February 2020
Celebrating Black History in the Midst of a Public Health Crisis
This year, we celebrate Black History Month as nonprofits continue to be on the front lines of the pandemic, and we acknowledge that COVID-19 has disproportionately affected communities of color. Center President & CEO Jeanne Tedrow shares how nonprofits can help fight COVID-19, bring communities together, and recognize historic contributions of African Americans.
Equity within Communications
The Communications Network explains, “The stories and perspectives that we share have the power to shape the public narrative. We have the power, and the responsibility, to counteract inherent bias in our society by framing conversations that advance racial equity.” They’ve created the DEI Project, a comprehensive site that includes research, reflections, steps, and tools for organizations to center diversity, equity, and inclusion not only in our messaging but also in our nonprofit communication practices and operations.

For nonprofit-specific best practices around strategic communications, check out Principles & Practices: Best Practices for North Carolina Nonprofits.

For the latest trends in nonprofit communications, check out Nonprofit Marketing Guide’s 2021 report.
Community AND Learning
A sense of community – that’s one of the noted highlights from the Nonprofit Management Institute. Participants not only strategize about and take steps towards better management practices and long-term sustainability, but they also build a sense of community and camaraderie. Join fellow nonprofit leaders for the 5-session Nonprofit Management Institute beginning March 2 to learn and commune around board governance, program design and evaluation, strategic planning, fundraising, financial management, and human resources.
Speaking of valentines...
Who doesn’t love a matchmaker (eye roll if you must)? Whether it’s an accountant for tax season, a candidate for that open position, or an organization to help refresh your website, find the right match in the Center’s Business Finder directory, NC Nonprofit Careers resumé and job listings, and among our money-saving partnerships.
Hear, See, Do Advocacy
There's been little break in discussions around policy solutions that support the work of nonprofits, especially during the pandemic. But the new year brings new legislators, a new Center policy agenda, and new advocacy tools to continue these discussions.

  • Nonprofit Policy Briefings return (online) with updates on the state of NC’s nonprofit sector and current policy issues affecting nonprofits. On March 15, get an overview of the latest federal and state COVID-19 relief plans and the potential policy solutions that could help nonprofits during the 2021 NC legislative session. On March 19, hear from a bipartisan panel of state legislators on state policy priorities in 2021, the budget process, and how nonprofits can effectively engage with elected officials as the pandemic continues. Join us for one or both.


  • Nonprofit Quarterly points out that advocacy means more than politics and protests, and outlines six ways nonprofits can incorporate it into all of our work.
Warm Welcome!
Leslie Crisostomo-Morales
Meet our new staff member, Leslie Crisostomo-Morales! She joins our team as nonprofit services assistant after interning with the Center since last summer. A current student at UNC-Chapel Hill that will graduate this May, Leslie has helped us implement our capacity building programs, including the Nonprofit Management Institute, and will work closely with Member nonprofits and the Center benefits and services that support their work.
Craft a Grantwriting Blueprint
Grantwriting is an important part of a fundraising strategy, but the journey to effective proposals is different for each nonprofit. The Ultimate Grant Proposal Blueprint: Your Step-By-Step Roadmap and Build-It-Yourself Toolkit for Crafting an A+ Proposal meets you were you are and follows with a tailored framework, steps, and tools. The 10-week, self-paced course begins March 1 and offers a combination of training sessions and live Q&A. Center members save $100 on registration with discount code 321NCCN, and staff teams can register two additional people for free. Register.
We appreciate the support of new businesses in Business Finder, our online directory of businesses and consultants that work specifically with nonprofits. Check them out!
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