The Story Continues
Built by a nonprofit leader, for nonprofit leaders. Here's the story behind the community.
Read The Full StoryWhy this exists
I built the room I wish I'd had.
Behind every nonprofit is someone who chose a harder path to do something that matters — and then carried it for years with too little money, too few hands, and not enough people to think alongside.
This is for that person. Not a day of inspiration that fades by Monday — a day with a clear look at where we stand, good people beside you, and real work moved before you leave.
Meet the Founder
Aretha Simons
Aretha Simons is a nonprofit consultant, grant writer, educator, retired Navy veteran, and trainer with over 20 years of experience helping nonprofits launch, grow, and increase their impact.
Throughout her career, Aretha has worked with hundreds of organizations — from small faith-based ministries to established community foundations — helping them build the infrastructure, funding, and leadership they need to thrive.
She founded State of the Nonprofit Community to create the resource she wished had existed when she started — a practical, welcoming home for nonprofit leaders who are serious about doing the work.
Hear from Aretha
In Her Own Words
What makes this different
Less talking about the work. More doing it.
There's no shortage of information out there — webinars everywhere you look. What's harder to find is a clear read on where you actually stand, a few hours beside people facing the same things, and one day set aside to move something forward.
So that's what we do. We take stock of the field. I put you next to people who get it. And we don't let the day end in notes — we end it with the work moved.
A seasonal series
This is just the beginning.
The Summit anchors the season — a full day with leaders from across the region. And it's the first of a series I'll host throughout the year, each one built around what you tell me you're working on right now. Come in September, and you'll know exactly where to find us next.
Support the work →