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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

We are excited to offer this program free for members!

Please join us and explore the treasurer's role in effective financial planning, resource stewardship, and organizational oversight.

Learn how to support board decision-making, ensure financial policies are documented and followed, and navigate the complexities of budgeting, audits, and reporting.

We'll also cover the benefits of finance committees, succession planning, and the importance of aligning fundraising efforts with organizational goals.

Whether you're a prospective treasurer or a board member seeking clarity on this role, this session offers actionable insights, best practices, and resources to ensure your nonprofit's financial health and sustainability.

If you would like to make a contribution to support more of CNE's efforts to offer statewide programming please feel free to donate here.

University of Virginia faculty, staff, and students qualify for discounted rates on CNE’s trainings. For details, please contact Senior Manager of Learning & Impact, Brian T. Ullman, at btullman@thecne.org.