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

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 Events

CNE Member Appreciation: Relax, Connect and Celebrate

April 7, 2025 5:00 pm – April 7, 2025 7:00 pm
Level 10, 323 2nd St SE, Charlottesville, VA 22902

CNE is delighted to invite our members to a special evening of community and connection. Take a moment to unwind, meet fellow members, and celebrate the incredible work you do. Level 10: Experience Charlottesville's stunning views from a beautiful vantage point. Harvest Moon Catering: Delight in delicious food and refreshments. Networking: Connect with fellow CNE members and […]

How Nonprofits Can Build Relationships with Legislators

April 9, 2025 9:00 am – April 9, 2025 10:30 am
Zoom

We're excited to present our latest Legislative Education Session on building relationships with legislators. Join us for a workshop on April 9th, from 9-10:30AM to discuss and develop tools and resources for how to reach out and talk to legislators and their staff. Special guest speakers have been invited including legislator offices on the local, […]

So You Want To Be A Treasurer

April 17, 2025 9:00 am – April 17, 2025 12:00 pm
Hybrid: Center for Nonprofit Excellence & via Zoom

Explore the treasurer's role in effective financial planning, resource stewardship, and organizational oversight. Learn how to support board decision-making, ensure financial policies are documented and followed, and navigate the complexities of budgeting, audits, and reporting. We'll also cover the benefits of finance committees, succession planning, and the importance of aligning fundraising efforts with organizational goals. […]

Leaders of Color Collective- Impacts of Resiliency

April 22, 2025 5:00 pm – April 22, 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: "The Impacts of Self and Community Resiliency" Join us on Tuesday, April 22, at […]

Treasurers Discussion Group – April

April 22, 2025 9:00 am – April 22, 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 […]

Marketing and Communications Discussion Group – April

April 24, 2025 9:00 am – April 24, 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.  […]

Coaching Edge for Leaders

April 29, 2025 1:00 pm – April 29, 2025 3:00 pm
Center for Nonprofit Excellence

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 […]

Lunch & Learn: Energy Savings & Climate Solutions for Nonprofits

May 1, 2025 11:30 am – May 1, 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 […]

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 […]