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About VANNO
Mission and History
VANNO’s mission is to connect Virginia’s nonprofits through information, advocacy and resources which advance effective practice and enhance their ability to meet diverse community needs.VANNO was founded in 2004, based on a model that has proven successful and valuable in 37 other states. In response to growing calls for accountability from the nonprofit sector, the Nonprofit Enterprise Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University convened a meeting in August 2003 with nonprofit leaders who were interested in Virginia having a set of standards for nonprofit organizations based on those developed by the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations. That meeting sparked follow-up meetings to explore the feasibility of establishing a similar group in Virginia. A Steering Committee was formed and on December 5, 2003, the decision was made to create the Virginia Network of Nonprofit Organizations (VANNO). The Virginia State Corporation Commission approved VANNO’s charter in February 2004. The IRS issued the advance determination letter authorizing VANNO to operate as a 501(c)3 educational institution in May 2004. By June of that year a 10-member board of directors was in place.
Constituency Served
Nearly 40,000 nonprofit organizations operate in Virginia. These include charitable organizations, faith based organizations, mutual benefit organizations, and trade associations. Most charitable organizations (82%) have budgets less than $1,000,000. Small and mid-sized organizations are on the front lines of service delivery, and are the most likely to have vital information about how to best address social problems and improve the quality of community life. Yet, they are the least likely to have adequate resources to meet and articulate their needs and those of their constituents. Thus, while VANNO serves all nonprofits, regardless of size or mission, special attention is focused on addressing the management, governance and public policy needs of those with more limited internal capacity.
Founding Philosophy
Inherent in the founding philosophy and mission of VANNO is the concept of a “network”. VANNO recognizes there are a number of resources already available in Virginia that support the work of nonprofit organizations – academic centers, consultants, foundations, professional associations, and businesses. However, these resources are not accessible to all Virginia communities. VANNO’s goal is not to compete with or duplicate these services and programs, but rather partner with them to maximize what they have to offer. We help nonprofits locate and utilize these existing services and expertise whenever possible, and develop additional resources where gaps have been identified by nonprofits themselves.
NCNA Affiliation
In November 2004 VANNO was officially affiliated with the National Council of Nonprofit Associations (NCNA) in Washington, DC, the national umbrella group representing all state associations. NCNA is the network of state and regional nonprofit associations serving over 22,000 members in 45 states and the District of Columbia.
As a member of NCNA, VANNO earned the designation as being the state association of nonprofits for Virginia and gained access to the many services, benefits, and support functions they provide at the national level.
Board and Staff
VANNO is governed by a Board of Directors representing the diversity of Virginia’s nonprofit sector as well as business, educators, and consultants. VANNO currently has a full-time executive director, and also utilizes individual contractors for specific projects. See the roster of board members and staff.
Accountability
VANNO encourages all nonprofit organizations to practice transparency, sound management practices, and high ethical standards to maintain credibility and public trust. In the spirit of “practicing what we preach,” VANNO is proud to share the following documents: