Center for Nonprofit Excellence

05/27/2026

CNE was honored to be part of Serve Virginia’s Virginia Volunteerism Summit and Social Impact Professionals Day alongside nonprofit leaders and changemakers from across the Commonwealth.

We are especially grateful for the opportunity to contribute to meaningful conversations about service, leadership, and the impact of mission-driven work. A special thank you to our Executive Director, Dr. Mariane Asad Doyle, for delivering an inspiring keynote that set the tone for the day with renewed energy and conviction for serving others. We also appreciate Joshua Rene (The Spill Teem) for his thoughtful facilitation of a panel discussion featuring CNE Senior Manager of Learning Impact, Brian Ullman, and CNE board member, Nathan Walton, which encouraged engaging dialogue and reflection among attendees.

Events like these remind us of the power of coming together to share ideas, strengthen connections, and support those working every day to make our communities better. We are grateful to Serve Virginia for creating spaces that celebrate and elevate social impact professionals across Virginia.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave servicemembers who gave their lives in service to our country.

As we reflect on their sacrifice, we are also reminded of the importance of community, service, and care for one another — values that nonprofit organizations across Virginia embody every day.

From all of us at CNE, we wish you a meaningful and reflective Memorial Day.

05/13/2026

Behind every thriving nonprofit is a person giving it their all. Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that caring for those people is just as important as the work itself. In this spirit, CNE encourages those powering Virginia's nonprofits to embrace rest, reflection, and well-being this May.

05/11/2026

Last week, nonprofit leaders, advocates, funders, and community partners from across Virginia joined us for the 2026 State of the Sector event to discuss the challenges and future of the nonprofit sector.

Throughout the day, we heard honest conversations about rising demand for services, declining donations, growing public distrust fueled by disinformation, and uncertainty surrounding federal funding and policy changes impacting nonprofits nationwide.

But we also heard a clear message: this sector is resilient. Speakers reminded us that courage works, unity matters, and nonprofits must continue telling their stories of impact.

We also explored how philanthropy is evolving through increased operational support, trust-based grantmaking, and investments in advocacy and capacity building — while recognizing that philanthropy alone cannot replace lost government funding.

The event concluded with a powerful call to action: keep going, continue serving, and stay engaged in shaping the future of the nonprofit sector.

Thank you to our speakers, Diane Yentel, President & CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, Kathy J. Spangler, Director, Serve Virginia, Analise Gammel, Statewide Engagement Manager, Serve Virginia, and Philip Deng, Grantable

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this important conversation and for the work you do every day to strengthen our communities.

If you weren't able to attend this State of the Sector event, stay tuned for another big event coming this fall.

Thank you to our 20th anniversary presenting sponsor, Wells Fargo. Additional thanks to our State of the Sector presenting sponsor, TriNet, and to the University of Virginia’s School of Data Science, Virginia Funders Network, Obici Healthcare Foundation, and Grantable for their support.

Learn more and access the State of the Sector report: thecne.org/nonprofit-sector-report

05/11/2026

Are you attending Serve Virginia's summit this Friday, May 15? Our Executive Director and CEO, Dr. Mariane Asad Doyle, will be the keynote speaker. We hope to see you there!

The Summit is around the corner! Don't forget to register for our in-person, Social Impact Professional Day on May 15!

✅Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Mariane Asad Doyle, Executive Director of Center for Nonprofit Excellence.

✅We will have a live performance by the Virginia Stage Company.

✅You'll enjoy networking and free lunch at the beautiful Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden!

Plus there will be workshops, awards and recognition of achievement for volunteers all across the state.

Registration ends soon for this event!

Can't attend the entire summit, but want to be there on May 15? No problem. You can register for Social Impact Day only. Visit our site to get your tickets today!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-virginia-volunteerism-summit-tickets-1977079389676?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/07/2026

Our Senior Manager of Learning and Impact will be responsible for developing, managing, and thinking strategically about CNE’s array of learning & impact programs and services, and for ensuring inclusiveness and value for members and organizations within CNE’s community of practice.

A relationship-builder, the Senior Manager will cultivate current and prospective members and organizations within CNE’s community of practice, as well as strategic relationships with community and funding partners, to provide high-quality customer service and technical support.

The Senior Manager will align programs and services with themes that represent CNE’s mission, vision, and values, and will monitor, evaluate, and ensure that they evolve to meet the emerging needs of the sector. This is an exciting opportunity to build and grow CNE’s community of practice while stewarding programs and services for the social impact sector that build equitable, thriving, and just communities throughout Virginia.

The SM will serve the PATH Resource Center’s footprint, including Fauquier, Rappahannock, and Culpeper counties.

Learn more and apply: https://thecne.org/job/senior-manager-of-learning-impact-copy-2/

05/05/2026

All CNE offices will be closed on Wednesday, May 6, as our team convenes in Norfolk for State of the Sector—a full-day, statewide gathering bringing together nonprofit leaders, funders, and partners from across Virginia.

We look forward to connecting, learning, and shaping what’s next for the sector together. Regular operations will resume the following business day.

05/04/2026

Don't miss your chance to register for State of the Sector, happening this Wednesday, May 6, from 9:30 am to 5 pm in Norfolk!

Be part of a full-day convening that brings together nonprofit leaders, funders, and partners to exchange insights, build connections, and explore what’s ahead.

Here’s what you can expect:
- National policy insights and sector trends from Diane Yentel, President & CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN)
- A timely discussion on the forces shaping the future of the sector
- Opportunities to build relationships with peers and funders from across Virginia
Engaging dialogue focused on advancing collective impact

Virginia’s nonprofits power our communities—and we’re more effective when we come together.

Space is limited. Register today at thecne.org/state-of-the-sector

Thank you to our 20th anniversary presenting sponsor, Wells Fargo. Additional thanks to our State of the Sector presenting sponsor, TriNet, and to the University of Virginia’s School of Data Science, Virginia Funders Network, Obici Healthcare Foundation, and Grantable for their support.

04/30/2026

More exciting coverage from 29News of our second Day of Learning: Operational Excellence in Action!

The event brought together organizations for workshops and opportunities for collaboration across the Commonwealth.

04/30/2026

Our second Day of Learning: Operational Excellence in Action—brought together nonprofit leaders, staff, board members, and community partners from across Virginia for a full day of connection, collaboration, and practical skill-building.

The day was full of interactive sessions and facilitated conversations designed to strengthen leadership, improve collaboration, and deepen organizational impact. From leading people effectively to navigating collaborative decision-making and exploring the role of AI in nonprofit work, participants walked away with actionable tools and fresh perspectives to apply in their organizations.

A heartfelt thank-you to our presenters, Dr. Shantell Chambliss, Jill Heinz, and our Executive Director, Dr. Mariane Asad Doyle, for guiding such engaging and relevant learning experiences. And to everyone who joined us—your insights, curiosity, and willingness to learn together made this second Day of Learning incredibly meaningful.

We’re deeply grateful to our generous sponsor, Bridgewater College, Master’s in Nonprofit Management, who made the day possible. Many thanks also to First Citizens Bank for sponsoring the event breakfast.

Here’s to continuing to build momentum—strengthening our organizations, deepening connections, and advancing a more resilient nonprofit sector together.

Thank you, Jenna Huber, of JLCH Creative, for the wonderful photos, and to CitySpace for hosting our event.