Networking for Good
What is NANA?
The Nonprofit Advocates Networking Alliance (NANA) is a mission-driven community engagement program that connects nonprofits with the local business community through ongoing relationship-building and advisory support.
The first NANA Chapter is NANA Susquehanna, serving nonprofits in Harford and Cecil County, MD. In addition to functioning as a traditional networking group, each NANA group within the Chapter serves as a standing business advisory and advocacy panel, providing nonprofits with consistent access to professional insight, community connections, and mission-aligned supporters.
Furthermore, as more and more nonprofits come on board, a wide network of organizations is formed – where group members can visit and/or join other groups, widening the exposure of both the organization and the individual member!
NANA FAQs for Networkers
How much is it to join a group?
Joining a NANA group is $25/month, with a one-year commitment. A portion of that goes to the hosting nonprofit. This membership fee also allows you to visit other NANA groups within the Chapter.
How often do the groups meet?
NANA groups meet once a month at a set day/time (e.g. Third Friday of the Month at 9am)
How long are the meetings?
Each group meeting is one hour long. Typically, the format will be as follows: 20 Minutes for mingling; 20 Minutes for Introductions; 20 Minutes for the Nonprofit Advisory Team. The Nonprofit Advisory Team is where the group functions as a sounding board for the organization. This could take different forms each week -- discussing upcoming events & sponsorship structure; various programs, volunteer recruitment, outreach efforts, etc.
Can we visit other groups?
Members may visit other NANA groups within the Chapter. (Individual groups may limit the number of visits allowed before joining). With the nonprofit driving core membership, chapters will attain a more diverse membership-base, opening opportunities to expand your own network.
Will it be the same people that I see at every other networking group?
There will always be a little overlap, but the $25 fee will reduce the number of people that join every group. The nonprofits themselves are also driving recruitment - from donors, business partners, volunteers with businesses, etc. -- so many of the members will be people that usually are not networking - but are there specifically to help the nonprofit.
How much of the membership fee goes to the nonprofit?
The fees from the first 20 members of each group goes to IXI to facilitate NANA infrastructure, administration, membership tracking, billing, and marketing. All fees collected by IXI from each member after the first 20, are paid subsequently paid to the host nonprofit. There is no cost to the host nonprofit.
NANA FAQs for Nonprofits
How much is it to host a group?
There is no cost to the host nonprofit. The fees from the first 20 members of each group goes to IXI to facilitate NANA infrastructure, administration, membership tracking, billing, and marketing. All fees collected by IXI from each member after the first 20, are paid subsequently paid to the host nonprofit.
What if my organization doesn't have room to host a group?
Although there is a lot of value in hosting a group onsite, they can certainly be hosted offsite. Options could be spaces provided by group members, board members or other nonprofit organizations.
Can we visit other groups?
Members and nonprofit representatives may visit other NANA groups, increasing mission awareness, partnerships, and community visibility, with an audience of civic-minded individuals.
How long are the meetings?
Each group meeting is one hour long. Typically, the format will be as follows: 20 Minutes for mingling; 20 Minutes for Introductions; 20 Minutes for the Nonprofit Advisory Team. The Nonprofit Advisory Team is where the group functions as a sounding board for the organization. This could take different forms each week -- discussing upcoming events & sponsorship structure; various programs, volunteer recruitment, outreach efforts, etc.
Will it be the same people that I see at every other networking group?
There will always be a little overlap, but the $25 fee will reduce the number of people that join every group. The nonprofits themselves are also driving recruitment - from donors, business partners, volunteers with businesses, etc. -- so many of the members will be people that usually are not networking - but are there specifically to help the nonprofit.
How much of the membership fee goes to the nonprofit?
The fees from the first 20 members of each group goes to IXI to facilitate NANA infrastructure, administration, membership tracking, billing, and marketing. All fees collected from each member after the first 20, go the the host nonprofit. There is no cost to the participating nonprofit.
