Dear Colleague,
As we recognize Pride Month, Juneteenth, and the many communities and cultures that shape our state, we’re reminded of the important role nonprofits play in creating spaces where everyone is seen and supported. Over the past few months, we experienced that spirit firsthand – gathering with nonprofit leaders from across North Carolina, learning from each other, and seeing the collective strength of a sector committed to serving communities.
That same spirit applies within our organizations – understanding our strengths, addressing our challenges, building partnerships that complement our programs, strengthening sustainability, and sharing the stories that show our impact. This month’s resources and learning opportunities explore ways to strengthen that work.
Of special note if your fiscal year ends on June 30 and you have professional development dollars to spend – registration for our 2026 Conference is open early just for you! |
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Conference Registration Is Open |
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Good news! Registration is open for the 2026 Conference for North Carolina Nonprofits so you can lock in your spot now – especially if your fiscal year closes this month and you have professional development dollars to spend. Registration rates are also the lowest right now – $100 off so you’re registering at last year’s rates: $265 for Center members, sustainers, associates and $430 for all others. Discounts are available for staff/board teams and students.
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Even though the sessions and speakers are still in planning, this year’s event will explore how we continue to navigate change, nurture meaningful connections, and advance opportunity in our communities. While change may be the only constant, this gathering is about more than simply responding – it’s about shaping what comes next, together. Join us on October 20-21 in Concord!
Looking for other ways to invest in the conference? Check out sponsorship, exhibitor, and advertising opportunities. |
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At its core, compliance is about protecting your organization's ability to fulfill its mission. Compliance won't eliminate uncertainty. But when nonprofits understand your legal responsibilities, you’re better prepared to respond to challenges, adapt to change, and pursue opportunities with confidence.
That matters as you navigate shifting public policies, evolving regulations, changing funding landscapes, and ongoing questions about nonprofit governance, financial management, advocacy, fundraising, and human resources. |
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And that's why we update the Legal Compliance Checklist for North Carolina Nonprofits each year – to help you understand what has changed, what actions may be required, and where to focus your attention.
Members can access the updated 2026 checklist anytime as part of your member benefits. Non-members can purchase the checklist for $50 (discounts for sustainers and associates). Access includes any updates throughout the year. |
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Center members tell us the Pro Bono Assistance Program is one of their most valuable benefits. And it’s made possible by amazing volunteers who share their expertise. If you have experience, especially in legal, human resources, or marketing – we invite you to become a volunteer. Check out the program topic areas and sign up.
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When 'Ms. Toni' Savage, Founder & President of Family Child Care Center Enrichment Foundation (FCCEF), connected with our membership director she was excited to share her organization’s story. Stories like Ms. Toni’s reflect the heart of the nonprofit sector – passion, vision, and a deep commitment to community. They remind us that the impact of North Carolina nonprofits reaches far beyond what we see, touching lives every day. See the story behind FCCEF’s mission. |
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The Power of Learning Together |
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| Congratulations to the 49 dedicated leaders who graduated from the spring 2026 Nonprofit Management Institute!
Over six sessions of learning, discussion, and connection, these nonprofit professionals carved time out to build new skills, learn from one another, and strengthen the ways they lead and manage every day. We’re proud of their commitment to grow as leaders and invest in themselves and the work they do to support their organizations and communities. |
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Dr. Katrina S. Chance, executive director of Richmond County Partnership for Children and fellow NPMI alumni, acknowledged this commitment as she addressed the graduates, “You made room for growth in the middle of responsibility. That alone is worthy of celebration.” She also reminded them that “strong service begins with strengthened leaders. Healthy organizations require equipped leaders. Sustainable impact requires people who are willing to grow, adapt, and keep learning. That is the power of capacity building. It does not simply add information. It increases possibility.”
