The Chief Executive Leaders Ascend Program (CELAP), backed by JP Morgan Chase and administered by the Center for Nonprofit Advancement, has been instrumental in bolstering eight Black women-led nonprofits in southeast Washington, DC. Each organization received a $25,000 grant, which allowed participants to address immediate financial needs while supporting vendors, fostering community economic circulation. Additionally, funding facilitated vital capacity-building efforts like wellness sessions and program strengthening.

As we celebrate the achievements of the inaugural CELAP cohort, the final evaluation report serves as a testament to the transformative power of supporting Black women leaders.  Moving forward, the Center for Nonprofit Advancement remains committed to advancing equity and fostering inclusive leadership in the nonprofit sector, ensuring that all voices are heard and amplified to create lasting change in their communities.

To view the CELAP Evaluation Report, click here.

Share This Page:


The Center for Nonprofit Advancement proudly celebrates Black History Month, 2024. We honor the diverse spectrum of African American heritage and emphasize the critical imperative to safeguard and uphold the legacies of both contemporary and historical figures who exemplify black excellence.

While we rightfully commemorate the iconic leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, it’s equally important to recognize the unsung heroes and heroines whose stories often go untold. Bayard Rustin, a pivotal architect of the civil rights movement whose role in organizing the historic March on Washington deserves a prominent place in our collective memory. Fannie Lou Hamer, a fearless activist who valiantly fought for voting rights in the face of overwhelming adversity, exemplifies the courage and resilience from which we can draw inspiration.

As we honor the past, we also direct our gaze towards the present and future, highlighting individuals who are actively empowering the Black community today. Figures such as Ava DuVernay, a visionary filmmaker using her platform to challenge societal norms and amplify underrepresented voices; Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, an acclaimed author and scholar whose work on antiracism inspires critical dialogue and action; and Tarana Burke, the founder of the Me Too movement, whose tireless efforts have empowered survivors and transformed cultural narratives. These contemporary figures, among many others, exemplify the resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to progress that define the ongoing legacy of Black excellence.

As Black History Month comes to a close, the Center reaffirms its commitment to initiatives that reflect the values of black liberation and shine a light on those whose work empowers the black community. The inaugural Chief Executive Leaders Ascend Program (CELAP), sponsored by JPMorgan Chase, is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower and support Black women nonprofit leaders in District of Columbia Wards 7 & 8. The program is dedicated to grantmaking, enhancing individual and organizational capabilities, and promoting overall wellness. Additionally, the Annual Change Makers panel discussion serves as a platform to honor the accomplishments of women in color in the nonprofit sector, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and stories. 

As we bid farewell to this year’s Black History Month celebrations, let us carry forward the spirit of resilience, innovation, and progress exemplified by the countless individuals, both past and present, who have shaped and continue to shape the legacy of Black excellence. Together, let us continue the journey towards a future where every voice is heard, every story is valued, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Share This Page:


Patch posted about the twelfth annual Diversity Hiring Fair, a collaborative event by the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington (AISGW) and another organization.

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement’s first Chief Operations Officer cohort meeting of the year is set. Have you thought about joining this unique group? Contact Taylor for more information.

BroadwayWorld reported that the American Composers Orchestra (ACO) has unveiled selections for the 2024 EarShot Readings, a composer development program in partnership with the League of American Orchestras.

Fairfax Times highlighted the McLean Project for the Arts, spotlighting its ongoing exhibitions until February 17. These include “Moving Beyond Beauty: Reverence and Reclamation” at the Emerson Gallery, showcasing works by five artists, and “To March is to Love: Weavings by Janel Leppin” at the Atrium Gallery.

Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, was quoted in an article from Route Fifty discussing the expansion of online gambling.

Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, who has been wrongfully detained by Russia for almost 300 days, is set to be honored by the National Press Foundation with the 2023 Chairman’s Citation. Learn more at Planet Princeton.

Georgia Machell, Interim President & CEO of the National WIC Association, was quoted in an article from Insider NJ discussing an initiative by Senate and House Democrats urging congressional leaders to secure full funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in the 2024 fiscal year.

Sewell Chan, Editor-in-Chief of The Texas Tribune, has joined the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP) Steering Committee. Read the full news piece at Editor and Publisher.

Submit your application by January 19 for YNPNdc’s 7th annual Mentoring Program, taking place from February to July 2024! This program, available for mentors and mentees, facilitates one-to-one mentorship by pairing young professionals and interns with experienced counterparts who share similar professional interests and goals. Apply now!

Share This Page:


Doubling his original contribution announced in 2022, José Andrés has now donated an additional $500,000 to the Healthy Corners initiative of DC Central Kitchen, bringing his total gift to $1 million. Learn more at WTOP.

Dalia Mogahed, the director of research at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, was quoted in an article from The Tech announcing a series of events at MIT aimed at promoting understanding and constructive dialogue.

