CNE’s 7AP in Action series showcases members who exemplify excellence in nonprofit work and embody one or more of CNE’s 7 Actionable Principles (7AP)—guiding values that support a strong, sustainable social sector:
Create strategic budgets
Manage financial position
Build relationships
Prioritize equity
Develop leaders
Collaborate with communities
Evaluate impact
This issue features Courtney Polk, Executive Director at Building Goodness Foundation. Her leadership reflects a strong commitment to the 6th principle—collaborate with communities.
In a world where the foundation of a safe, stable life often begins with the literal foundation of a home or a school, Building Goodness Foundation is quietly transforming lives—brick by brick, beam by beam. They are builders, yes—but more importantly, they are collaborators.
Principle 6: Collaborate with Communities
From rural Virginia to the highlands of Guatemala and the neighborhoods of Haiti, BGF supports nonprofits, small businesses, and low-income homeowners by doing what they do best: construction. But not just any construction—intentional, inclusive, community-rooted construction. Whether it’s creating safe office space for a counseling nonprofit, ensuring a local grandmother can stay warm through the winter, or building earthquake-resilient schools abroad, BGF shows up with purpose and humility.
Their approach? “With, not for.” BGF doesn’t swoop in to save the day. They partner. They listen. They ask what’s needed and how they can help. They stand shoulder-to-shoulder with local communities, offering their skills and sweat to bring others’ missions to life. The result? Safe, functional spaces where children can learn, where health services can be delivered with dignity, and where families can live and grow with stability.
Nearly 75% of BGF’s volunteers are tradespeople—architects, electricians, plumbers, masons—donating time and talent to lift others up. They repair roofs, install heat, and lend their expertise to those in need—all in the spirit of shared humanity.
But BGF doesn’t stop at volunteering. They hire locally, both at home and abroad. In Guatemala, they worked alongside a crew of 100 local builders last year alone. Here in Charlottesville, they’re supporting minority-owned businesses by paying fair wages and opening doors to future contracts through their highly visible projects.
Their local initiative, Cville Builds, born out of the pandemic’s travel restrictions, has grown into a core program, responding to inquiries from nonprofits, businesses, and individuals alike. It’s built on a rigorous yet accessible application process, guided by community advisors, and designed to put relationship and impact first.
Central to Building Goodness Foundation’s strength and resilience has been its long-standing relationship with the Center for Nonprofit Excellence – Virginia. CNE has provided BGF with the resources, learning opportunities, and peer connections essential to navigating growth, change, and challenge. From grant writing workshops to financial management training, board development to executive leadership circles, staff at every level, from volunteer coordinators to executive leadership, have participated in CNE’s offerings over the years.
“Having a central partner such as CNE—one that’s really the heart of the nonprofit community in our town—allows everyone to have a hub,” BGF shared. “A place where everyone doing philanthropic and service work can go to hear a consistent voice, get the tools they need, and build real relationships.”
In today’s uncertain funding and political climate, that kind of support is more than helpful—it’s essential. As BGF navigates challenges abroad, particularly in Haiti, and shifting funding priorities at home, they’ve leaned on CNE for trusted information, policy updates, and strategic advice—all delivered with clarity and compassion.
BGF believes that collaboration, not competition, is the future. With limited resources and increasing need, the only path forward is together. Every safe space they help create is a product of partnership, not just between tradespeople and community members, but between organizations, cultures, and sectors. Whether working with nonprofits across town or across borders, BGF remains grounded in the belief that everyone has something to bring.
