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About Nonprofit Association of Oregon

The Nonprofit Association of Oregon is the statewide nonprofit membership organization representing and supporting charitable nonprofits of all sizes, geographic locations and missions across Oregon.

NAO’s work ensures a future in which Oregon nonprofits are visible and valued as essential contributors to our society. We strive to connect, improve and advance all nonprofits to help build thriving and vital communities across the state.

NAO serves the needs of the nonprofit sector through our work in advocacy and public policy work; convening; capacity building; disseminating nonprofit standard of excellence; and conducting thought leadership through research and polling.

Our Mission

The mission of NAO is to strengthen the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the lives of all Oregonians.

Our Vision

By upholding our core values of Collaboration, Inclusion, Expertise, Determination, and Responsiveness, NAO is dedicated to ensuring Oregon’s nonprofits are visible and valued for their invaluable contributions to our society.

Equity Statement

As the state membership organization, the Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO) is committed to building a more just and equitable Oregon. We recognize the history of oppression that has resulted in ongoing disparities for some communities, as well as the limitations of a nonprofit framework to address them. Yet, we have a powerful network of organizations and change agents with an opportunity before us to create positive systemic change. We believe that nonprofits that prioritize engaging diverse perspectives and evolve to be inclusive, behave equitably and have profound impacts on society.

For the above reasons, NAO is committed to transforming each aspect of our organization by confronting our own biases and operationalizing our values. We know that intention alone will not change things. To this work, we bring the successes and mistakes of our own continuing efforts in the direction towards equity on behalf of our members and all nonprofits. The mission and vision we hold for enriching the lives of all Oregonians, move us to directly challenge ourselves and to deconstruct frameworks of oppression while building opportunities for learning, change and accountability. We know:

  • This work is urgent, and we will always be learning.
  • We will make mistakes and own our responsibility for corrective action.
  • Our efforts will be tireless, and we will not stop.

NAO is committed to our own equity journey, the diversity of our membership and the broader nonprofit community as change agents that contribute to an inclusive and equitable Oregon that champions our rich diversity.

Support NAO

Nonprofits play a vital role in our communities; by donating to NAO, you contribute to our work of supporting over 24,000 nonprofits in Oregon and the thousands of Oregonians they serve.

History of NAO

For nearly five decades, our organization has played a vital role in the development and growth of Oregon’s nonprofit sector (and beyond). We are so grateful for the paths and connections we have made throughout the years. Below is a glimpse of key accomplishments.

1977 - 1987

Decade 1

  • In the late 1970s, there were 639 registered public benefit nonprofit organizations in Oregon.
  • As people in Oregon turned to nonprofits as a way to meet the growing need for social and cultural services, and grassroots organizations began to be founded and grow. Nonprofits were seeking technical assistance.
  • In an attic in SE Portland, Kay Sohl and Jean DeMaster hatch an idea to serve nonprofits in building their capacities through consulting and trainings. In April 1979, Technical Assistance for Community Services (TACS), NAO’s predecessor, was born.
  • Consultants like Cliff Jones and Guadalupe Guajardo joined TACS.

1987 - 1997

Decade 2

  • There was a growing need for financial-related professional development, so the Nonprofit Fiscal Managers Association was born.
  • The Executive Directors Network followed this- (that’s today’s Nonprofit Leaders Network). CPAs, attorneys, fund development professionals, human resource consultants, and others all contribute their time and expertise as volunteer speakers.
  • After the brutal murder of Ethiopian exchange student Mulugeta Seraw in late 1988, TACS sponsors the first conference for People of Color in Portland.
  • Recognizing a need for an ongoing dialogue of race and diversity in the predominantly white state, the Diversity Leadership Network was created – now NAO’s Equity and Inclusion Network (EILN).
  • The first edition of The Oregon Nonprofit Corporation Handbook by Kay Sohl and Cynthia Cumfer is published by TACS. (TACS and NAO publish subsequent 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th editions).
  • Meyer Memorial Trust funds a three-year capacity-building grant for NAO to establish and expand further work.
  • United Way of the Columbia-Willamette contracts with TACS to establish the Nonprofit Organization Information and Referral Helpline – now NAO’s HelpDesk, answering more than 2,000 inquiries annually.
  • There are 9,667 registered public benefit nonprofits in Oregon.

