#MergerMondays: CNL + CFONC
In a beautiful display of shared vision and mutual care, the Community Foundation of Nevada County (CFONC) and the Center for Nonprofit Leadership (CNL) have come together in a strategic merger designed to uplift and sustain the region’s vibrant nonprofit community.
For over 20 years, CNL has been a trusted source for nonprofit training, mentorship, and leadership development. Now, with CFONC’s support and infrastructure, CNL’s programs will grow even stronger. Together, they’re expanding capacity-building efforts, attracting new streams of funding, and offering the kind of wraparound support that today’s nonprofit leaders need to thrive in uncertain times.
Though it’s happening in Nevada County, this merger is good news for many more. It’s a timely reminder that strategic alignment can be a viable, hopeful path forward for other mission-driven groups. With funding becoming more competitive and needs growing more complex, joining forces—especially when values and visions align—can be both a practical solution and a powerful act of stewardship.
This collaboration blurs the lines between funding and technical support - lines that need to be crossed if we’re going to reimagine a sector in which we can coordinate instead of compete.
Cristine Kelly, Interim CEO of CFONC, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, stating,“By integrating CNL’s robust capacity-building programs with the Community Foundation’s ability to address big picture challenges and draw down additional funding sources, we are poised to amplify our collective impact at a critical time for our community.”
Wendy Willoughby will continue to lead CNL as Program Director, bringing her passion and expertise to this new chapter. Her experience with similar partnerships in neighboring counties offers a hopeful glimpse into how this model could ripple outward.
This merger signifies a commitment to enhancing collaboration, streamlining resources, and providing comprehensive support to nonprofits, ultimately benefiting the broader community.
More human mergers like this remind us: when we center mission, community wins.
Learn more about the partnership at nevcofoundation.org.
