Dear Colleague,
Greetings from mid-summer! We hope you’ve taken time away (or plan to soon) for some family adventures, friend gatherings, or just slowing down and relaxing in general. That rest is well-deserved in the work that keeps on going and planning for the next few months ahead. Once you're back to it, this issue shares ways to prep, keep learning, and stay connected and informed. |
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Not Just Another Conference |
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Taking time away from the day-to-day can be a real perspective and energy boost, especially when you’re among other nonprofit leaders who understand the challenges and are working toward many of the same goals. That’s what we’ve heard from folks who come back to the Conference for North Carolina Nonprofits year after year. And while we’ll have more exciting details to share soon, here’s a peek at what you can look forward to:
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- 35+ concurrent and lightning sessions, engaging plenaries, and an inspiring keynote
- Opportunities to meet trusted partners that understand the unique needs of nonprofits and are ready to support your work
- Camaraderie with nonprofit peers who are strengthening their orgs and shaping what’s next for our communities and sector
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If you’re looking for more of a virtual space to learn and grow, join the fall cohort of the Nonprofit Management Institute. Weekly sessions from September 1-Ocober 6 will explore core nonprofit management practices from the Center’s Principles & Practices guide through real-world examples and peer discussion. Along the way, you’ll better understand the management practices that help nonprofits thrive, gain practical tools and confidence that strengthen your leadership and decision-making, and connect with a network of peers navigating similar issues. Register.
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The Center for Effective Philanthropy released its latest report, State of Nonprofits 2026, as part of its ongoing work to highlight the challenges nonprofits face and how they’re responding. Key findings show that: |
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Burnout has increased dramatically among nonprofit CEOs, who say the current environment also contributes to lower staff morale and heightened levels of stress and fear. 46% of CEOs report their own burnout is very much a concern, a jump from just under 30% in 2025.
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57% of nonprofit CEOs report it’s been more difficult to secure foundation funding and grants since January 2025, citing that foundations are reducing or dropping support altogether.
- Despite ongoing financial challenges, many nonprofits are strategically adapting their work – both internally and externally – in order to survive.
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The report is a reminder that while nonprofits can't control every challenge, we can be proactive. |
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Translate Your Financial Story |
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| Sometimes financial reports can lose people before the conversation even begins. The challenge usually isn’t the numbers themselves – its helping people understand what those numbers mean for your organization’s mission, decision-making, and longevity. Enter: financial storytelling. Center partner Chazin shares an in-depth framework to turn your financial data and reports into meaningful stories that engage your board, build confidence with funders and partners, and show the impact behind their investment. |
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Keep Pace with Nonprofit Compliance |
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| Nonprofits have always been accountable to their communities, funders, partners, and lawmakers. But you’re now navigating a more complex landscape while still delivering your mission.
Laws and regulations are changing. Grant requirements are shifting. Expectations around how you’re governing your organization, spending your resources, and advocating for your mission are rising. Staying informed can feel like a challenge in itself. |
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That’s why compliance matters. Strong compliance practices help you protect your organization’s reputation, resources, and people, and stay focused on the work that strengthens your community.
We update the Legal Compliance Checklist for North Carolina Nonprofits each year to help you understand these responsibilities and keep pace with changes that affect your work. Members can access the checklist anytime as part of your member benefits. Non-members can purchase the checklist for $50 (discounts for sustainers and associates).
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Member Benefit: Members have access to expert advice and guidance on legal, accounting, human resources, marketing, coaching, and executive transitions questions as often as you need it. Request a pro bono consultation.
Or if you have experience – especially in legal, human resources, or marketing – we invite you to become a pro bono volunteer. See program topic areas and sign up. |
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Meet Our Newest Teammates |
We’re excited to welcome new board and staff members to our Center team! |
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Three new members join our Board of Directors this month! We look forward to getting to know them and how their perspectives and skills will help enhance the Center’s programs and services. |
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Niketa Green, Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation
- Jameson Tomlin, Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity
- Lauren Wilkie, Safelight
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We also welcome Peyton Thompson as our Sustainability Assistant. An eastern NC native, she brings nonprofit experience and an education in political science and international studies to her role of helping to raise and steward funds for the Center's mission. Since joining our team in May, she’s already jumped in with her upbeat attitude and collaborative spirit! Peyton (pictured here meeting NC Governor Stein at a recent conference) enjoys traveling, hiking, spending time with family, and being on the water.
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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… The inaugural Statewide Conference for North Carolina Nonprofits was hosted by the Center in Winston-Salem in 1995. The conference theme focused on “Rising to the Challenge: North Carolina's Nonprofits in Dialogue.” |
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Alongside keynotes, plenaries, and sessions relevant to the day, conferences over the years have included long-running features like Pre-Conference Workshops, Collaborators Mini-Conferences, Curbside Consultants, Lunch with Grantmakers, Coaches & Learners, and Create-You-Own-Sessions and timely changeups like the Cyber Café, FailFest, Regional Partners Gathering, Career Coaching, Story Slam, and dance, theater, and musical performances by NC artists.
From the beginning, the conferences were designed to not only be a space for learning and community around nonprofit issues but to also foster connection and collaboration among nonprofit, public, and private organizations. And that lives on today – the gathering and valuable face-to-face each year inspiring new ideas, new partnerships, and strengthening the collective voice and impact of NC’s nonprofit sector. |
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HOW ARE WE DOING? Do you actually read through all of Nonprofit Connections (this newsletter) each month? What parts or resources are most helpful – or not at all helpful – to your work? What topics or features would you like to see more or less of? Let us know - we invite and appreciate your honest feedback! |
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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 Center 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!
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