The McLean Project for the Arts was highlighted in a piece from The Washington Post about art exhibitions that underline the obligation of caring for the natural world and preserving the environment.

Sarah Brundage has been named the new president and CEO of the National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders (NAAHL). Learn more at Mortgage Professional.

Noah Patton, disaster recovery manager at the National Low Income Housing Coalition, was quoted in an article from Route Fifty discussing an announcement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) about a comprehensive overhaul of its disaster aid distribution to address long-standing criticisms.

This Is My Brave, Inc. is hosting a New Producer Interest Meeting Tuesday, February 20 for those interested in producing a show. Learn more here.

Share This Page:


An article from Yahoo Finance highlights Fuse Integration’s participation in WEST 2024, an event co-sponsored by AFCEA International and the U.S. Naval Institute.

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement is now accepting nominations for the Board Leadership Award! This prestigious award distinguishes those Boards that go above and beyond recommended standards and fundamentals to bring new levels of leadership to their role.

The Featherstone Center for the Arts is hosting a new exhibit titled “Love, Laugh, Leap, Live” from February 4th to March 3rd. Learn more at The Martha’s Vineyard Times.

The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) will feature Arlene Sierra’s new work “Kiskadee” in its February 24th concert, commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with support from the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Learn more at HF Chronicle.

Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, was quoted in an article from The Washington Post discussing the rise of “social sportsbook” apps like Fliff, which allow users to place bets on sports using virtual currency.

Lin Weeks, a senior staff attorney at the Reporter’s Committee for Freedom of the Press, is representing Jamie Leigh Thompson, a journalist ordered to testify at a homicide trial in Texas, despite invoking Maryland’s press shield law. Learn more at Maryland Daily Record.

Tia Bell, founder of the T.R.I.G.G.E.R Project, was quoted in a DCist article about the D.C. Council’s approval of the “Secure DC” public safety bill, which encompasses 100 provisions aimed at addressing rising concerns about crime in the District.

The News Leader reported that the Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) is collaborating with other organizations to address accessible housing and housing for older adults in the SAW Housing Summit Partners Lunch & Learn series.

Share This Page:


Stacy Mitchell, a co-director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, was quoted in an article from The New York Times discussing the concept of “buying local” and its impact on communities, using the example of North Dakota’s state law that restricts non-pharmacist-owned drugstores.

Antonio Tovar, senior policy associate with the National Family Farm Coalition, was quoted in an article from KATC discussing how the United States is facing a significant depletion of groundwater supplies, with a recent study showing a faster decline than four decades ago.

A statement from Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, was featured in an article from ProPublica regarding the newsroom’s investigative report, which exposed landlords potentially using algorithms to manipulate rent prices and led U.S. senators to propose legislation against such practices.

Courtney Rice has been appointed as the new President and CEO of the Northern Virginia Health Foundation. Learn more at InsideNoVa.com.

Denver Nicks, a Tulsa-based attorney with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, was quoted in an article from Oklahoma Watch discussing a lawsuit against Ponca City.

The Thelma D. Jones Breast Cancer Fund was featured in The Southwester, highlighting the leader’s volunteerism and recent receipt of the President Joseph R. Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

Arlington County, in partnership with nonprofits like Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement, has launched a program aimed at diverting teenagers from the criminal justice system. Learn more at ARLnow.com.

The White House Historical Association launched a new episode of The White House 1600 Sessions podcast, exploring the extensive history of wine in the White House. Read the full press release at PR Newswire.

Share This Page:


Hadar Susskind, president and CEO of Americans for Peace Now, was quoted in an article from Antiwar.com discussing criticism aimed at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

NBC News reported that a U.S. delegation, led by Laura Rosenberger, the chair of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), visited Taiwan and met with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and President-elect Lai Ching-te.

Brenda Platt, director of Composting for Community for the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, was cited in a St. Louis Post-Dispatch article, highlighting how local businesses, such as New Earth Farm in St. Louis, assist residents in converting kitchen scraps into compost, often referred to as “black gold.”

Sam Brooks, director of public policy for the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, was quoted in a piece from Roll Call discussing the closure of 188 nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) in the U.S. during fiscal 2023. The analysis suggested that these closures were frequently associated with care-related problems.

The National Press Foundation is offering a four-day training fellowship in Washington, D.C., from April 15-18, focusing on how to cover women lawmakers. Learn more here.

Emily Hockett, a fellow with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, was quoted in an article from Editor and Publisher discussing how news organizations are protected from the actual malice principle in defamation and libel lawsuits.

The Valley Program for Aging Services is among the four organizations chosen to receive grant funding as part of the Climate Action Alliance of the Valley (CAAV) initiative, which is awarding $35,000 to various non-profit organizations for energy efficiency upgrades. Learn more at Augusta Free Press.

Share This Page:


The Center for Nonprofit Advancement’s Hallmark-themed Mad-Lib is offering our members the opportunity to highlight their 2023 achievements in an upcoming blog post and social media campaign. Please send completed Mad-Libs here!

