Benefits for Business Leaders & Mission Advocates
Professionals today are looking for meaningful ways to invest their time — not just in growing their businesses, but in strengthening the communities where they live and work. NANA brings business leaders together to support local nonprofits while building authentic professional relationships.
Rather than focusing solely on referrals or traditional networking, NANA connects business professionals, community advocates, and nonprofit leaders in ongoing advisory groups centered around a shared mission. Each group partners with a nonprofit organization, creating a space where members can contribute their insight, experience, and ideas to help the organization succeed.
Members join for different reasons. Some are passionate about the nonprofit’s cause. Others are interested in building stronger relationships within the business community. Many discover that supporting a meaningful mission naturally leads to deeper, more trusted connections with fellow professionals.
As a member, you’re not simply attending a meeting — you’re becoming part of a group of business leaders supporting nonprofits and helping solve real challenges facing organizations in your community. At the same time, you build relationships with other professionals who share a commitment to leadership, service, and collaboration.
NANA groups are intentionally structured to respect the time of busy professionals while creating meaningful engagement. Over time, members become trusted advisors, advocates, and champions for the nonprofits they support.
As the network grows, members can also visit other NANA groups, expanding their connections and perspective while strengthening the broader nonprofit ecosystem across the region.
Whether you join because you care about a specific mission, want to contribute your expertise, or value building relationships with other civic-minded professionals, NANA provides a place where business leaders come together to support nonprofits and strengthen their communities.
Key Benefits
Purposeful networking that creates real community impact
Opportunities to support causes you care about using your professional skills
Strong relationships built on trust — not just transactions
Increased visibility as a respected community and business leader
Direct access to nonprofit leaders working on local challenges
A structured, time-efficient way to engage and contribute
Personal and professional growth through real-world advisory discussions
Connection with other mission-minded and growth-oriented professionals
Enhanced credibility and reputation within the community
Flexibility to participate in and visit multiple NANA groups as the network expands
NANA FAQs for Business Leaders & Mission Advocates
How much is it to join a group?
Joining a NANA group starts at $25/month, with a one-year commitment. Premium Memberships are available for $50/month. See the Table above for details.
Membership fees are paid to IXI to facilitate NANA infrastructure, administration, membership tracking, billing, and marketing. Twenty percent of the fees collected are subsequently donated to the host nonprofit. This membership fee also allows you to visit other NANA groups within the Chapter.
There is no cost to the host nonprofit.
How often do the groups meet?
Each Nonprofit has it's own group, which meets once a month at a set day/time (e.g. Third Friday of the Month at 9am). There are any number of groups in a given area, and group members can visit others when their schedule allows.
How long are the meetings?
Each group meeting is one hour long. Typically, the format will be as follows: 15 Minutes for mingling; 5 Minutes for Introductions; 30 Minutes for the Nonprofit Advisory Session and 10 minutes for Wrap-Up.
The Nonprofit Advisory Session 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.
Which group should I join?
Choose your group based on any number of criteria!
1) A mission & cause that resonates with you on a personal or professional level.
2) The most convenient day & time for your schedule
3) The most convenient location
Can I visit other groups?
Standard Members may visit all other NANA Groups within the Chapter, up to two times per year. (A Chapter is a geographical region (e.g. NANA Susquehanna is a Chapter comprised of Groups based in Harford and Cecil Counties, MD). Premium Members, Group Sponsors and Chapter Sponsors are allowed unlimited visits to each group.
Will it be the same people that I see at every other networking group?
There will always be a little overlap. but each Group will typically include three distinct types of participants:
1) Traditional networkers — including individuals who regularly attend networking events, local Chamber of Commerce gatherings, and visitors from other NANA groups who participate to build relationships and support fellow nonprofits;
2) Individuals recruited directly by the host nonprofit — such as donors, business partners, corporate volunteers, board members, and key supporters — who may not typically attend networking events but are present because of their direct connection to the organization; and
3) Mission-driven advocates — people who are personally invested in the cause itself and are passionate about advancing the nonprofit’s impact in the community, regardless of whether they have a formal role with the organization.
