Author name: TNN

by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network A few years ago, a woman named Eliza reigned supreme in the nonprofit sector of Dyersburg, TN. A charismatic figure with a network that stretched far and wide, she thrived on exclusivity and insider knowledge. Gossip flowed through her like a river, shaping perceptions and […]

by Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network Several years ago, I was in a meeting with several other like-minded nonprofit leaders.  A government leader had recently issued a profoundly damaging, biased, and dehumanizing statement about a community we all served, and we were strategizing about next steps to address the issue and mitigate

by Natalie Jones, Director of Advocacy and Research A little-known fact about me is that I am a diehard Harry Potter fan and a very proud Puff (aka Hufflepuff). In fact, I read through the entire series once a year and this year to mix it up I’m planning to walk the distance from Platform

The Tennessee legislature may have ended in April, but our elected officials in Washington D.C. are still hard at work working through several pieces of legislation that may impact your work as a nonprofit organization operating within the United States.   The House Ways and Means Committee recently advanced five bills that could significantly impact how

by Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network So, you’ve landed a meeting with your elected official – a chance to champion your nonprofit’s cause and make a real difference. But let’s be honest, that first meeting can feel intimidating. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal to have a few butterflies! At my first Lobby

by Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network As a nonprofit founder, you’ve poured your heart and soul into your cause. You’ve toiled away at crafting a vision and building a nonprofit organization from the ground up. You’ve begged for money from everyone you know. You’ve fought ridiculous battles to make it happen. You’ve

by Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network So you’ve applied for what could be your dream job at a great nonprofit in Tennessee. You send off your resume and cover letter, and you wait. And wait. And wait. Finally, you receive a form email from the organization letting you know you didn’t even

I remember walking into the movie theater 15+ years ago with jitters. As a lifelong comic book nerd, I was ready to see the live action adaptation of one of comics’ most revered and iconic storylines: the Dark Phoenix Saga. For those of you unfamiliar with this story, the Dark Phoenix Saga is a classic

by Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network Remember volunteering? You know, that thing your parents made you do on Saturdays that involved sorting moldy textbooks or painting a face on a kid who wasn’t sure they wanted it? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because volunteering is having a major glow-up. Gone are the days

Imagine a team of passionate people across Tennessee who are champions for nonprofits. That’s what Tennessee Nonprofit Network’s Community Action Councils (CACs) are! These councils are regional groups of volunteers with a common goal: to see a thriving nonprofit sector in Tennessee. We are excited to announce our inaugural members of the Community Action Councils.