20 Years of Strengthening Virginia’s Nonprofit Sector

This year marks a significant milestone for CNE as we celebrate our 20th anniversary.

For two decades, CNE has partnered with nonprofits, funders, businesses, and community leaders across Virginia to strengthen organizational capacity, elevate leadership, and advance the common good. What began as a shared commitment to supporting nonprofit excellence has grown into a statewide network dedicated to building a stronger, more resilient sector.

We are especially grateful to Wells Fargo, our 20th Anniversary Impact Partner, whose support has helped make this milestone celebration possible while also investing in the future of the organizations and leaders we serve.

Celebrating Impact Across Virginia

Over the past 20 years, CNE has supported thousands of nonprofit professionals and organizations through training, convenings, research, and capacity-building support. This anniversary is not only a moment to reflect—it’s a moment to recognize the collective progress made across the sector.

Two Decades of Progress

Twenty years of progress is really a story of people—nonprofit leaders, board members, funders, partners, and advocates—coming together to strengthen Virginia’s communities. Since 2005, CNE has helped organizations build capacity, develop leaders, foster collaboration, and navigate change. The milestones below highlight key moments in that journey and the collective impact we’ve made together over the past two decades.

Two Decades of Partnership

From our earliest days to today, CNE has remained focused on one goal: strengthening the people and organizations that strengthen Virginia.

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Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to the future of Virginia’s nonprofit sector—supporting leaders, advancing data-informed solutions, and building the connections that help communities thrive for the next 20 years and beyond.