About CAN 

CAN protects, strengthens and promotes California nonprofits. 

We were formed in 1984 by three nonprofit professionals in response to an insurance crisis that caused premiums to escalate dramatically and endangered the very existence of many California nonprofits.

CAN's mission is to protect and promote: (1) the influence, accountability, and effectiveness of California nonprofits in a manner that builds their capacity to accomplish their missions and (2) the visibility, idealism, and value of nonprofits in California.

CAN is a national nonprofit leader, creating sector-wide responses to the serious challenges facing nonprofit organizations. From your back-office operations to frontline programs, from board development to resource development, CAN has something for all California nonprofits.

We Advocate.

CAN advocates to protect and strengthen the nonprofit sector. Our Public Policy Program continually influences laws and regulations that impact our state’s nonprofit sector. Other CAN programs - such as the Ensuring Nonprofit Integrity Initiative and the National Nonprofit Financial Reporting Initiative - include significant advocacy components as well.

All of CAN's advocacy work aims to create an environment that is fairer to nonprofits, reduces administrative burdens on them and enhancies their ability to fulfill their missions. Our advocacy efforts include partnerships with government, business and philanthropy, as well as within the nonprofit sector itself.

We Strengthen.

CAN strengthens nonprofits by saving them time and money and providing capacity building assistance. For example:

• CAN Insurance Services brokerage coverage exclusively for CAN Members.
• Discounts on goods and services save money or CAN Members.
• Conferences and workshops build key management skills.
• The Unified Chart of Accounts (UCOA) helps streamline your reporting.

We Inform.

CAN informs nonprofits about the latest sector trends and most promising practices so they can work smarter – not harder.

• The Managers’ Helpline means that information and resources are just a phone call away.
• Newsletters with practical, useful information specific to California nonprofits rate highly with our members.
• Studies and reports like Facts & Fallacies and Holes in the Safety-net provide critical information to decision-makers.

We Connect.

CAN connects people to ensure everyone profits from the work of California nonprofits.

• 1,800 CAN members provide leadership in their communities and feedback to CAN about the state of the sector.
• Diverse advisory bodies guide CAN’s work.
• CAN convenes the sector on regular basis.
• Valuable networking opportunities abound for nonprofit staff, volunteers, consultants and students.

Join CAN Today.

Become a CAN member today and start taking advantage of our many members-only opportunities!