental to nonprofits’ ability to meet urgent community needs. As we work through this complex moment together, we encourage nonprofit leaders to prioritize open conversations with funders—local, state, and philanthropic—about how to strategize collaboratively and think differently in the face of significant funding deficits due to federal or state reductions.

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Empowering Our Community Through Legislative Education

At CNE, we are dedicated to being a champion, learning partner, and advisor for Virginia nonprofits. Our mission is to support and strengthen the nonprofit sector through education, advocacy, and collaboration. Our legislative education efforts in 2025 have been focused on equipping our members with the knowledge and tools they need to influence policy and make their voices heard.

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Upcoming Trainings & Events

Coaching Edge for Leaders

April 29, 2025 1:00 pm – April 29, 2025 3:00 pm
Center for Nonprofit Excellence, 1701 A Allied Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903

The Coaching Edge for Leaders workshop focuses on developing a “coaching mindset” to improve individual and team professional growth and development. Many executives and managers approach the challenges their employees and teams face as problems they need to solve rather than building the capacity and confidence of their employees and teams to solve their own problems. In this workshop, […]

Trauma-Informed Approaches for De-escalation

April 30, 2025 9:30 am – April 30, 2025 11:30 am
Zoom

This workshop, Trauma-Informed Approaches for De-escalation, equips participants with practical skills to navigate challenging situations using trauma-informed techniques. The session focuses on fostering calm communication and positive interactions through safety, regulation, connection, and story-sharing. Attendees will learn how to create a prepared environment, develop clear plans for intervention, and utilize effective verbal and non-verbal strategies to […]

Leaders of Color Collective: Advancing Allyship

May 13, 2025 5:00 pm – May 13, 2025 7:00 pm
Zoom

We are delighted to announce the next Leaders of Color Collective session! The Leaders of Color Collective is a program designed specifically for and by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) working in the social impact sector. This session's topic: "Advancing Allyship" This workshop picks up where we left off—talking about how we build […]

Board Essentials-Spring

May 15, 2025 9:00 am – May 15, 2025 11:00 am
Center for Nonprofit Excellence, 1701-A Allied Street, Charlottesville

High-impact boards start with board members who understand their role and how best to bring their skills to the board table. Join CNE Senior Manager, Brian Ullman on Thursday, May 15 at 9:00 am for this session designed to give board members a jump start on effective board service. Drawing from CNE’s Board Academy curriculum and feedback from […]

Lunch & Learn: Energy Savings & Climate Solutions for Nonprofits

May 20, 2025 11:30 am – May 20, 2025 1:00 pm
Center for Nonprofit Excellence

Join us for a Lunch & Learn in partnership with the Community Climate Collaborative (C3), free for CNE members. Learn how your organization can improve energy efficiency, reduce bills with no- and low-cost improvements, and access financial incentives for climate-friendly upgrades like heat pumps, solar power, and EV charging stations. We'll cover options for organizations […]

Navigating Legal Uncertainty: What Nonprofits Need to Know- Statewide

May 22, 2025 2:00 pm – May 22, 2025 4:00 pm
Zoom

The legal landscape for nonprofits is shifting—are you prepared? From evolving policies to unexpected challenges, staying ahead requires knowledge, strategy, and adaptability. This program will equip you with the tools to confidently navigate legal uncertainties, analyze the impact of policy changes, and develop proactive strategies to safeguard your mission. Through interactive discussions, participants will gain […]

Treasurers Discussion Group – May

May 27, 2025 9:00 am – May 27, 2025 10:00 am
Hybrid: Center for Nonprofit Excellence & via Zoom

Are you currently serving or interested in serving as a treasurer on a nonprofit board? Would you like to connect with others in similar roles to share insights, learn best practices, and discuss the unique challenges of nonprofit financial leadership? This discussion group is designed to support individuals serving as nonprofit board treasurers or those […]

Building a Strong Annual Fund: A Two-Part Series

May 28, 2025 9:00 am – May 28, 2025 12:00 pm
1701-A Allied Street, Charlotteville, VA 22903

In this two-part series, participants will analyze past fundraising efforts, set goals for the future, and outline a plan to strengthen donor engagement, through interactive discussions and practical exercises. Session 1: Building Blocks of a Successful Annual Fund (May 28, 9am – 12pm) Understanding the role of the annual fund in nonprofit sustainability Analyzing past […]

Marketing and Communications Discussion Group – May

May 29, 2025 9:00 am – May 29, 2025 10:00 am
Zoom

Are you a marketing or communications professional looking to connect and learn from your peers in other organizations?   CNE’s Marketing & Communications Discussion Group provides an opportunity for folks working in communications to share challenges, swap stories, and get industry updates. Each session will focus on a different topic and include guest speakers when possible.  […]