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

NCN and Allies File Lawsuit to Protect Public Service Loan Forgiveness

The National Council of Nonprofits (NCN) and a coalition of other nonprofits, associations, unions, and local government filed a lawsuit today challenging the Administration’s final rule to overhaul the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program by unlawfully limiting which charitable nonprofits qualify as “eligible employers.”

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Upcoming Trainings & Events

Marketing and Communications Discussion Group – November 2025

November 20, 2025 9:00 am – November 20, 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.  […]

Treasurers Discussion Group- December 2025

December 2, 2025 9:00 am – December 2, 2025 10:00 am
Hybrid, Zoom & 1701-A Allied Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903

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 […]

Board Academy (Application Required)

November 10, 2025 9:00 am – December 1, 2025 11:55 pm
Center for Nonprofit Excellence, 1701-A Allied Street, Charlottesville

Board Academy Priority Deadline for Scholarships – December 1, 2025 Board Academy, Virginia’s premier board development program, is now accepting applications. The priority deadline for scholarships is December 1, 2025. Please apply by this date if you plan to request financial assistance. What is Board Academy? Board Academy prepares community members for board and committee service in […]

Case Studies in Planned Giving

December 9, 2025 9:00 am – December 9, 2025 11:00 am
1701-A Allied Street, Charlotteville, VA 22903

How do you get your key donors and or board members to make a Legacy commitment to your organization? Planned Giving guru, Russell James, says, "The best way to start that planned giving conversation is to say to a donor, 'Your situation reminds of a case I recently worked on.'' The problem is many non-profit […]

Compliance and Workplace Systems: Supporting Responsible Work and Belonging

December 17, 2025 1:00 pm – December 17, 2025 2:30 pm
Zoom

Nonprofits play a vital role in serving communities. In today’s complex policy environment, it’s important for nonprofit leaders to understand how new and existing executive orders may affect their programs, advocacy efforts, and organizational compliance. Join us on Zoom on Wednesday, December 17, at 1 p.m., EST for an overview of the current landscape of […]

Leaders of Color Collective: Implicit Bias & Strategic Leadership

January 13, 2026 5:00 pm – January 13, 2026 7:00 pm
Zoom

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. Join CNE for the next session in our Leaders of Color Collective, Implicit Bias & Strategic Leadership on Tuesday, January, 13 2026 at 5pm. Bias often operates invisibly, but […]

How Nonprofits Can Leverage BoardBuild for Alignment & Impact

January 15, 2026 1:00 pm – January 15, 2026 2:00 pm
Zoom

CNE is excited to launch a new partnership with BoardBuild, an innovative online platform that helps nonprofits find great board members while also preparing community members to serve. BoardBuild offers both board training courses to strengthen governance skills and a board matching platform to connect nonprofits with the right volunteers – making it easier than ever to build strong, mission-driven boards. Ready to strengthen your board […]

Leaders of Color Collective: The Future of Leadership

April 14, 2026 5:00 pm – April 14, 2026 7:00 pm
Zoom

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. Join CNE for the spring session in our Leaders of Color Collective, The Future of Leadership: Collaborative & Collective Models. The next era of leadership emphasizes collaboration, shared power, […]