High-impact boards start with board members who understand their role and how best to bring their skills to the board table. Join CNE Senior Manager, Brian Ullman on Thursday, May 15 at 9:00 am for this session designed to give board members a jump start on effective board service. Drawing from CNE’s Board Academy curriculum and feedback from our members, this workshop will teach the key roles and responsibilities of board members, include interactive exercises for skills development, and provide a unique networking opportunity for community members engaging in board service.

Topics covered will include:

• The unique role of the nonprofit sector
• Characteristics of a high-impact board
• Fiduciary duties of nonprofit boards
• The board/CEO partnership
• and more!

Participants will leave the workshop with a new understanding of their role as board members and the path to a high-impact board, as well as a toolkit of resource materials to take with them to the boardroom. This session is designed to make practical board training more readily available and to complement your organization’s own board orientation session or board education goals.  New board members of area nonprofits are encouraged to attend, as are more experienced board members who seek a refresher course to sharpen their board knowledge. Nonprofit leaders are also welcome; this is a great opportunity to engage your new board leadership!

TEAM DISCOUNT!

We believe that nonprofit boards are strongest when they learn and strive for continuous improvement together. We are pleased to offer a 10% discount on the total registration cost for our Board Essentials workshop when 3 or more board members (or staff) from the same organization attend the training together. If you’d like to take advantage of this discount, please send the names and emails of all participants with your organization's information to staff@thecne.org.

Please note:

• This meeting will take place in-person.
• Refunds will be issued for cancellations made 24 hours or more before the start of the training.

Please contact Catherine Smith for any accommodation requests.

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: Communicating with Decision Makers

Many local nonprofits engage directly with decision-makers at the local, state, and federal levels. If policy plays a role in your organization, join us to discuss effective ways to reach decision-makers. We’ll focus on who should be the messenger, how to understand decision-makers’ communication needs, and how to learn from the communities they serve.

Special thanks to LaTasha Durrett, Senior Communications Manager at Southern Environmental Law Center, 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. 

Join us as we explore how your organization can prepare for what seems like the constantly changing landscape of social media. Join this discussion learn more and share your best practices for pivoting, maintaining digital marketing and social media plans during challenging times, and more.

This month's topic: Digital Engagement Strategies

Join us in conversation with Sarah Cooperman, Executive Director at Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary, about her digital journey and experiences.

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

The legal landscape for nonprofits is shifting—are you prepared? From evolving policies to unexpected challenges, staying ahead requires knowledge, strategy, and adaptability. This program will equip you with the tools to confidently navigate legal uncertainties, analyze the impact of policy changes, and develop proactive strategies to safeguard your mission.

Through interactive discussions, participants will gain valuable insights to strengthen resilience, ensure compliance, and navigate legal complexities with confidence.

Join us on Thursday, May 22nd for this dynamic statewide session!

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. 

CNE recognizes that ongoing changes are creating uncertainty, and many nonprofit leaders have expressed concerns about how to navigate them.

To support our sector, CNE is bringing nonprofits together for a collaborative gathering focused on resilience and shared learning. Facilitated discussions will explore key topics such as risk assessment, fostering collaboration, overcoming paralysis, data collection, and impactful storytelling.

Jessica Mendieta, Policy Associate at the National Council of Nonprofits, will join the conversation to present on the impact of recent executive orders on nonprofits.

Please join CNE and fellow nonprofit leaders at 4:30 PM, on March 24 for an evening of insights, connection, learning. Light refreshments provided.

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. 

Join us as we explore how your organization can prepare for what seems like the constantly changing landscape of social media. Join this discussion learn more and share your best practices for pivoting, maintaining digital marketing and social media plans during challenging times, and more.

This month's topic: Leveraging LinkedIn

Join us as we explore new features on LinkedIn and discuss how you (and your colleagues can leverage this platform to help advance your organizational mission, communicate with individuals and organizations in your space, and take advantage of the platform for longer-form content and engagement. 

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.  

CNE is delighted to invite our members to a special evening of community and connection. Take a moment to unwind, meet fellow members, and celebrate the incredible work you do.

• Level 10: Experience Charlottesville's stunning views from a beautiful vantage point.
• Harvest Moon Catering: Delight in delicious food and refreshments.
• Networking: Connect with fellow CNE members and build valuable relationships.
• Free Parking: Onsite garage parking is available (entrance on Garrett St).

This event is FREE for CNE members thanks to Level 10 and Harvest Moon Catering!

Space is limited—register here by March 24! 

We can't wait to celebrate with you!