1997 - 2007

Decade 3

  • TACS launches trainings outside of Portland in Astoria, Bend, Enterprise, Eugene, Medford and Salem.
  • Gradually, trainings became regularized in some regional hubs and transitioned into today’s Rogue Valley Nonprofit Network in Southern Oregon and the Nonprofit Network of Central Oregon in Bend.
  • The Executive Transition Services is created to serve a need for interim EDs and executive searches.
  • TACS partners with the Oregon Community Foundation to launch Oregon Involved- a movement to connect people to nonprofits in every community in the state.
  • With a Nonprofit Steering Committee of nonprofit leaders from across the state and 147 founding member nonprofits, TACS creates the Nonprofit Association of Oregon as a membership program under the TACS umbrella.
  • There are 13,456 registered public benefit nonprofits.

2007 - 2017

Decade 4

  • In mid-2008, Kay Sohl transitioned from TACS, and Cathy Briggs stepped in as Executive Director, followed by Carrie Hoops, who served for almost three years.
  • The Ford Family Foundation, M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust and The Collins Foundation invest in NAO’s work. Other foundations and corporate partners do the same.
  • In 2010, NAO adopted its mission “to strengthen the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the lives of all Oregonians.”
  • A new set of bylaws is registered, and NAO is formally accepted by the National Council of Nonprofits, becoming THE state nonprofit membership association of Oregon.
  • In 2012, NAO published the first “State of the Nonprofit Sector” report detailing the strengths and challenges to nonprofits across Oregon.
  • In October 2012, Jim White became NAO’s Executive Director.
  • In 2013, the work begins to transform NAO into a state membership association and extend NAO’s state-wide reach with the adoption of NAO’s first Theory of Change.
  • In 2013, NAO convened leaders to discuss policy challenges between state-line departments and nonprofits on wages, grant, and contracting processes and terms.
  • In 2015, NAO adopted the Independent Sector’s Principles for Good Governance and Ethical Practice: A Guide for Charities and Foundations and established an updated business model emphasizing NAO’s members.
  • In 2016, NAO’s Board and staff embarked on a focused, two-year intensive diversity, equity and inclusion program of introspection and adopted its DEI Statement.
  • There are 19,786 public benefit nonprofits registered in Oregon.

2018 - 2023

Decade 5

  • In 2018, NAO created and adopted the Equity and Inclusion Lens Guide, making it available to any nonprofit wishing to download the work.
  • Recognizing that by offering subsidizing consulting services, NAO is inadvertently disadvantaging consultants of color and other groups from historically marginalized communities; NAO ends its decades-long consulting practice, spinning off several groups of consultants that found new, for-profit consulting firms.
  • NAO recognizes the challenge to society from natural and man-made disasters and partners with Portland State University to study and publish the 2018 Oregon Nonprofit Disaster Preparedness Report.
  • In 2020, with the multi-layered challenges of COVID-19, demands for racial justice and catastrophic wildfires, and gracious support from area foundations, NAO pivots to support Oregon’s nonprofits by offering all services free of charge for a year.
  • In 2022-23, NAO continues to refine services and meet the needs of Oregon’s growing nonprofits.
  • In December of 2023, 24,051 public benefit nonprofits were registered in Oregon.

Our Theory of Change

NAO’s Theory of Change articulates the way we work with nonprofit organizations, their leaders, and society as a whole. This Theory—along with direct relations with nonprofit organizations, funders, and partners through our program implementation—provides a basis for accountability, continual learning, and the evolution of vital services that support the nonprofit sector.

Image of NAO's Theory of Change (2023)

The mission of the Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO) is to strengthen the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the lives of all Oregonians.