The Wall Street Journal recently featured an article detailing a government initiative focused on managing the white-tailed deer population in Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C. The piece highlights how DC Central Kitchen receives venison donations from the National Park Service (NPS) following these deer culling operations.

The Fair Elections Center represented the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin in a lawsuit aiming to define voting rights protections for absentee voters with minor errors in their witness addresses. Learn more at The Seattle Times.

Ali Hard, the policy director for the National WIC Association, was quoted in an article from ABC News discussing the challenges faced by more than 6 million beneficiaries of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women and Children (WIC) in obtaining approved nutritious items.

The January 2024 issue of The Christian Century features an interview with Katey Zeh, the CEO of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press provided legal assistance and representation in a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) case. Read the full press release at PR Newswire.

The Northern Virginia Daily reported that the Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging received 50 donated laptops from Comcast as part of a charitable donation. These laptops aim to support the organization with digital skills training.

Share This Page:


The Washington Informer highlighted Black Women Thriving East of the River, illustrating its efforts in Wards 7 & 8 that encompass employment solutions, cancer care support, scholarships, healthcare advocacy, and community engagement for sustained impact.

DCist showcased the impactful endeavors of David SampéCommunity Mediation DC’s executive director, spotlighting his mentorship in woodworking for Ballou High School teens in Southeast D.C.

Bill Thorne has been elected as the new president of Food & Friends‘ Board of Directors, bringing nine years of dedicated service on the board and a wealth of experience in communication strategies, advocacy, policy, and brand guidance. Read the full press release foodandfriends.org.

The Maryland Theatre Guide featured a review of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington D.C.’s “The Holiday Show,” highlighting the show’s festive spirit and unifying musical performances.

The Washington Informer reported on the mission of Martha’s Table to provide essential nutrition to District students amid winter’s health challenges through its vital grocery distribution programs.

Keith Whyte, the executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, was quoted in an article from Time discussing the rising issue of gambling addiction among college students, primarily driven by mobile sports betting apps, leading to financial strains, academic neglect, and mental health concerns.

Thompson Greenspon has elected Carolyn C. Quill, CPA, JD, LL.M., as its new Managing Principal. With a wealth of experience as the Lead Tax Principal at Thompson Greenspon, Carolyn brings expertise, poised to drive the firm towards sustained growth and success in her new role.

The White House Historical Association debuted a new episode of The White House 1600 Sessions podcast, spotlighting John F. W. Rogers, the Association’s Chairman and former assistant to President Ronald Reagan. Read the full press release at PR Newswire.

Share This Page:



Tis the season for indulging in all things cheesy
—whether it’s fondue, cheese platters, or delightfully cheesy holiday movies. Embracing this cheesiness plays a pivotal role in rejuvenating our holiday spirits – it’s an ingrained part of our festive experience, reminding us of the joy and warmth inherent in celebrations. And, every year, like clockwork, the Hallmark channel unveils its lineup of holiday movies, each weaving a narrative that beckons us to feel the enchantment of connection. While the mention of a “Hallmark movie” triggers varied reactions—from cringing to a heartfelt swell— it’s time to reconsider the essence of these classic holiday films. Without further ado, let’s uncover what these quintessential holiday films can teach us about embracing celebrations.

  • Embracing Emotional Intensity: Hallmark movies excel in portraying emotional intensity and familial or romantic drama. They offer a window into embracing the full spectrum of human emotions, showcasing how characters navigate highs and lows in relationships and life events. These films encourage us to acknowledge our own emotional journeys, appreciating that expressing our feelings adds depth and authenticity to our experiences, particularly in celebrating our achievements.
  • Confronting Challenges for Joyful Triumphs: A hallmark of these movies is the characters facing and overcoming challenges during the holiday season. This narrative arc teaches us the value of acknowledging and addressing difficulties in our own lives. It underlines the idea that the triumph over obstacles not only builds resilience but also intensifies the joy of festive occasions. By recognizing and conquering our struggles, we pave the way for a more genuine and fulfilling celebration of the season’s spirit.
  • Diverse Expressions of Celebration: Hallmark movies portray diverse forms of celebration, from grand communal gatherings to intimate moments shared between individuals. They emphasize that there’s no singular ‘right’ way to celebrate, encouraging viewers to appreciate and respect the unique ways people find joy during the holidays. This insight invites us to let go of comparisons and societal expectations, granting ourselves permission to celebrate in ways that truly resonate with our identities and desires.

In the spirit of honoring achievements and celebrating success, we’d like to invite our esteemed members to reflect on their organization’s proudest moments through our Holiday-themed Mad-Lib

Kindly complete the Mad-Lib, send it over to eleanors@nonprofitadvancement.org, and stay tuned for the upcoming post where we showcase these outstanding achievements.

Share This Page: