Sector Advancement
Advancing Nonprofit Excellence in Delaware
DANA’s mission to advance the entire nonprofit sector in Delaware has several elements
- Share Delaware
- Connections & Collaborations
- Communities of Practice
- Nonprofit Sector Research
- Sector Advocacy
Share Delaware
DANA and Philanthropy Delaware have collaborated to create SHARE Delaware, an open source mapping and data site to provide information about Delaware nonprofits. The website is the State’s first comprehensive resource for information on Delaware nonprofits and their program locations – in one searchable database.
Connections & Collaborations
DANA offers a number of ways for nonprofits to connect and collaborate with each other and other agencies in the state, such through Communities of Practice, its annual conference, member events, and information sessions on government and philanthropy initiatives. Collaboration and working towards collective impact is an imperative in today’s complex and evolving social system.
Communities of Practice
Join other DANA members who share similar nonprofit roles in a small group setting. Led by a DANA expert, these online communities are designed to foster in-depth learning, facilitate convening and networking, create a shared desire to strive for excellence within the sector, and offer a safe place for nonprofit professionals to connect with each other.
- Public Policy Community
- Marketing Communications (in partnership with the Delaware Business Times)
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Community
- Fund Development Community (in partnership with AFP)
- CEO Peer Community
Nonprofit Sector Research
DANA conducts primary and gathers secondary research to inform philanthropy, government, business, and nonprofits on the state of the sector, and issues that could impact the sector in the future.
DANA Sponsored Studies:
State of the Sector Infographic
COVID-19 Impact Surveys
Contract Reform
2020 DANA Member Survey
Other Research of Significance:
National Council of Nonprofits (State of Sector/Workforce)
NonProfit Finance Fund (2022 State of the Sector)
BoardSource (2021 Intent to Lead)
Sector Advocacy
DANA serves as a voice for its members, advocating to both government and philanthropy the needs of Delaware nonprofits. It partners with Philanthropy Delaware, the United Way of Delaware, the Delaware Community Foundation and other statewide organizations to foster collaboration and jointly advance initiatives to create conditions for Delaware nonprofits to thrive.
DANA also brings research and industry-level insights to help nonprofits better understand the political, economic, and social landscape. Through its partnership with the National Council of Nonprofits, DANA informs federal policymakers on the needs and interests of Delaware nonprofits.