CONNECT. Create space and opportunities for nonprofits to build sustained, productive relationships, and networks to provide each other with strength, mutual support, and solidarity.

IMPROVE. Ensure that nonprofits are well-supported with access to tools, knowledge, and resources to fulfill their visions and missions.

ADVANCE. Build nonprofit capacity, practices and policies that unite the sector through a collective, amplified voice providing leadership and influencing decision-makers within and across communities.

GROW. Strengthen NAO to benefit the nonprofit sector.

DEDICATED nonprofit leaders.

EVIDENCE-BASED data and research.

STRONG public and private sector partnerships.

SUSTAINED financial support.

COLLABORATION. The nonprofit sector is stronger when we are connected, learning and collaborating together. We believe that the power to improve community comes from within the community, and systems change is a result of sustained, collective community effort.

EXPERTISE. We are leaders and experts with decades of experience supporting and strengthening the nonprofit sector in Oregon. We are a trusted source for nonprofit management and sector data. We work to ensure that leaders recognize the essential role of nonprofit organizations and incorporate nonprofit sector perspectives into public policymaking.

INCLUSION. We value diversity in all its forms and believe that nonprofit leaders should reflect Oregon’s growing diversity. We are committed to strengthening nonprofits as change agents that contribute to a just and equitable society.

DETERMINATION. We recognize that meaningful change takes dedication and persistence. We focus on achieving long-lasting results that matter to nonprofit leaders, organizations, networks, the sector, and ultimately, society.

RESPONSIVENESS. We lead the sector with empathy and an ability to meet our members where they are. We actively seek feedback to continually improve and evolve our practices and services. We believe continual learning is essential for adaptation, innovation, resilience, and relevance.

MEANINGFUL PROGRESS. Nonprofits make meaningful, positive changes in Oregon communities that are long-lasting and enrich lives.

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS. Nonprofits use new approaches to mobilize Oregonians around important causes creating positive societal and economic impact.

INCLUSIVE PLACES OF BELONGING. Nonprofits are more representative of communities, include all voices, and create places of belonging.

RESILIENT & SUSTAINABLE ORGANIZATIONS. Nonprofits build sustainable systems that can weather change and shock as they advance their missions.

SYSTEMS CHANGE. Nonprofits address root causes of persistent problems through their programs and engagement with policy makers.

Board of Directors

Grady Goodall

President

Amory Zschach

Vice President

Noreen Dunnells

Secretary

Chris Watson

Treasurer

Kecia Kubota

Board Development and Nominations Committee Chair

Mercedes Elizalde

Public Policy Committee Chair

Madalyn Bach

Board Member

Vanessa Briseño

Board Member

Quin Collins Pehrson

Board Member

Lisa Ladendorff

Board Member

Beth Quinn

Board Member

Raziah Roushan

Board Member

Zaira Sanchez

Board Member

Janet Yousey

Board Member

Staff

Join our team

Would you love to be part of a dynamic team that serves Oregon’s nonprofit sector? Jobs at NAO is your opportunity to help strengthen nonprofits throughout Oregon! 

Below you will find any open positions at NAO. You may also check out the job board for other opportunities in the sector.

Glance of benefits at NAO:

Health & Dental

NAO offers fully funded health and dental insurance for each employee.

Paid Time Off

NAO offers nine paid holidays, two additional floating personal days, and ongoing accruing sick time.

Retirement

Employees may opt-in to an employee match 403(b) retirement plan.

Professional Development

Employees have access to a variety of professional development through NAO programming.

Open Positions At NAO

No current positions open at NAO. Check out NAO’s Job Board for jobs in the nonprofit sector.

Governance Documents

As a charitable nonprofit corporation exempt under the IRS code 501(c)(3), our governance and financial documents are a matter of public record. As a public service, we post our most recent IRS 990 forms here. Other public documents are available upon request.

Become A Member Today

As a member of NAO, you become part of an important network of organizations, affiliates, and individuals who believe in the vitality of the sector.

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