Spotlight on Tim Delaney ’79
National Council of Nonprofits
Washington, DC
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Tim Delaney ‘79, President and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, wants nonprofits to know about the importance of advocacy. Not just the direct lobbying kind of advocacy; he means advocacy that entails board members and executive directors being constant ambassadors for their organization’s causes and interests, and staying informed about local, state, and federal proposed and enacted legislation that could have an impact on the nonprofit community. As the vast majority of nonprofits in this country are small to midsized local organizations – 97% spend less than $5 million a year, and 92% have budgets of less than $1 million – very few have the capacity to keep track of policy threats or opportunities, or other trends. That’s where the National Council of Nonprofits comes in.
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The National Council of Nonprofits connects the largest network of nonprofits in the country, with more than 25,000 organizational members, giving it unique access to real-time information about what’s occurring “on the ground.” It gathers information from the field, analyzes data for trends and practical insights, and circulates that knowledge for nonprofits to use in strengthening nonprofit advocacy, operations, and effectiveness.
Tim and his colleagues work with state associations of nonprofits all over the country to provide information and resources to help local nonprofits build capacity and strengthen the work they do in their communities. They also provide two free newsletters, one on nonprofit operations and trends and another on nonprofit policy and advocacy matters. The Council also offers an ever-growing library of free resources and tools for nonprofits on its website.
Tim beautifully described nonprofits as community problem-solvers, the people and organizations on the ground in their communities best situated to address local needs. He is devoted to helping and advocating for the entire nonprofit community. YANA is lucky to have Tim and his colleagues at the National Council of Nonprofits a part of our community. Keep your eyes open for a YANA Webinar in 2020 featuring Tim and his deep expertise about nonprofits and the world in which they operate. In the meantime, please check out the National Council of Nonprofits website for a wealth of free information and resources.
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