Making a difference by
putting compassion to work.

Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE)

The Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) is a nonprofit resource center across central Virginia dedicated to helping nonprofits succeed.

At their PATH Resource Center office, CNE offers tools, training, consulting and resources to nonprofit boards, staff and key volunteers serving Fauquier, Rappahannock, and Culpeper counties.

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A strategic partnership between the PATH Foundation and CNE was developed after community stakeholders saw a clear need for community investment in the business, professional development, and people within the nonprofit sector.

Attendees at a community workshop

Topics covered by workshops and training include governance, philanthropy, marketing, finance, strategic engagement and partnerships, and community engagement. CNE also offers resources for volunteer recruitment and management, based on a recent PATH Foundation study of volunteer needs in the community.

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The PATH Resource Center provides free public access to the Foundation Center, an online database of over 12 million grants. With the database, nonprofits can find detailed information on grantmakers who fund in specific geographic areas, focus areas, and populations. If you have any questions, please email Melissa German.

Hours:
By Appointment
Contact Melissa German, mgerman@thecne.org

Contact:
Melissa German, mgerman@thecne.org

Location:
321 Walker Drive, Suite 201
Warrenton, VA 20186

Employee Assistance Program

EAP is a free service for employees of nonprofits in Fauquier, Culpeper and Rappahannock County to receive a variety of free benefits, including: financial coaching, legal help, face-to-face & telehealth counseling, parenting resources and much more. If you or your organization is interested, please click “register today” below.

Sign up today to receive our e-newsletter and periodic updates about the PATH Resource Center.

Frequently Asked Questions and Requested Resources

Thinking about starting a nonprofit?

This toolkit will help you assess whether or not launching a nonprofit is the right thing to do, and what your next steps should be if the answer is yes.

Education Programs

Registration is required for all training. Program attendance is complimentary for board, staff and volunteers of organizations operating within the PATH service area (Culpeper, Fauquier and Rappahannock counties). For participants from other organizations, a $25 charge applies.

Explore CNE’s Training Partnerships- Nonprofits in the PATH Foundation’s footprint are eligible through the partnership with the CNE Learn more here

The Complete Grant Navigator: From Holistic Tactics to AI Tools

Volunteer Engagement & Management, Module 2

Volunteer Engagement & Management, Module 3

Building a Strategic Budget

Volunteer Engagement & Management, Module 4

Volunteer Engagement & Management, Module 5

Volunteer Engagement & Management, Module 6


PATH Resource Center Staff

Cindy Colson

Cindy Colson

Cindy Colson, Deputy Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, has 15 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector. She has worked on building strong collaborations with more than 65 nonprofits to develop programs and initiatives to address community needs. Ms. Colson earned her BIS from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the University of Mary Washington. She enjoys reading nonfiction books, cycling, and kayaking. Ms. Colson lives in Culpeper with her husband and three cats. Contact Cindy at (434) 951-9046 or ccolson@thecne.org

Melissa German

Melissa German, Senior Manager of Learning & Impact for the Center for Nonprofit Excellence.  Melissa has over 20 years of experience working locally with nonprofit organizations in various roles, including direct service, event planning, donor management, and 15 years as an Executive Director. In her free time, Melissa enjoys music, outdoor activities, and spending time with her husband, Michael, and dog Maggie. She is also a registered yoga teacher who believes in the value of mindfulness and breath work.  Contact Melissa at (540) 680-4147 mgerman@thecne.org