Advancing Delaware’s nonprofit sector together
DANA’s mission to advance the entire nonprofit sector in Delaware has several elements
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.
- Executive Directors/CEOs
- Public Policy
- Marketing & Communications (in partnership with the Delaware Business Times)
- Fund Development (in partnership with AFP)
- AI & Technology
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
DANA and DNAN 2025 Economic Impact of Delaware Nonprofits
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.
Sector Research: Economic Impact of Delaware Nonprofits
In 2025, DANA, the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, and Delaware Nonprofit Action Network (DNAN), commissioned an economic impact of Delaware nonprofits study, the first detailed analysis of Delaware nonprofits as an industry and their impact on the state’s economy.
The report found that 951 nonprofits were active in Delaware during tax year 2022, the most recent year available. Those nonprofits employed nearly 73,000 people, comprising 15% of Delaware’s private-sector workforce, and paid $5.2 billion in wages, or 16% of the state’s private-sector wages.
The study is designed to help policymakers, funders, and the public better understand the vital role nonprofits play in Delaware’s economy, and more importantly, the required investment needed to sustain this vital sector and ensure that our local communities thrive.
Consulting Services
Consult with us.
“Membership in DANA, Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement is an absolute must and value-add for any Delaware-based nonprofit organization. We have been impressed by the visibility, collective advocacy for our sector, resources, networking, and many other benefits afforded to us as a member in DANA. This group of experienced and knowledgeable professionals is a major force for good in Delaware’s nonprofit sector, most notably at Legislative Hall in Dover. The Delaware Nurses Association has never been as connected, visible and supported as we are now, thanks to membership in DANA.”
Christopher E. Otto, MSN, RN,
CHFN, PCCN, CCRN
Executive Director, Delaware
Nurses Association
