Vision Statement

We envision a world that is strong, vibrant, valued, and effective in advancing a civically engaged society and equitably delivering a thriving quality of life to all communities. 

Guided by our values, the Center for Nonprofit Development (CEND) is a high-visibility, high-impact leader, champion, and convener, ensuring that nonprofit leaders and organizations have the knowledge, skills, and resources to meet the diverse, changing needs of our communities.

Mission Statement

At CEND, our mission is to build the power of nonprofits to improve the quality of life for all people by equipping them with the tools and resources they need to achieve excellence in their missions.

We Believe

We believe that…

• Nonprofits are an essential ingredient in the health of our communities and our democracy. Strong nonprofits lead to better communities, better quality of life, and a better democracy.
• Nonprofits are stewards of public trust. Transparency and accountability are the foundation of that trust.
• Diversity in all forms — organizations, people, religions, and culture — is part of our vitality. Promoting diversity and practicing inclusiveness makes us stronger.
• The vibrancy and effectiveness of nonprofits hinge on information, education, celebration, collaboration, and representation. Nonprofits deserve a strong voice in the affairs that affect them. Together, we shape the future.
• Intention, commitment, optimism, and a belief in a better tomorrow are vital ingredients in our growth and development and our service philosophy. Every day we strive to do better, be better, and serve better.

We Value

• Leadership: We seek to strengthen nonprofits by facilitating pathways for equitable representation and professional development for a broad array of people, diverse backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives, especially Persons with Disabilities. We commit to listening deeply and respectfully and to broadening our perspective before we act. 

• Integrity: We maintain the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior and value transparency and honesty in our communications, relationships, and actions. We expect the same of our collaborators and constituents.

• Equity: We champion and commit to removing cultural and racial injustices and dismantling structures that prevent people from fair access to livelihood, education, resources, and participation in public policy and the cultural life of society.

• Inclusion: We expand, amplify, and leverage the collective voice and thereby increase available resources of the charitable nonprofit community to enhance public well-being.

• Learning: We seek and share qualitative and quantitative information to improve our impact and the ability of charitable and philanthropic organizations to adapt and excel.

• Collaboration: We are committed to seeking abundance, building and maintaining relationships, and partnering with communities, nonprofits, and private and public interests to accomplish our mission. We will not work alone or compete for its own sake.