Built by nonprofit leaders, for nonprofit leaders
CBNA exists because a group of nonprofit leaders got tired of solving the same problems alone. Here’s how that turned into a regional hub.
The mission of the Columbia Basin Nonprofit Association is to strengthen the connections, collaborations, and capacity of our nonprofit community.
Uplifting and equipping nonprofits to enhance the quality of life for all in our community.
A nonprofit development and collaboration platform
CBNA connects nonprofit leaders and staff, shares operational knowledge, builds capacity within organizations, supports emerging nonprofits, and strengthens the regional nonprofit ecosystem — across Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, and the surrounding Columbia Basin.
We’re not a funder and we’re not a regulator. We’re the place nonprofit professionals go when they need a straight answer, a working template, or someone who’s solved the same problem before.
From a shared frustration to a regional hub
- 2016
A shared problem sparks a conversation
A group of local nonprofit leaders began meeting over common issues they’d each run into on their own. Those meetings grew into discussions about creating a local resource that could foster collaboration, information sharing, shared services, and training — with particular interest in supporting small and new organizations.
- 2016–2017
Founding members commit to build it
Those discussions turned into a commitment to create the Columbia Basin Nonprofit Association. Founding members each contributed $1,000 in seed funding to get CBNA off the ground and cover early operations — during which time, participation in CBNA events was open to all nonprofit organizations, not just paying members.
- April 2018
CBNA holds its first event
Turnout was strong, confirming the significant interest in what CBNA set out to offer the region’s nonprofit community.
- Today
A growing network across the Tri-Cities
CBNA now serves nonprofit leaders and staff across the region through events, resources, and a membership community built on the same idea it started with: nonprofits do more when they don’t do it alone.
The values behind the work
Collaboration
Nonprofits succeed when they work together rather than compete.
Accessibility
Knowledge and resources should be available to all nonprofits, regardless of size.
Education
We equip nonprofit professionals with the tools they need to succeed.
Empowerment
We help nonprofit leaders strengthen their own organizations, on their terms.
Practicality
We focus on actionable, real-world guidance — not theory.
Inclusivity
We welcome nonprofits of every size and every stage of experience.
The people behind CBNA
Abbey Cameron
3 Rivers Community Foundation
Alysia Johnson
Women Helping Women Foundation
Andrea Riggs
Bethel Church
Anne Spilman
Academy of Children’s Theatre
Brian Ace
Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties
Gloria Johnson
Master Gardeners
Jet Richardson
Habitat for Humanity
Lisa Godwin
Elijah Family Homes
LoAnn Ayers
United Way of Benton & Franklin Counties
Mark Brault
Grace Clinic
Columbia Ability Alliance
Mid-Columbia Libraries
Shelby Moore
Heart Link Hospice
Steve Howland
YMCA
Theresa Roosendaal
B5 Learning Center
Your nonprofit doesn't have to do this alone.
Join a growing network of Columbia Basin nonprofits learning, sharing, and building capacity together. Membership is open to nonprofits of every size and stage.