North Carolina’s Lifeline: How the Center for Nonprofits Empowers Serve-Purpose Organizations

More than 40,000 nonprofits operate across North Carolina, collectively driving social change, economic vitality, and community resilience. At the heart of this movement stands the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits (NCCN), a trusted hub that enables these organizations to thrive through support, advocacy, and strategic resources. Operating at the intersection of enterprise and altruism, NCCN doesn’t just manage data—it fuels impact, equipping nonprofits with tools to amplify their voices and reach in a state where community service shapes identity and progress.

Established in 1991, the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits has evolved into a cornerstone institution for the state’s charitable ecosystem. With a mission to strengthen nonprofit capacity, NCCN provides critical services including resource navigation, leadership development, and advocacy—all tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of North Carolina’s diverse nonprofit landscape. The organization serves over 38,000 registered nonprofits statewide, representing every sector—education, healthcare, environmental stewardship, arts, social services, and more.

“We’re not just a data repository; we’re a partner in progress,” says executive director Dr. Lisa Thompson. “Our goal is to ensure that every nonprofit, regardless of size or location, has the tools to succeed.”

Among NCCN’s most impactful offerings is the Carolina Nonprofit Benchmarking Program.

This data-driven initiative produces comprehensive reports analyzing trends in funding, governance, financial health, and program effectiveness across thousands of organizations each year. These benchmarks offer nonprofits actionable insights—revealing where they outperform peers, identifying growth opportunities, and uncovering risks before they grow. Among the findings, a 2023 report highlighted that nonprofits with board diversity and professional fundraising practices consistently demonstrate stronger sustainability and community trust.

“Data isn’t just numbers—it’s a roadmap,” explains Thompson. “When organizations understand their strengths and gaps, they can focus energy where it matters most.”

• Benchmarking Reports: Annual analyses comparing metrics like revenue diversification, volunteer engagement, and strategic planning.
• Capacity Building Workshops: Hands-on training in leadership, grant writing, digital outreach, and compliance.
• Advocacy Support: Amplifying nonprofit voices through policy analysis, coalition building, and direct state engagement.
• Technical Assistance: One-on-one consulting to improve governance, financial management, and program delivery.

Funded through public grants, private foundations, and corporate partnerships, NCCN operates with fiscal transparency and accountability. Its board of directors consists of established nonprofits, business leaders, legal experts, and elected officials—ensuring that guidance reflects both community needs and institutional best practices.

In an era where nonprofit burnout and funding volatility are growing concerns, NCCN’s role has expanded from service provider to strategic navigator. Its annual Pulse Survey, which assesses sector confidence in stability, frequently identifies persistent challenges in fundraising talent and revenue predictability. “Many organizations struggle not just with mission delivery, but with sustaining operations,” says Thompson.

“We’re responding by building resilient business models that adapt to economic shifts.”

Field data consistently shows that nonprofits engaging with NCCN report measurable improvements. Since 2020, participating organizations have increased annual fundraising by an average of 27%, expanded board engagement by 31%, and improved program efficiency by automating administrative tasks through signed-up tools and templates. “What sets NCCN apart is its focus on long-term growth, not just short-term fixes,” notes Dr.

Thompson. “We help organizations anticipate change and lead change.” Real impact is seen in rural communities as well—where partnerships facilitated by NCCN have connected rural food banks with metropolitan donation networks, closing service gaps for thousands.

Beyond programs, NCCN chooses to highlight its role as a connector.

The center maintains a robust network of legal, financial, and human resources specialists who offer pro bono expertise to nonprofits encountering fiduciary challenges or operational scaling issues. “Access to trusted advisors transforms overwhelming challenges into manageable growth,” says Justin Reed, director of partnerships. “We bridge the gap between aspiration and execution.” This collaborative spirit energizes a sector often stretched thin, reinforcing trust across faith-based, community, and niche advocacy groups alike.

The North Carolina Center for Nonprofits stands as a living example of how infrastructure and human-centered support can transform fragmented efforts into cohesive community power. By combining data, advocacy, and practical guidance, NCCN enables nonprofits not only to survive but to lead with purpose—strengthening social bonds, advancing equity, and building sustainable hope across every county. In an indispensable state where compassion fuels progress, NCCN proves that when nonprofits are empowered, communities rise.