Dear Colleague,
From the public perspective, it can look like nonprofits are mostly outward-facing – serving communities, advocating for change, educating and engaging others. But as the staff, board, and volunteers who’ve been up to our elbows in the work, we know how much time and energy face inwards to build and fortify the resources that make it all possible: funding, people, programming. This month’s newsletter shares tools and resources to do both – strengthen our organizations from within while showing up in and for our communities.
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Voter Engagement Is Nonprofit Work |
With the election less than two months away, now is the time to go all in on voter engagement efforts. If you’re asking what nonprofits have to do with elections, the answer is: a lot! As trusted resources in our communities, nonprofits are natural messengers to help people understand their role – and power – as voters. Especially with uncertainty around fair elections, wavering public confidence, and how much elected officials, ballot measures, and the decisions that follow affect our communities long-term.
Even if you missed Nonprofit Voter Registration Day earlier this week, there’s still time for any and all efforts – from super simple to involved. |
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A New Civic Path Starts Here |
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We’re excited to announce the keynote for our 2026 Conference for North Carolina Nonprofits! Rich Harwood, President and Founder of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, will draw on decades of experience working with communities and institutions across the country to share insights on strengthening civic culture and driving local change. He'll speak to how North Carolina communities can get on a New Civic Path and how nonprofits can lead the way forward. |
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The keynote is part of the 2-day line-up for insightful learning, meaningful connections, and conversations about how nonprofits can make bold decisions, lead with resilience, and shape what comes next together. Save your seat and join fellow NC nonprofit leaders, funders, experts and partners on October 20-21 in Concord.
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Want to support the event in other ways? |
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The People Side of Nonprofit Work |
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Human resources is one of the most important – and sometimes trickiest – parts of nonprofit management. For small nonprofits (especially those without a dedicated HR team), it may fall to a person already handling many other responsibilities.
Compliance is key, but good HR goes beyond policies and paperwork. It’s about having clear, supportive practices that help people understand what’s expected of them, do their work well, and feel supported along the way. And having practical tools and guidance to create or adapt those practices can make a real difference.
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That's precisely what the 3-part series that begins next week is designed for – addressing HR compliance, workplace culture, and consistent people practices so small teams get real-world tools and strategies to put into practice right away. Get details and register for The 3 Cs of HR Success: Compliance, Culture, and Consistency.
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Member Benefit: If it’s time to renew (or get started on) your employee benefits, check out health insurance, retirement plans, unemployment programs, and additional options available for Center members through our money-saving partnerships. Not a member? You can still request quotes to compare. If you’re attending the conference in October, you can chat with Association Health Plan partner Marsh McLennan in the Nonprofit Marketplace or attend their Breakfast & Benefits session.
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Inside the Funding Conversation |
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We’re looking forward to the discussion among regional funders about their current priorities and interests, trends influencing their decision-making, the opportunities and challenges this poses for nonprofits, and how nonprofits and funders can strengthen their relationships.
This discussion comes at a time when nonprofits are looking ahead to year-end fundraising efforts and thoughtful ways to prep and cues for more meaningful conversations with donors. Earlier this year and following the GoFundMe debacle, the National Council collaborated with state associations to create and share four important Principles for Ethical Fundraising Platforms to protect nonprofits and donors who use online giving platforms.
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A lot of nonprofit work involves helping people learn something — a new skill, a new approach, or a new way of thinking about an issue. For program managers, training leaders, and others that build and lead learning, that means designing experiences that are useful, inclusive, and that actually stick. That’s why we’re looking forward to the 3-part series, Learning That Sticks: What’s Missing from How We Train with long-time partner and learning expert Nancy Bacon, that begins September 29. Together, the sessions explore how to move people to stay motivated, build lasting skills, and access and apply learning that fits the realities of their work. Training shouldn’t just sound good in the moment; it should help people work differently when they’re back on the job. Learn more and register.
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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 very first issues of the Center’s inaugural newsletter Common Ground was published in 1992. It was a quarterly, printed, 16-page newsletter that we snail-mailed to every member nonprofit so they could stay informed on everything from current nonprofit issues and public policy updates to nonprofit management resources, guides, and lessons learned from successes and failures. |
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Although the newsletter has evolved from print, to an online publication, to a bi-monthly e-newsletter to the monthly email you’re reading today, the intent behind it – to help nonprofits be informed, engaged, and connected – continues. |
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Upcoming Training & Events
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The 3 C’s of HR Success: Compliance, Culture, Consistency (3-part series), Sept 24, Oct 1, Oct 8
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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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