Our Mission
To strengthen, promote and represent nonprofit organizations, empowering them to meet the diverse, changing needs of our communities.
Our Members
Our member organizations touch the lives of countless adults, children and families throughout our region, and in some cases, throughout the nation and the world.
Our members protect our environment, help the homeless, support the arts, feed the hungry, advance education, provide employment assistance, nurture the sick, champion the underserved, and so much more. Their dedication and hard work have a direct, life-changing impact on our communities.
Member Highlight: The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER)
The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) works to enhance the lives of individuals grappling with blindness and visual impairment through education, rehabilitation, and a relentless pursuit of inclusivity.
AER's prowess lies in its ability to bring together a diverse community of professionals, educators, and advocates. Their collective effort is directed toward empowering those with visual impairments to overcome obstacles and lead fulfilling lives. The organization accomplishes this through a multifaceted approach that encompasses educational resources, rehabilitation services, and advocacy at every level. At the heart of AER's mission is the belief that access to quality education is a fundamental right, irrespective of one's visual abilities. To this end, AER tirelessly supports educators and professionals working with visually impaired individuals. Their resources and guidance equip these professionals with the tools needed to deliver top-tier education and rehabilitation services.
Michele Basham, Associate Executive Director, believes Center membership provides AER’s with cost-saving opportunities, allowing them to access services and resources at a more affordable rate. “Between the Training Hub and the Member Savings program, the Center for Nonprofit Advancement has allowed our very small membership association the opportunity to provide services to our staff that otherwise would not be affordable to us. We have been a member for years, and will continue to so that our staff can focus on allowing us to fulfill our mission.”
Our Team
Created in 1979, the Center for Nonprofit Advancement is the nation’s first state association for nonprofit organizations. For more than four decades, the Center has continued to grow and advance, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group:
Our Impact
The Center’s primary service region includes Washington, DC, Prince George's and Montgomery Counties in Maryland and the state of Virginia. However, the Center welcomes any 501(c)(3) nonprofit that wishes to join.
Identifying, monitoring and sharing new and shifting trends within the nonprofit sector, the Center works collaboratively with local experts to develop custom programs and solutions. Through our training, resources and relationships with the corporate, philanthropic and government community, we help our member nonprofits save more … do more … and succeed more—ultimately achieving a more sustainable future.
The Center serves thousands of nonprofit staff, volunteers and board members, making it easier for nonprofits to fulfill their missions by helping them:
Strengthen capacity through training opportunities —
1,500+ participants a year
Reallocate more funds to programs with operational savings —
10%-50% discounts through group purchasing opportunities
Gain expert insights, market exposure and cash awards through competitions —
$29,000 cash grants awarded each year
Network with nonprofit colleagues, industry experts and leaders in the foundation and government sectors —
Countless invaluable connections
Our Values
We believe that...
Nonprofits are an essential ingredient in the health of our communities and our democracy. Strong nonprofits lead to better communities, better quality of life and a better democracy.
Nonprofits are stewards of public trust. Transparency and accountability are the foundation of that trust.
Diversity in all forms — organizations, people, religions, and culture — is part of our vitality. Promoting diversity and practicing inclusiveness makes us stronger.
The vibrancy and effectiveness of nonprofits hinge on information, education, celebration, collaboration, and representation. Nonprofits deserve a strong voice in the affairs that affect them. Together, we shape the future.
Intention, commitment, optimism, and a belief in a better tomorrow are vital ingredients in our growth and development and our service philosophy. Every day we strive to do better, be better, serve better.
Social Impact Vision
Effective nonprofits, thriving communities.