About Us

• Mission
• Visions
• Who We Are
• What We Do
• Our Logo
• Our Supporters

Mission

To advance the vital role, capacity, and voice of charitable nonprofit organizations through our state and national networks.

Visions

for America’s nonprofit sector
A nation of sustainable, effective nonprofits that serve the public good by enriching communities and the lives of individuals

for the National Council’s extended network
A network of nonprofits in every state, served by a State Association that amplifies the voices and builds the capacity of local community-based nonprofits

for the National Council of Nonprofits 
A leading voice for nonprofits and a valuable resource for the State Associations’ network, committed to professionalism, teamwork, and learning, and inspired by service to and advocacy for nonprofits.

Who We Are

The National Council of Nonprofits is the nation's largest nonprofit network with more than 24,000 member organizations across the country. The National Council works through its network of State Associations to amplify the collective voice of America's nonprofit organizations, helping them:

• manage and lead more effectively;
• collaborate and exchange solutions;
• engage in critical policy issues affecting the sector; and
• achieve greater impact in their communities.

What We Do

Public Policy 

The National Council of Nonprofits serves as the national voice for local community-based nonprofits on Capitol Hill. When meeting with policy makers, we ensure that nonprofits have a seat at the table and that their voices are heard. As part of our state focus, we keep an eye on policy trends in state legislatures. Our members are kept abreast of the most pressing issues and given the information and tools they need to advocate locally.

We actively participate in coalitions and campaigns at the state and national levels, and we work to increase the role of nonprofits in the policy process. The National Council is proud to have:

• successfully advocated for the inclusion of the Nonprofit Capacity Building Program in the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act;
• been invited by the transition team for now-President Barack Obama to submit recommendations on how the Administration and nonprofits could work together; and
• lobbied for inclusion of provisions to provide equal treatment for nonprofits with those provisions benefiting small businesses in any health care reform proposal.

Publications

The National Council publishes three e-newsletters: Nonprofit Advocacy Matters (formerly Nonprofit Policy News), dedicated to keeping an eye on policy matters affecting nonprofits at the federal and state levels; Nonprofit Knowledge Matters, dedicated to sharing best practices and innovative ideas for nonprofits, and Nonprofit Network Matters, our members only newsletter circulated to staff members of State Association Members of the National Council.

Research

The National Council conducts research and analyzes information to improve the public's understanding about nonprofits and the value of State Associations to the nonprofit sector. Most recently, the National Council has produced a series of Special Reports on challenges faacing nonprofits as a result of the national economy and state budget crises, as well as to share information about how nonprofits are meeting those challenges.

Special Events

The National Council hosts an annual Member Meeting that brings State Association leaders together to chart a course for the network and the sector. The National Council also participates in numerous events with national and statewide partners and provides trainings and webinars on a wide range of topics.

Thought Leadership

The National Council is a valued resource to congressional leaders, national peers, and the media, and is regularly sought out for its informed and objective analysis on the nonprofit sector.

Our Logo

The National Council of Nonprofits' logo and tagline articulate our "national voice, state focus, and local impact." The symbol represents the weave of our local, state, and national partnerships as nonprofits with the government and private sectors, creating the strong fabric of our nation's communities.