Are you involved in nonprofit development or philanthropy and looking for opportunities to connect, share insights, and learn from others in similar roles?  

This discussion group is designed to support individuals involved in fundraising, grant writing, donor stewardship, and other aspects of nonprofit development and philanthropy. Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, exchange ideas, and explore practical solutions to the challenges they face in advancing their organizations’ missions.

Program Overview

This program provides a space for peer learning and mutual support. Whether you're looking to gain fresh perspectives on your current challenges or discover new strategies for tackling common issues, this group offers a collaborative and supportive environment to grow and learn.

How It Works

Each session will focus on a specific topic designed to spark meaningful conversation. The latter portion of the session will be reserved for open discussions, allowing participants to address pressing concerns or challenges. Whether you’re seeking feedback on a new initiative, brainstorming solutions to a complex issue, or simply connecting with peers who understand your role, this time is dedicated to supporting your needs.  

This Session's Topic:

Evaluating Campaign Strategy- Holiday Appeal Case Study

We’ll start with a brief framework for assessing year-end fundraising campaigns, then move into a collaborative share-out. Participants are encouraged to bring holiday appeal materials – mailings, messaging, timelines, or results – to discuss what worked well and lessons learned. All are welcome, whether or not you ran a formal holiday appeal.  

Special thanks to Ben Wilkes, Director of Development at United Way of Greater Charlottesville, who generously facilitates these sessions. 

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 interested in taking on the role. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore practical solutions to the financial and governance challenges they face in their organizations.

Program Overview

This program provides a collaborative and supportive environment for peer learning and mutual support. Whether you’re seeking advice on tackling a specific financial issue, looking to strengthen your understanding of nonprofit financial management, or simply hoping to connect with peers who understand the responsibilities of a treasurer, this group is here to help.

How It Works

Each session will focus on a specific topic related to nonprofit financial leadership to spark meaningful conversation. The latter portion of the session will be dedicated to open discussions, allowing participants to address pressing concerns or challenges. This time is ideal for seeking feedback on financial practices, brainstorming solutions to complex problems, or simply networking with peers who share similar responsibilities.

Special thanks to Melody Bianchetto who generously facilitates these sessions. 

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 nonprofits, municipal government, and community organizations. The program strengthens our region’s capacity to meet future challenges by cultivating an ever-expanding network of trained, committed board members.

Who should apply?

• Service-oriented community members interested in nonprofit board service
• Community leaders exploring board or committee roles
• New or less-experienced board members
• Experienced board members seeking to deepen their impact

When is Board Academy?

Board Academy 2026 will run from late January through late May, featuring five immersive full-day in-person workshops and several virtual sessions between workshops. See the Board Academy webpage for specific dates, workshop times, and topics.

Questions?

Contact Brian T. Ullman, Senior Manager of Learning and Impact for more information.

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 interested in taking on the role. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore practical solutions to the financial and governance challenges they face in their organizations.

Program Overview

This program provides a collaborative and supportive environment for peer learning and mutual support. Whether you’re seeking advice on tackling a specific financial issue, looking to strengthen your understanding of nonprofit financial management, or simply hoping to connect with peers who understand the responsibilities of a treasurer, this group is here to help.

How It Works

Each session will focus on a specific topic related to nonprofit financial leadership to spark meaningful conversation. The latter portion of the session will be dedicated to open discussions, allowing participants to address pressing concerns or challenges. This time is ideal for seeking feedback on financial practices, brainstorming solutions to complex problems, or simply networking with peers who share similar responsibilities.

Special thanks to Melody Bianchetto who generously facilitates these sessions. 

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. 

This month's topic:

How did it go? A discussion of what went well and what didn't in 2025: Join us for a discussion of how you applied marketing and communications best practices in 2025. We'll discuss successes and challenges as we prepare for a new year and learn from each other. 

Special thanks to LaTasha Durrett, Senior Communications Manager at Southern Environmental Law Center, who generously facilitates these sessions.

Are you involved in nonprofit development or philanthropy and looking for opportunities to connect, share insights, and learn from others in similar roles?  

This discussion group is designed to support individuals involved in fundraising, grant writing, donor stewardship, and other aspects of nonprofit development and philanthropy. Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, exchange ideas, and explore practical solutions to the challenges they face in advancing their organizations’ missions.

Program Overview

This program provides a space for peer learning and mutual support. Whether you're looking to gain fresh perspectives on your current challenges or discover new strategies for tackling common issues, this group offers a collaborative and supportive environment to grow and learn.

How It Works

Each session will focus on a specific topic designed to spark meaningful conversation. The latter portion of the session will be reserved for open discussions, allowing participants to address pressing concerns or challenges. Whether you’re seeking feedback on a new initiative, brainstorming solutions to a complex issue, or simply connecting with peers who understand your role, this time is dedicated to supporting your needs.  

This Session's Topic: Re-imagining our Boards’ Role in Mission Advancement

Special thanks to Ben Wilkes, Director of Development at United Way of Greater Charlottesville, who generously facilitates these sessions. 

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 interested in taking on the role. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore practical solutions to the financial and governance challenges they face in their organizations.

Program Overview

This program provides a collaborative and supportive environment for peer learning and mutual support. Whether you’re seeking advice on tackling a specific financial issue, looking to strengthen your understanding of nonprofit financial management, or simply hoping to connect with peers who understand the responsibilities of a treasurer, this group is here to help.

How It Works

Each session will focus on a specific topic related to nonprofit financial leadership to spark meaningful conversation. The latter portion of the session will be dedicated to open discussions, allowing participants to address pressing concerns or challenges. This time is ideal for seeking feedback on financial practices, brainstorming solutions to complex problems, or simply networking with peers who share similar responsibilities.

Special thanks to Melody Bianchetto who generously facilitates these sessions.