The Alabama Association of Nonprofits, formerly known as the Nonprofit Resource Center of Alabama, held a meeting in December at The Community Foundation of South Alabama to announce changes in the organization to create a unified voice for Alabama nonprofit organizations and to enhance services to its members. The statewide members of the Alabama Association of Nonprofits represent more than 19,000 nonprofit organizations in the state.

The priorities of the Alabama Association of Nonprofits include professional development opportunities for members, group buying power, and advocacy for state nonprofit sector issues. The Association has entered into a partnership with Samford University Brock School of Business, and will move operations to the campus. The mission of the Brock School of Business and the Association are closely aligned, due to curriculum which is focused upon businesses and nonprofits that are socially responsible and mission driven.

A statewide consortium has been formed of leading colleges and universities dedicated to strengthening nonprofit organizations in Alabama. Initial commitments include the University of Alabama and Samford University. The consortium will work to form professional development tracks for nonprofit members and conduct economic research into the impact of the nonprofit sector upon the state.

Nonprofit organizations in Alabama have been seriously impacted by the ongoing economic crisis. The need for services has increased dramatically while philanthropic support has decreased. The goal of the Alabama Association of Nonprofits will be to provide the best professional development and advocacy that will better prepare nonprofit organizations to serve the needs of their communities.

 

December 2009