The below feature is a conversation between CNE Executive Director, Mariane Doyle, and the Virginia Funders Network.

At the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) – Virginia, 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. Here’s a look at our key initiatives:

Our 2025 Legislative Priorities

Our 2025 legislative priorities focus on securing and retaining the nonprofit workforce staff and leadership. Nonprofits in Virginia play an essential role in the economy, providing a wide range of jobs in sectors such as education, tourism, healthcare, workforce development, social services, and the arts. They contribute to the overall economic stability and mobility of the economy while being integral to the health and well-being of Virginia’s communities. However, like many employers, nonprofits face challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified staff. Our priorities include:

  • Childcare and the Nonprofit Workforce: Addressing the high cost and lack of accessibility to childcare, which is a major barrier for nonprofit employees. This includes advocating for policies that make childcare more affordable and accessible.
  • Housing and the Nonprofit Workforce: Tackling the rising cost of housing, which affects the ability of nonprofit employees to secure affordable housing. This includes supporting initiatives that provide affordable housing options for nonprofit workers. The 2023 Virginia Housing report on Housing as an Economic Development Strategy for Virginia reported, “Inadequate housing supply hampers workforce mobility, limits job opportunities, and negatively impacts a state’s economic competitiveness.” As nonprofits work to recruit new workers and retain current employees, access to affordable housing in the Commonwealth is crucial for securing the needed workforce to address the ever-evolving needs of the communities nonprofits are serving.
  • Charitable Giving: Addressing the impact of federal policy on charitable giving. With inflation and costs increasing, and private donations and the number of donors decreasing, it is becoming difficult for nonprofits to meet the demand for services. The charitable tax deduction has historically encouraged Americans to give more to the public good. However, fewer Americans now have access to this deduction due to changes in tax policy. This shift has significant implications for nonprofit organizations in Virginia. We advocate for state-level measures, such as tax credits or other incentives for charitable donations, to counterbalance the loss of the federal deduction and encourage continued support for local organizations.

Legislative Priorities will be posted on the CNE website each year and can be found here.

Bill Tracking During the Virginia General Assembly

Staying informed about the progress of legislation is crucial for effective advocacy. Throughout the Virginia General Assembly session, our team diligently tracked bills that align with our priorities. We provided regular updates to our members, highlighting key developments and opportunities for action. These updates were shared weekly on our website as the bills moved through the General Assembly. You can find these updates on our website under Bills We’re Watching. This real-time information empowered our community to respond swiftly and strategically.
Additionally, a selection of the bills we are watching are also being monitored by the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN). Once federal bills affecting the sector are tracked, we will monitor them on the NCN website.  They currently keep us updated on the Federal Executive Orders with a frequently updated chart and have recently released FAQs on the impact of these orders on nonprofits.

Legislative Education Sessions

Understanding the legislative process and building strong relationships with lawmakers are essential skills for any advocate. To support our members, we are hosting a series of webinars focused on these topics. Expert speakers including legislators, legislative staff, and policy consultants share insights on how to effectively communicate with legislators, the importance of storytelling in advocacy, and strategies for building long-term relationships. The first of these sessions was held in January and was very well-attended, receiving positive feedback and praise from participants.
On April 9th, we will hold our second webinar in this series at 9am and the focus will be on How Nonprofits Can Build Relationships with Legislators.  Delegate Katrina Callsen will be one of our expert speakers and you can register here for this event.

Visit to the General Assembly

There’s no substitute for face-to-face interactions when it comes to advocacy. This year, we organized a trip with the Nonprofit Allies of Virginia (NAVA) and in conjunction with the Virginia Housing Alliance to the Virginia General Assembly, providing the opportunity to meet with legislators and staff in person. This visit allowed us to share our legislative priorities and deepen connections that will support our efforts in the future. One of the highlights was being presented on the Assembly floor by Virginia Delegate Katrina Callsen, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the CNE team and members of NAVA.
At CNE, we are proud of the progress we’ve made this year and are committed to continuing our efforts to educate and empower our members. Together, we can make a difference and create positive change in our community.