About State Associations of Nonprofits
There are active state associations serving over 20,000 members and countless other nonprofits nationwide. State associations represent all types and sizes of charitable organizations and work with state and national partners to help local nonprofits:
- Manage and lead more effectively.
- Collaborate and exchange solutions.
- Save money through group buying opportunities.
- Engage in critical policy issues affecting the sector.
- Achieve greater impact in their communities.
Learn more below about state association programs and services, which may include:
- Advocacy and Public Policy - State associations advocate for issues that affect all nonprofits. Activities include tracking state and federal legislation, educating nonprofits about policy developments, and mobilizing members and other nonprofits around critical policy issues. Many state associations conduct annual lobby days at their state capitols.
- Management and Professional Development - State associations conduct extensive training and professional development workshops on a range of critical management topics such as fundraising, board governance, financial management, and technology.
- Research and Information/Referral - State associations are an information resource for and about nonprofits. They answer frequently asked questions about nonprofit management and provide links to sector resources such as key websites and publications. State associations also conduct research on the size and scope of the sector and many also provide vital information on other topics, such as nonprofit employment.
- Products and Services - By capitalizing on the aggregate buying power of its membership, a state association can negotiate lower prices on many office and operating products. These discounts can be passed on to members. Many state associations provide discounts to members on services, including health and directors & officer's liability insurance, office products, publications, and more.
- Leadership and Convening - State associations strive to create a learning community of nonprofit professionals. Many state associations offer annual conferences, seminars, and listservs which enable members to share information, learn from one another, and expand their networks.
- Communications - State associations produce a variety of publications for and about the nonprofit sector and catalog a host of information on their respective websites.
