Healthy nonprofits are the bedrock of a thriving free society.
But many mission-driven leaders need more support to prove impact, stay fully funded, and meet growing demand.
That’s where we come in.
We equip nonprofits with the same caliber of strategic tools available in the corporate world so they can go from reacting to challenges, to leading solutions.
When they do, communities gain the healthy institutions they need to thrive.
And our world grows less divided, more whole.
History
We’ve spent the last half-century partnering with thousands of nonprofit leaders and philanthropists to deliver real results.
1980
Founded to train leaders in best practices
Meadows Foundation and regional partners in Dallas launch the Center for Nonprofit Management to address a critical need in nonprofit leadership.
2013
Merged to deepen expertise in data and evaluation
CNM merges with the Fort Worth–based Funding Information Center, expanding its regional footprint and building robust analytics systems.
2024
Integrated departments to strengthen consulting
Under new CEO Brendan Miniter, CNM unifies its strategy and data evaluation departments, creating a more powerful framework for improving nonprofits.
2026
Expanded to empower nonprofits from every angle
A holistic approach emerges as CNM expands services to support fundraising, board governance, and executive leadership development.
Who We Serve
Our partners are feeding families, educating children, caring for seniors, and confronting our society’s toughest issues. No matter your mission, we support your priorities without bias. Because you know your community best.
Our Mission
To serve as the force multiplier for North Texas nonprofits, accelerating and amplifying their effectiveness so together we can build a thriving region.
In 2025 alone:
483
nonprofits served
604
workshops & certifications given
103
data evaluations delivered
with 94%+ participant satisfaction.
how we do it
Empowering executives to grow
We train C-suite and senior leaders to run organizations funders can trust and rely upon. Our certifications and workshops bolster your organization’s capabilities, developing key skills and the self-mastery you need to scale your team’s impact.
Connecting leaders shaping what’s next
Healthy institutions don’t grow in isolation. CNM membership unlocks networking opportunities, exclusive resources, and savings on training and consulting. Your community of peers, mentors, and supporters just got bigger.
Rolling up our sleeves together
We believe you have the solutions your community needs. We work alongside you to evolve your organization from frontline responder to trusted institution — listening closely, analyzing the data, and co-designing your best strategy to scale responsibly.
Case Study
44%
increase in clients served
Implementing our 3-year strategic plan and dashboard system, The Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center strengthened fundraising, improved staffing, and scaled responsibly.
Funders & Partners
How to Support This Work
Maximize Your Impact
Purpose-driven organizations count on us to ensure their philanthropic initiatives make a visible difference in their communities.
Donate to Strengthen Nonprofits
As a nonprofit ourselves, we rely on charitable donations to make our services more accessible and scale impact across the sector.
Case Study
98%
treated with dignity
Serving families facing financial hardship, our partner Harvest House significantly expanded services in one year while receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from program participants.
Our Values
It takes bravery to confront society’s toughest problems. But to drive lasting change, courage must be backed by expertise, evidence, and a long-term view.
Clear-Eyed Courage
The people closest to a challenge are best equipped to lead the solutions. Unlocking their creativity is the surest path to transforming communities for the better.
Ground-Up Innovation
Every mission is different. By listening first and respecting the expertise leaders bring, we build strategies together rather than imposing them from the outside.
Authentic Partnership
A free and functioning society needs a diverse and thriving nonprofit ecosystem. We aim to be unbiased and inclusive, believing practical problem-solving can heal cultural divides.
Principled Neutrality
Passion must act on proof to achieve its purpose. We apply a rigorous scientific method to collecting data, analyzing impact, and proposing solutions.
Evidence-Based Excellence
Our Leadership Team
Brendan Miniter
President & CEO
Andrea Carter
Chief Operating Officer
Dana Vilardi
Chief Development Officer
Our Board
Officers
Brandon Rowland
Board Chair
Partner, Assurance
EY
Directors
Scott Orr
Vice Chair
Vice President, Public Affairs
Fidelity Investments
Collin Harrison
Vice Chair
Chief Technology Officer
Bass Enterprises
Alan K. Davis
President
Ken W. Davis Foundation
Larry Meltzer
Principal
MM2 Public Relations
Matthew Dufrene
Vice President
Texas Health Resources
Dana Burghdoff
Secretary
Assistant City Manager
City of Fort Worth
Crystal Wright
Partner
PWC
Our Financials
2024 Revenue by Stakeholders
2024 Expenses by Activity
Calendar Year 2024
Calendar Year 2023
Calendar Year 2022
Our Newsletter
Your inside line to the nonprofit sector.
