Posted on May 29, 2026 by Catherine Smith -
The Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) has partnered with the Center for Nonprofit Advancement (CNA) to offer CNE members a special discounted rate of $25 for select CNA webinars. Please review the information below for registering, along with the webinar details.
CNE Members: Select the "CNE Members" for your discounted rate when registering!
Most nonprofits know they should be cultivating major donors, but few have a strategy that is rooted in evidence, aligned to their capacity, and actually works. This workshop closes that gap. Participants leave with a clear understanding of why major donors require their own dedicated approach, practical frameworks for building genuine relationships, and a concrete project management plan they can implement right away. Designed for executive directors, development staff, and board members, this session blends fundraising theory with hands-on strategy, giving organizations both the “why” and the “how” in a single sitting.
What will be covered:
- The case for major donors: Why major donors deserve their own strategy and the outsized role they play in sustainable nonprofit revenue.
- Relationship building & outreach: How to identify, cultivate, and steward major donor relationships with authenticity and intention.
- Practical implementation of project management tools and workflows to turn strategy into a functioning, sustainable program
Participants can expect the following key takeaways from this session:
- Major donors aren’t just bigger checks. They’re a different kind of relationship that requires its own dedicated strategy and approach, separate from other kinds of fundraising.
- Authentic relationships are the strategy — and they move at a human speed. Participants will walk away with a clear framework for identifying prospective major donors, making meaningful contact, and building the kind of trust that leads to significant, multi-year commitments without feeling transactional.
- A strategy is only as good as its execution plan. Participants will leave with a practical project management framework to implement a major donor program that doesn’t fall apart when things get busy.
Posted on May 29, 2026 by Catherine Smith -
The Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) has partnered with the Center for Nonprofit Advancement (CNA) to offer CNE members a special discounted rate of $25 for select CNA webinars. Please review the information below for registering, along with the webinar details.
CNE Members: Select the "CNE Members" for your discounted rate when registering!
Securing corporate support has become increasingly challenging for nonprofits navigating reduced government funding, unpredictable revenue streams, and heightened expectations for measurable impact. This interactive session equips participants with actionable strategies to overcome these obstacles. You’ll learn how corporations assess nonprofit partnerships and discover proven approaches to communicate value, foster trust, and build sustainable, mission-driven relationships. By the end of the session, you’ll have practical tools to strengthen outreach, diversify revenue, and position your organization for success in today’s evolving funding landscape.
Learning Objectives
By participating in this session, attendees will:
- Identify effective strategies to diversify revenue in a competitive funding environment.
- Understand key steps to increase the likelihood of securing corporate support.
- Learn how to position your organization to create long-term, mutually beneficial corporate partnerships.
Posted on May 29, 2026 by Catherine Smith -
The Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) has partnered with the Center for Nonprofit Advancement (CNA) to offer CNE members a special discounted rate of $25 for select CNA webinars. Please review the information below for registering, along with the webinar details.
CNE Members: Select the "CNE Members" for your discounted rate when registering!
Fundraising is about far more than securing donations; it’s about shaping the future of your organization. As the primary bridge between your mission and the community, fundraisers bring invaluable insights from donors, partners, and supporters. This makes development professionals some of the strongest ambassadors an organization has.
To truly thrive, fundraisers must be empowered to speak to (and influence!) every major function of a nonprofit: finances, governance, communications, and programs. When development has a seat at the table, organizations gain more informed strategies, stronger relationships, and more sustainable impact. Your voice isn’t just helpful. It’s essential.
What You’ll Learn
- Understand the Power of Your Role
- Discover why fundraising is central to organizational success, and why your perspective is uniquely important.
- See How Fundraising Intersects With Every Department
- Learn how development professionals contribute to financial planning, program design, board development, and communications strategy.
- Advocate for Your Seat at the Table
- Gain tools and talking points to confidently articulate the value of your voice in organization‑wide decisions.
This session is perfect for development staff at all levels who want to expand their influence, strengthen cross‑department connections, and elevate the role of fundraising across their organization.
Posted on May 26, 2026 by Waverly Davis -
Join us, the Dan River Nonprofit Network and The Commonwealth Institute for a virtual debrief of Virginia's legislative session. This program is designed to help nonprofit leaders understand the outcomes of this year's General Assembly and what they mean for our sector and communities.
This 90-minute conversation will provide an overview of key legislation and policy developments with direct implications for Virginia nonprofits, including a closer look at:
- Group Health Insurance Expansion (HB 353)
- Paid Family & Medical Leave Program
- Increases to Virginia's Hourly Minimum Wage
- Nonprofit Property Tax Clarification (HB 854)
We will connect legislative action to nonprofit practice and you will walk away better equipped to lead, advocate, and respond on behalf of the communities you serve.
We invite you to pay what you can—whether that means covering just your spot, giving a little extra to support others, or simply joining us. Every contribution strengthens our community!
Posted on April 15, 2026 by Brian Ullman -
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 Guest This Month!
Jamee Dion of Balanced Bookkeeping, LLC
Special thanks to Melody Bianchetto who generously facilitates these sessions.
Posted on April 13, 2026 by -
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: Chris Lassiter, Community Engagement Director at Community Foundation Central Blue Ridge, will lead a discussion on media engagement and outreach. If you are searching for ways to connect with reporters, build media strategies, and get the word out about your organizational news, you will find this session helpful.
Special thanks to LaTasha Durrett, Senior Communications Manager at Southern Environmental Law Center, who generously facilitates these sessions.
Posted on March 5, 2026 by -
State of the Sector unites Virginia's nonprofit community for learning, connection, and collaboration. This conference showcases the resources, expertise, and partnerships that help nonprofits thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.
Participants will gain:
- Strengthened organizational capacity
- New ideas and shared learning
- Opportunities to collaborate for greater impact
By bringing nonprofit leaders, funders, and partners into one room, State of the Sector reinforces a simple truth: nonprofits get it done in Virginia-and do their best work together.
Keynote Speaker:
Diane Yentel, President & CEO | National Council for Nonprofits
Learning Sessions:
State of the Volunteer Sector: Join Serve Virginia for a data-driven look at the state of volunteerism in the Commonwealth. Drawing on insights from the Virginia Community Engagement Index, this keynote will explore current trends in volunteering, civic participation, and community engagement across Virginia. The presentation will highlight where engagement is growing, where gaps remain, and what the data tells us about the opportunities ahead for nonprofits, public agencies, and community leaders working to strengthen service and volunteerism statewide.
Special thanks to our presenting sponsor Trinet.
Posted on March 3, 2026 by -
Join us for an essential 1-hour session on protecting your organization from financial fraud. April Gatewood, Vice President | Financial Sales Manager at First Citizens Bank, will share practical strategies, warning signs, and best practices to safeguard your nonprofit's assets and reputation. Whether you're a board member, executive director, or finance professional, this session will equip you with actionable insights to strengthen your organization's financial controls and reduce risk.
Posted on March 2, 2026 by Catherine Smith -
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.
Special thanks to LaTasha Durrett, Senior Communications Manager at Southern Environmental Law Center, who generously facilitates these sessions.
Posted on March 2, 2026 by Brian Ullman -
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.
This Month's Topic: Joining our facilitator Melody Bianchetto will be Anthony Hill, VP and Financial Center Manager at Citizens and Farmers Bank. Anthony will share practical insights on managing operating cash, reserves, mortgages, and topics of interest, plus the importance of building a strong banking relationship with your nonprofit.
Special thanks to Melody Bianchetto who generously facilitates these sessions.