Nephitearya Singleton, Chief Program Officer of The Emily Krzyzewski Center shared, “This experience has helped me connect the hands-on work I’ve done for years with the leadership theories, technical language, and best practices behind it. I’m especially grateful for the tools, reflective questions, and resources I can take back to strengthen our team and better support our work with students and families across Durham.” And there’s no shortage of the graduates encouraging each other. Crystal McLean, Founder and Board Chair of Money Box Academy celebrated her cohort members saying, “You’ve done the hard work. You’ve done it for years. You are the backbones of our community. You are the heroes that are making things possible. Take this knowledge that we’ve all received and implement strategies that will help you work smarter and not harder because we need you!” See all the graduates and how the Nonprofit Management Institute is inspiring their work and leadership.
If you’re interested in learning about or attending the fall NPMI on Sept 1-Oct 6, 2026, let us know. | |
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Building Resilient Futures |
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| We recently wrapped up our Building Resilient Futures: Leading, Funding, Innovating for Impact event series, hosted across the state in partnership with Duke Energy Foundation.
Thanks to the 450 nonprofit leaders, board members, funders, and community partners who joined us for conversations focused on strengthening leadership, fundraising, and sustainability in a changing sector. |
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What stood out most was the combination of shared learning and real connection — especially hearing directly from funders, learning with and from peers facing similar challenges, and problem-solving in real time. Check out the key takeaways and reflections from nonprofit leaders about what mattered most. Even if you didn’t attend one the events, we want to know how your organization is doing in the current environment. We invite your insights and feedback in this brief pulse survey of the sector. Responses are confidential and we’ll share them in a community report later this summer. And join us over the next few weeks to build on these conversations and connections and explore: |
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(NEW!) Member Benefit: Our long-time partner First Nonprofit has a new program, FNPadvantage, for Center Members to reduce costs on supplies and services you use every day. Through their network of trust partners and negotiated savings programs, FNP leverages collective buying power so nonprofits can access discounts, preferred pricing, and exclusive cost-saving opportunities across multiple categories – from food to office supplies, technology to professional services, and more. Learn more.
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As the Center celebrates 35 years of supporting North Carolina’s nonprofits, we’re taking a look back at some of the milestones, memorable moments, and faces that have shaped our journey. |
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| DID YOU KNOW…
In 2001, the first version of the Center’s Legal Compliance Checklist was ‘published’ as a one-page article in our printed quarterly newsletter, Common Ground. It came about from a common nonprofit challenge: keeping up with the many state and federal requirements that govern their day-to-day operations. |
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What started as a simple resource to answer a timely need quickly grew after nonprofits told us how helpful it was to have this information organized in one place. The checklist evolved from a newsletter article into a stand-alone handout, then into the 65+ page publication and workbook it is today.
Now considered one of the Center’s signature resources, the Legal Compliance Checklist reflects what has guided us for 35 years: listening to nonprofits, understanding our sector’s challenges, and sharing tools and opportunities that strengthen all of our organizations. | |
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For 35 years, nonprofit leaders across North Carolina have turned to the Center for trusted guidance, practical tools, and timely updates to move their missions forward. As part of our anniversary celebration, we’re saying thank you with $35 off membership dues when you join or renew with code 35OFF by June 30, 2026. Be a part of our statewide nonprofit community that’s learning, sharing, and leading together.
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Upcoming Training & Events
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Bookmark the Nonprofit Calendar for ongoing training and events, and don't forget about these additional learning opps: |
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We appreciate the support of these new businesses in Business Finder, our online directory of businesses and consultants that work specifically with nonprofits. Check them out or promote your services! |
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We appreciate the members of our growing nonprofit network. Your support and partnership make it possible for us to educate, connect, and advocate for and with nonprofits across North Carolina. |
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Not a Member? If you're like many nonprofit leaders, you’re committed to your mission but often pulled in a dozen directions with limited resources. We get it. That's why we provide trusted guidance, tools, and support tailored to the challenges nonprofits face – so that you can lead with confidence and create lasting impact in your community. JOIN NOW during our 35th anniversary celebration and use discount code 35OFF to save $35 off your membership!
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