Dear Colleague,
Connection. That’s what we’ve been thinking about recently (actually most of this year). Nonprofits are at their best when we’re connected – to the people and communities we serve, to peers who understand the work, and to the information, tools, and resources that help us do it well. So this month, we’re highlighting ways to celebrate the people and work behind the work, engage our communities in the fall elections, connect and learn with other nonprofit leaders, and prepare our organizations for whatever is on the horizon.
And as you do all of that, hear and know this: You’re doing a great job. |
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We know you – our nonprofit community – are doing great work. So much of what you do is so deeply woven into everyday life that people may not even realize that the benefits and services they see all around them, use, and rely on come directly from nonprofits. This month’s National Nonprofit Day (August 17) gave us a moment to show what that really looks like. Let’s keep it going – sharing our missions, putting real people and stories behind it, filling in the full picture of nonprofits’ impact, and reminding people of the many ways they can lift up and support the work, too.
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| | Encourage your community to help nonprofits get it done: give, volunteer, partner, participate, advocate. |
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Put Your Community Connections to Work |
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Every day, nonprofits are talking with people, building relationships, and helping them navigate the issues that affect their everyday lives. That’s why we play a unique and trusted role in voter education and engagement – helping people get informed and get involved – a backbone of our democracy.
Midterm elections see lower voter turnout but they matter. They give voters a voice on issues that shape their communities, from healthcare and education to transportation and taxes. |
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So, what can nonprofits do to encourage and support voter participation this fall while keeping your efforts nonpartisan? |
Nonprofits’ trusted connection to the people we serve also puts us in a unique position to advocate on issues that affect our communities and sector as a whole, so long as we stay within the rules. | | |
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Connection is a powerful part of learning. Talking with peers who are working through similar challenges, swapping ideas for saving time or money, hearing how another organization approached a problem, or getting recommendations for a new tool can spark ideas you can bring back to your own work. Add a defined curriculum to those connections, and you have a pretty great recipe for learning. This fall, you have two opportunities to do just that, whether you want to invest a few days or a few weeks, online or in person.
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On October 20-21, connect in person with hundreds of nonprofit leaders, funders, experts, and partners at the 2026 Conference for NC Nonprofits in Concord. Learn from experts during sessions, plenaries, and an engaging keynote, while networking to build relationships, share ideas, and learn from your peers. Register by 8/31 to save $100.
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From September 1-October 6, connect virtually with a cohort of nonprofit peers through the Nonprofit Management Institute. Weekly sessions will help you assess your organization’s management challenges and opportunities, strengthen your practices, build longer-term sustainability, and grow as a leader. Register.
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There’s no better time to prepare for an emergency or crisis than before it happens. With change being the only constant right now and hurricane and severe weather season upon us, this prep is essential. These resources can help you get started or be a double check for your current plans. |
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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…
Crisis Assistance Ministry (Charlotte), Durham Community Land Trustees (Durham), and Mountain Housing Opportunities (Asheville) were honored with the inaugural Nonprofit Sector Stewardship Awards at the Center’s 1995 conference. They received custom certificates by a local NC artist and modest monetary awards to invest in staff professional development. |
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The Center created the awards to lift up an essential aspect of nonprofit management: running a nonprofit as a well-managed, responsible organization. The awards were phased out after 19 years but the intent behind them continues to be central to the Center’s work to help nonprofits operate legally, transparently, and effectively, making the most of their resources and capacity to fulfill their missions and strengthen NC communities. |
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HOW ARE WE DOING? Do you read all of Nonprofit Connections (this newsletter) each month? What parts or resources are most or least helpful? What topics or features would you like to see more or less of? Let us know – we appreciate your honest feedback! |
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Upcoming Training & Events
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- (Almost) Everything Your Nonprofit Needs to Know About the 2026 Election, August 28
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Nonprofit Management Institute, September 1-October 6
- Fundraising in the Modern Era, September 2
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NC Philanthropy Conference, September 3
- Unemployment 101 for Nonprofits, September 10
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Nonprofit Policy Conversation, September 17
- The 3 C’s of HR Success: Compliance, Culture, Consistency (3-part series), Sept 24, Oct 1, Oct 8
- The Motivation Blueprint: Designing Work That Fuels Energy, Growth, and Commitment (Learning That Sticks series), September 29
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2026 Conference for NC Nonprofits, October 20-21
- Tell, Show, Skip: What's Missing from How We Train (Learning That Sticks series), October 27
- Strong Board Chair/ED Relationships, October 29
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Saying Hard Things: Adopting a Coaching Mindset (3-part series), November 4, 11, 18
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Every Shift Counts: Strategies to Make Sure Nonprofit Deskless Workers Can Learn and Serve (Learning That Sticks series), November 17
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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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