DANA, the Delaware Alliance For Nonprofit Advancement, has evolved from when it was established in 1986 to support nonprofits with group purchasing. Recognizing the broader needs of Delaware nonprofits, DANA stands today as a champion for advocacy and a resource hub for enhancing nonprofit operations.
Our services reflect nationally recognized best practices set forth by the Standards for Excellence® Program and enhanced with contemporary best practices in leadership and advocacy.
WE PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT IN AREAS SUCH AS:
✓ Board and employee recruitment and retention
✓ Education and continuous learning
✓ Leadership development
✓ Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
✓ Advocacy and strategic planning
✓ Awareness-building and community engagement
✓ Access to a growing knowledge database for our members
Our Vision
The nonprofit sector is empowered to achieve an inclusive, thriving, and vibrant community.
Our Mission
To shape and advance the systems and conditions that empower nonprofits to amplify their impact throughout Delaware.
DANA, the Delaware Alliance For Nonprofit Advancement unites people, research, and strategies to advance nonprofit excellence. Here are our impact highlights for 2024.
570
Nonprofit members and partners
1,532
Engagements including consulting, training and communities of practice
6,275
Social media followers
Our Strategic Focus: Advancing Leadership and Sustainability
Our Board of Directors and staff are dedicated to strengthening leadership, enhancing operational sustainability, and advancing Delaware’s nonprofit sector.
Our programs and resources are designed to support these outcomes, with ongoing research and reporting on sector trends to measure progress.
WE FOCUS ON:
✓Diverse Leadership: Nonprofit leadership and boards reflect the communities they serve.
✓Collaboration and Adaptability: Leaders and board members collaborate, adapt, and pursue continuous improvement.
✓Operational Success: Nonprofits have recruiting, onboarding, and development processes in place, have succession plans
✓Strategic Planning: Nonprofits have strategic plans that translate vision into action.
✓Advocacy and Communication: Nonprofits work together to advocate for change.
✓Equity and Inclusion: Boards and leadership advance policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion.
✓Strategic Acumen: Leaders possess the knowledge and skills to drive success.
✓Community Engagement: Stakeholders value the nonprofit sector and engage in community innovation and impact.
Doris L.P. Griffin (Secretary) Delaware Adolescent Program
Charles Nangeroni (Treasurer) Cash Connect
Patrick Callihan Tech Impact
Kevin Gilmore Sussex County Habitat for Humanity
Guillermina Gonzalez Wilmington University
Daniel Harris Public Servant
Cory Benjamin Niziolek TW Metals
Tom Sheridan The Sheridan Group
Lori Sitler CHILD, Inc.
Karen Speakman Neighborgood Partners
Brenda Wise CSC
The DANA Team
James Bush
PUBLIC POLICY & ADVOCACY MANAGER
Mel Carney
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Kaitlyn Deale
EXECUTIVE OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Tony Ferlenda
SENIOR CONSULTANT
Melissa Hopkins
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Hannah Kimani
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Leizel Parks
ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Earl Sissell
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONSULTING
Drew Volturo
VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
The importance of transparency.
In recent years, Delaware nonprofit organizations have realized a greater demand for services while funding sources have declined. In response to the hardships faced by nonprofits in Delaware, DANA, the Delaware Alliance For Nonprofit Advancement, has remained committed to enhancing and strengthening the nonprofit sector by providing low-cost education, consulting, and advocacy support for nonprofit leaders and boards of directors.
