Tennessee Nonprofit Network

Gatlinburg is happy to welcome The Tennessee Nonprofit Network CEO's Retreat. They serve the nonprofit community in Tennessee by connecting nonprofits to resources, decision-making forums, and each other.

The Tennessee Nonprofit Network CEO Retreat in Gatlinburg in June is officially SOLD OUT! Stay turned for details about our 2026 CEO Retreat coming later this year!

"So, let me be clear: the Tennessee Nonprofit Conference is ON! We're not having this conference in spite of these challenges – we're having it BECAUSE of them. Now, more than ever, our nonprofit community in Tennessee needs to come together. We need to thoughtfully learn from one another, professionally develop our teams, and ensure we are making the most informed decisions possible as we navigate the threats facing our organizations and the entire nonprofit sector. We're making sure every keynote speaker, every breakout session, and every moment of this conference is dedicated to navigating the challenges we face better and more cohesively."

Join us at the Ga***rd Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville on August 28th for the Tennessee Nonprofit Conference! Same great conference, same pricing as last year!

Mark Your Calendars: Tennessee Nonprofit Conference Coming August 28th in Nashville - Tennessee Nonprofit Network Dear Friends, Do you remember the buzz of last year’s conference? It was truly something special – our biggest gathering in the Tennessee Nonprofit Network’s 33-year history! The energy was palpable, the connections forged were invaluable, and the learning was inspiring. We all left the confer...

We are excited to announce that the Tennessee Nonprofit Conference and will return Thursday, August 28, 2025, in the Nashville area. (Our exciting location will be announced very soon!) The conference is presented by Tennessee Nonprofit Network and our community partners.

The 2025 Tennessee Nonprofit Conference theme is “The Way Forward.” As TNN hosts our second statewide conference, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment for the nonprofit sector. Across the state and the nation, nonprofits are navigating complex political dynamics, increased demand for services, funding challenges, and shifting expectations from communities and donors alike. In the midst of these realities, this year’s theme is both a challenge and a charge: to move forward with clarity, courage, and commitment.

The Way Forward invites nonprofit leaders, funders, and advocates to come together to reimagine what’s possible. Through candid conversations, bold ideas, and practical tools, we’ll explore how our sector can lead with purpose, adapt with integrity, and build a more thriving future for all Tennesseans.

Let’s chart the path ahead—together.

Call for Speakers: 2025 Tennessee Nonprofit Conference - Tennessee Nonprofit Network We are excited to announce that the Tennessee Nonprofit Conference and will return Thursday, August 28, 2025, in the Nashville area. (Our exciting location will be announced very soon!) The conference is presented by Tennessee Nonprofit Network and our community partners. The 2025 Tennessee Nonprofi...

The below report presents a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing Tennessee’s nonprofit sector in the early months of 2025, based on a survey of 99 organizations from across the state of Tennessee. Key findings reveal a sector grappling with uncertainty due to political and societal shifts, facing potential funding cuts amidst increased demand for services. While many organizations have proactively engaged in strategic planning, concerns remain regarding funding stability, staff morale, and the ability to effectively serve communities. Ultimately, the report underscores the need for continued monitoring, analysis, and strategic intervention to ensure the resilience and effectiveness of Tennessee’s vital nonprofit sector.

https://tnnonprofits.org/navigating-uncertainty-a-report-on-the-state-of-tennessees-nonprofit-sector-in-a-rapidly-shifting-landscape/

Tennessee nonprofits, here are your legislative updates for 3/7/2025.

Tennessee Legislative Updates for March 7 - Tennessee Nonprofit Network THIS WEEK’S RUNDOWN: Download the updated legislative calendar here. Download the legislative report here. On Tuesday, the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee heard and approved expansion requests for the Department of Health and the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse (TDMHSAS). ...

"The only thing that matters is your work and your impact. Don’t give up because other people don’t believe in you. Let other people’s underestimation fuel you. Don’t let their opinions about anything other than your work and your impact hold you back. Let your work speak for itself, and smile when they realize they underestimated you."

Being Underestimated Is Your Superpower - Tennessee Nonprofit Network by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network There’s a certain quiet amusement that can come with realizing you’ve built a career on the foundation of being consistently underestimated. It’s not a path I consciously chose, mind you. In fact, for a long time, it was a source ...

Ever felt like you’re banging your head against a brick wall trying to break into the nonprofit world or get something new and different accomplished? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the murky waters of nonprofit gatekeeping. Join us as we chat with Sunny Bray from Catalyst Collective Co and Wendy Wand from Friends of Literacy. These two powerhouses spill the 501(c)tea on how these gatekeepers are stifling innovation and holding back the next generation of nonprofit leaders. We’ll uncover the secret sauce to avoid becoming a gatekeeper yourself and equip you with the tools to overcome gatekeeping challenges. Get ready to laugh, learn, and take on even the most problematic gatekeeper in your world!

The Problem with Nonprofit Gatekeepers | Kudzukian Network Ever felt like you're banging your head against a brick wall trying to break into the nonprofit world or get something new and different accomplished? You're

The contemporary landscape for nonprofit organizations is characterized by a degree of volatility rarely seen in recent history. Presidential executive orders, shifting legislative priorities, and fluctuating funding streams create a complex and often unpredictable environment. In such times, the role of a nonprofit’s board of directors becomes paramount, transitioning from a primarily oversight function to one of strategic leadership and proactive crisis management. Boards are tasked with not only ensuring the organization’s adherence to its mission but also safeguarding its very survival. This requires a profound understanding of the political climate, a keen eye for financial stability, and a commitment to robust advocacy and communication.

How Nonprofit Boards Can Steer Their Organizations Through Political Uncertainty - Tennessee Nonprofit Network by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEOTennessee Nonprofit Network The contemporary landscape for nonprofit organizations is characterized by a degree of volatility rarely seen in recent history. Presidential executive orders, shifting legislative priorities, and fluctuating funding streams create a comp...

Tennessee nonprofit organizations, here are your legislative updates for February 21, 2025!

Tennessee Legislative Updates for February 21, 2025 - Tennessee Nonprofit Network THIS WEEK’S RUNDOWN: Download Updated Legislative Calendar Here DCS presented to the House Children & Family Affairs Subcommittee on Tuesday: Key Takeaways: The Department of Children Services (DCS) presentation, led by Commissioner Margie Quinn, outlined a robust series of strategic initiatives a...