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: 

  1. Create strategic budgets 

  1. Manage financial position 

  1. Build relationships 

  1. Prioritize equity 

  1. Develop leaders 

  1. Collaborate with communities 

  1. Evaluate impact

  2.  

This issue features Kyle Beck, Executive Director at Fauquier Community Child Care. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to 2nd principle—manage financial position. 

 

Since 1991, Fauquier Community Child Care (FCCC) has been a steady hand in Fauquier County, offering safe, reliable, and enriching care for children ages five to thirteen. From before and after school programs to full-day summer camps, the organization operates from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, five days a week, across ten local elementary schools. But while their work is rooted in child care, their mission goes far deeper: to promote the development of the whole child by supporting whole families. 

 

“We’re not just a daycare,” says Executive Director Kyle Beck. “We’re a youth development organization. Our job is to ensure that families feel supported, connected, and equipped—whether that’s through care, community partnerships, or referrals to food and housing resources. We want to be that central hub families can count on.” 

 

Yet behind that stability is a deeply strategic approach to sustainability—one that prioritizes thoughtful financial stewardship over expansion for its own sake. Like many nonprofits, FCCC operates in a financially challenging sector, balancing quality programming with accessibility. That balance requires careful attention to revenue diversity, long-term planning, and the ability to adapt. 

 

Principle 2: Manage financial position 

“We’ve always said—if you don’t have the finances, you can’t help anyone,” Kyle explains. “So everything we do is with sustainability in mind.” From offering a sliding-scale tuition model to becoming a certified subsidy vendor, FCCC has consistently taken steps to ensure equitable access to care. But they’ve also resisted over-reliance on any one funding source. Instead, they’ve built an investment portfolio, pursued grant funding carefully, and taken a slow-and-steady approach to growth. 

 

“Sometimes in the nonprofit world, you stretch too thin because the mission tells you to say yes to everything,” Kyle says. “But our approach is to stop and ask: What’s the real need? Is there a partner who can help us meet it? What’s the long-term impact?” That kind of disciplined financial thinking isn’t always intuitive, especially in the fast-paced world of childcare. But FCCC has been able to build the internal capacity and leadership skills needed to navigate these decisions confidently. 

 

From the moment Kyle joined the leadership team, after 17 years with Fauquier Community Child Care, working his way up from volunteer to Executive Director, he turned to the Center for Nonprofit Excellence – Virginia for guidance. “I came in knowing childcare and for-profit business, but I needed to learn how to lead in the nonprofit world,” he says. “CNE became the place I went for training, support, and connection.” 

 

Through CNE, Kyle participated in fundraising workshops, board engagement seminars, and leadership circles. His board chair enrolled in board development training. The organization worked with CNE for resources while planning a board retreat and in evaluating the end of a strategic plan cycle. 

 

One of the most transformative aspects of the relationship, Kyle notes, is the way CNE fosters connection—not just to knowledge, but to people. “When we had donations we couldn’t use, like musical instruments, it was through a CNE connection that we found another nonprofit that could put them to use,” Kyle recalls. “Those kinds of relationships wouldn’t have happened otherwise.” Even seemingly small touches—like being able to call or email for trusted advice—have proved invaluable. “CNE has been like the hub,” Kyle says. “If we need anything nonprofit-related, that’s where we go.” 

 

FCCC is planning and positioning itself to continue serving as a support for others in the community. “We’re not a foundation,” Kyle says, “but we’re in a place where we can help. So we’re asking, ‘How do we help other nonprofits stay afloat, so they’re there for the families we all serve?’ That’s part of our mission, too.” FCCC has turned financial wellbeing into more than a strategy—it’s become a safeguard for their community’s future.