Progress with Purpose
A message from DANA CEO Melissa Hopkins
and Board Chair Kathleen Hawkins.
To our DANA members, partners, and friends,
For nearly 40 years, DANA has been a leader in Delaware’s nonprofit sector, supporting organizations’ missions through advocacy, consulting, resources, training, and networking opportunities.
In 2025, these efforts became essential tools for nonprofits as they faced unprecedented challenges from the federal government to their funding and missions. DANA responded by tailoring its delivery of services to meet this unique period in the sector’s history.
DANA organized workshops that outlined strategies to counter these challenges, hosted communities of practice to provide community connections, and promoted our consulting services to produce meaningful solutions. We coordinated with our federal partners and conveyed critical information in a timely fashion.
Our 2025 IMPACT Delaware Conference drew more than 240 attendees for a full day of learning, collaboration, and camaraderie. DANA organized a “Save Our Services” rally at Legislative Hall to successfully urge the General Assembly to preserve critical government funding for nonprofits in the state’s Grant-in-Aid budget.
In response to issues members raised about the unpredictability of health insurance rates, DANA staff spent months researching and developing Care for Good, an innovative health insurance solution for DANA members designed to reduce insurance cost volatility, increase control, and promote cost transparency.
Recognizing the lack of hard data to show the true impact that Delaware nonprofits have on the state’s economy, DANA, in conjunction with our C4, Delaware Nonprofit Action Network, commissioned the first detailed analysis of Delaware nonprofits as an industry and their impact on the state’s economy. The study, released in early 2026, found that Delaware nonprofits are a significant economic driver of jobs, wages, and goods and services in the First State.
DANA also examined its role in conveying information to the nonprofit sector and established an on-staff communications team to strengthen the timeliness and efficacy of our messaging. This investment has produced a significant increase in outreach to the nonprofit sector, sharing critical updates, resources, and news about trainings and other convenings.
Despite the challenges the nonprofit community is facing, we remain committed to strengthening the sector, taking proactive steps to help organizations amplify their impact and deliver services to Delawareans.
With gratitude,
Melissa and Kathleen
Member Engagement & Impact
Includes consulting, public or custom training, workshops, educational opportunities, member support, IMPACT Delaware Conference attendance, and Communities of Practice.
Member Success Stories
Arreon Harley-Emerson, Ph.D.
Founder & Artistic Director,
Elevate Vocal Arts
Joe Gfaller
Managing Director,
Clear Space Theatre Company
Lydia Sarson
Executive Director,
Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids
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Management & General
Notable Achievements for 2025
Economic Impact Study
Measuring the economic power of Delaware’s nonprofit sector
In 2025, DANA, in partnership with Delaware Nonprofit Action Network (DNAN), commissioned the 2025 Economic Impact of Delaware Nonprofits study. This is the first detailed analysis of Delaware nonprofits as an industry and their impact on the state’s economy.
Delaware nonprofits by the numbers
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nonprofits
serving Delaware communities
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jobs
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billion
wages paid
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billion
economic activity
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volunteers
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million
taxes paid
The study is designed to provide hard data to help policymakers, funders, and the public better understand the vital role nonprofits play in Delaware’s economy and, more importantly, the required investment needed to sustain this vital sector and ensure that our local communities thrive.
Federal Response
Helping nonprofits navigate uncertainty
and prepare for what’s next
Throughout 2025, nonprofits faced unprecedented challenges stemming from a series of actions at the federal level targeting non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including many Delaware nonprofits. These actions included executive orders, memorandums, and legislation that restricted funding, challenged nonprofits’ missions, and erected barriers to services.
DANA, in partnership with the National Council of Nonprofits, created resources and trainings to educate Delaware nonprofits and to help them strategically and financially plan and prepare for these challenges and future-proof their organizations. Our team engaged with Delaware’s Congressional Delegation to advocate for the nonprofit sector and signed on to numerous NCN efforts to push back on these federal actions.
With the quickly evolving landscape, DANA utilized more robust communication efforts to share information, resources, and critical updates with members. These strategies resulted in a nonprofit sector that is more informed and better equipped to navigate these challenging times.
Social Media Followers & Engagement
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(as of December 31, 2025)
*Includes Facebook, Instagram,
LinkedIn, and Bluesky
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Membership Lists
Alliance Partners
Mission
To shape and advance the systems and conditions that empower nonprofits to amplify their impact throughout Delaware.
Vision
The nonprofit sector is empowered to achieve an inclusive, thriving, and vibrant community.
Our Core Values
Integrity
Empowerment
Adaptation
& Innovation
Equity
Guiding Perspectives
Constructive
Partnerships
Outcomes-Based
Planning
Systems
Thinking
Adaptive
Leadership
| Kathleen Hawkins Board Chair Merrill Lynch Wealth Management | Patrick Callihan Tech Impact | Tom Sheridan The Sheridan Group |
| Robert McCreary Vice Chair Catholic Charities | Kevin Gilmore Sussex County Habitat for Humanity | Lori Sitler Child Inc. |
| Doris L.P. Griffin Secretary Delaware Adolescent Program, Inc. | Guillermina Gonzalez Wilmington University | Karen Speakman NeighborGood Partners |
| Charles Nangeroni Treasurer Cash Connect | Daniel Harris Public Servant | Brenda Wise CSC Global |
| Cory Niziolek TW Metals |
 James Bush |  Mel Carney |  Kaitlyn Deale | |
 Tony Ferlenda |  Melissa Hopkins |  Hannah Kimani | |
 Leizel Parks |  Earl Sissell |  Drew Volturo |
