Meeting the Moment: The Center for Nonprofit Excellence

By strengthening nonprofits through low-cost, effective programs, the Community Foundation is reinforcing the local leadership infrastructure.

As community needs rise and federal funding declines, nonprofit leaders often lack the time and resources to build executive and strategic skills. Since 2009, the Community Foundation’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) has filled this gap with capacity-building and professional development programs.

In fiscal year 2025, CNE served 373 individuals from 260 organizations, delivering 40 programs ranging from webinars to months-long cohorts. Looking ahead, CNE plans to move beyond general participant counts, adding new measurement outcomes like leaders’ confidence, empowerment, and collaborations that expand community opportunity.

One of CNE’s newest approaches is Communities of Practice, learning cohorts that offer peer support and flexible learning. Earlier this year, CNE launched three cohorts: Executive Directors, Development Professionals, and Program Leaders. For participant Tim McGee, being part of the Executive Directors Community of Practice has helped him “stay grounded during a time of rising need and uncertainty.”

“It offers practical tools for managing change and communicating transparently with stakeholders,” said McGee, who serves as Executive Director for Shepherds Mentors. “It also creates space to think creatively about partnerships, program delivery, and sustainability in the face of shifting funding and political landscapes.”

Soon, new cohorts will launch focused on data and research, board leadership, and advocacy and systems change. CNE has also earmarked funds for nimble, responsive programming requested by the nonprofit community, aiming to stay connected through ongoing conversations and pulse surveys.

“Staying aligned with our nonprofit community’s evolving needs is at the heart of all we do,” said Rebecca Cordero, CNE Director.

Explore our programs: FCCFoundation.org/CNE