Author name: TNN

by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network Every nonprofit executive director has a recurring nightmare. In this dream, they are standing in the middle of a collapsing building. The roof is leaking, the furnace is screaming, and the payroll ledger is bleeding red ink. They look up into the dark, cavernous balcony

by Tony Murchison, East Tennessee Regional Director, Tennessee Nonprofit Network Since stepping into my role with TNN in November 2025, I’ve had the chance to meet nonprofit leaders from across East Tennessee. In almost every conversation, I’m reminded how much this work depends on connection: people learning from each other, sharing challenges, and finding solutions

Tennessee Nonprofit Network is excited to announce the 2026 Tennessee Nonprofit Conference, taking place in the Nashville/Franklin area, September 29-30. This statewide gathering brings together nonprofit professionals, funders, board members, and community partners from across Tennessee for a day of learning, connection, and shared purpose. The 2026 conference theme, Energized. Engaged. Essential., reflects a defining

by Natalie Jones, Director of Advocacy and Research, Tennessee Nonprofit Network In my role as the Director of Advocacy & Research at TNN, I often spend my days looking at spread sheets, policy briefs, legislative calendars, and the state’s administrative code (I know you’re already jealous of my days). But recently, I had the privilege

114th Tennessee General Assembly (2026 Legislative Session) Throughout the 114th Tennessee General Assembly, Tennessee Nonprofit Network (TNN) is closely monitoring legislation that may impact nonprofits and the communities they serve. To help our members stay informed and focus their advocacy efforts where it matters most, we have created a legislative tracker that organizes key bills

114th Tennessee General Assembly (2026 Legislative Session) Throughout the 114th Tennessee General Assembly, Tennessee Nonprofit Network (TNN) is closely monitoring legislation that may impact nonprofits and the communities they serve. To help our members stay informed and focus their advocacy efforts where it matters most, we have created a legislative tracker that organizes key bills

by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network If you have spent more than fifteen minutes in the nonprofit sector, you have likely witnessed the Identity Crisis of the Enthusiastic Board Member. It usually happens on a Tuesday morning. A dedicated board member—let’s call him Gary—stops by the office to help stuff envelopes

by April Carter, Chief Programs Officer, Tennessee Nonprofit Network I’ve spent nearly two decades in the nonprofit sector. I have grown up professionally here, starting as an Executive Assistant, moving into Membership, stepping into Program leadership, and now serving as Chief Program Officer. I have sat at nearly every kind of table there is, from

The energy is building across the state as we prepare for the most anticipated event of the year. Tennessee Nonprofit Network is thrilled to announce that the 2026 Tennessee Nonprofit Conference is returning to Middle Tennessee on September 29 and 30 at the Embassy Suites Franklin/Cool Springs. As the largest nonprofit conference in Tennessee, this