Thank you to all who attended State of the Sector!

 

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Virginia nonprofits are navigating one of the most complex environments in recent memory—organizations that understand what’s coming next will be best positioned to respond.

State of the Sector offered a full-day convening designed to help nonprofit leaders, funders, and partners understand what’s shaping the future of Virginia’s nonprofit landscape.

At our inaugural State of the Sector event, participants:

  • First, heard about the state of the sector—what current data is showing, the trends emerging nationwide, and what they mean for nonprofits here in Virginia. Heard national insights from Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN), one of the country’s leading voices on nonprofit policy and sector sustainability.
  • Then, gathered and convened with nonprofits from across Virginia for an intimate conversation about the future of the sector—exploring the trends, challenges, and changes ahead. They shared insights, asked questions, and actively contributed to shaping and influencing the future of the sector together.
  • Learned how policy, funding, and workforce shifts are impacting Virginia nonprofits.
  • Connected with nonprofit leaders and funders from across the Commonwealth.

At the event, we also shared the Virginia Nonprofit Sector Report, a data-driven look at the state of nonprofits across the Commonwealth. With input from more than 43,000 organizations and voices from across Virginia, the report provides a clear picture of the sector’s challenges and strengths, along with actionable recommendations for nonprofits, funders, and government partners.

By bringing nonprofit leaders, funders, and partners into one room, State of the Sector reinforced a simple truth: nonprofits get it done in Virginia—and do their best work together.

Participants left with insights they can apply immediately to strengthen their organizations. State of the Sector is more than a conference—it’s a statewide moment to come together, learn, and prepare for what’s ahead.

 

Previous Sponsors

 

Thank you to our 20th anniversary sponsor, Wells Fargo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previous Keynote Speaker

Diane Yentel | President & CEO, National Council of Nonprofits

Diane Yentel is president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, the largest network of nonprofit organizations in North America, where she leads an exceptional team of 18 NCN staff. Since joining in January 2025, Diane has been a leading national voice, thought leaders, and advocate for the nonprofit sector. Under Diane’s leadership, NCN has filed and won two landmark lawsuits to ensure over $1 trillion dollars in federal funding continues to support nonprofits in their crucial work to meet community needs, and launched a major national narrative campaign to build public support for the vital work of nonprofits throughout the country.

Diane has spent the entirety of her nearly 30-year career working for, with, and in support of nonprofits. Prior to joining NCN, Diane was President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) for 9 years, leading multiple national campaigns to historic success. Diane has also held leadership roles at Enterprise Community Partners and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and worked to advance equitable public policies with Oxfam America, the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, and in a prior role at NLIHC. Diane also served 3 years as a community development Peace Corps volunteer in rural Zambia.

In 2025, Diane was named Influencer of the Year by The Nonprofit Times, and one of Washington DC’s Most Powerful Women by the Washingtonian.

Previous Keynote Sponsor

 

Previous Learning Sessions

State of the Volunteer Sector | Kathy J. Spangler, Director, Serve Virginia and Analise Gammel, Statewide Engagement Manager, Serve Virginia

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.

State of the AI Sector | Philip Deng, Grantable

Join Philip Deng of Grantable as he explores where AI is headed and what those shifts mean specifically for nonprofit organizations. His session will translate emerging trends into practical, accessible use cases—helping teams understand not just the “why,” but the “how” of getting started with AI. Whether attendees are new to AI or already experimenting, Philip will meet them at their level with real-time demonstrations, interactive elements, and dedicated Q&A to ensure participants leave with clear, actionable next steps.