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: BEST Kids
BEST Kids empowers foster and at-risk youth through meaningful mentorship that transforms lives. By pairing young people with one consistent, caring adult, the organization helps them navigate challenges, make positive choices and build a future filled with hope.
For over two decades, BEST Kids has been a trusted leader in mentorship, collaborating with foster families, volunteers and community partners. Through individualized attention, long-lasting relationships and a holistic approach, the organization fosters resilience, confidence and self-belief.
Programs like Peer Groups, skill-building workshops and goal-oriented mentoring create a foundation for growth. Its College and Career Readiness Program provides youth with college prep and workforce readiness skills. Whether learning to ride a bike, manage a bank account or simply enjoy a shared activity, BEST Kids ensures mentoring is intentional, impactful and fun.
Driven by a commitment to dignity, agency and joy, BEST Kids breaks down barriers to stability, providing guidance and a sense of belonging. Through partnerships and community-driven strategies, the organization creates ripple effects of change—one young person, one mentor, one family at a time.
"Being a member of the Center for Nonprofit Advancement has been an invaluable asset to BEST Kids. Their commitment to strengthening nonprofits through capacity-building resources, high-quality professional development, and meaningful networking opportunities has helped us grow as an organization and better serve foster and at-risk youth. Their support has strengthened our team and our ability to expand our impact and advance our mission. Thank you for your partnership!" — Director of Development and Communications Letrice Weaver, BEST Kids
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.