Northern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition Launches to Strengthen Regional Impact
FT. WRIGHT, Ky.—Kentucky Nonprofit Network (KNN), the state association of charitable nonprofits, announced yesterday the formation of the Northern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition (NKNC) at a launch event hosted by sponsor Dean Dorton. This new regional alliance of KNN members aims to build a stronger, more unified nonprofit sector voice among organizations serving Northern Kentucky.
NKNC joins existing coalitions in Lexington, Louisville, and Southeastern Kentucky—a step toward KNN’s goal of creating a strong statewide network of nonprofit leaders advocating locally for the work of the nonprofit community.
“The founding members of the Northern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition represent a powerful cross-section of nonprofits serving our region—from health, housing, and workforce to conservation, child development, family services and the arts,” said Ryan Salzman, Director of Regional Advocacy and Engagement at KNN, who will facilitate the coalition’s work. “We’re excited to bring these organizations together to strengthen their efforts and help inform policymakers about the community and economic contributions of nonprofits across our region.”
“The Northern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition reflects the kind of forward-looking collaboration our region needs,” said Chris A. Bochenek, V.P. and Sr. Program Manager for the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, an early funder of the coalition. “Bringing organizations together around shared challenges and opportunities strengthens connections across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. It truly reinforces the nonprofit sector’s role as a key driver of our regional economy. We’re proud to support a model that encourages innovation, partnership, and long-term regional vitality.”
Through NKNC, nonprofits in the region can stay up to date on public policy issues affecting their organizations and the nonprofit sector at the local, state, and federal levels. Members will access key insights into specific partnerships and funding opportunities as well as collectively advocate directly with Congress, state legislators, and local elected officials. In turn, NKNC hopes to build stronger, more collaborative relationships with local government leaders to better serve Northern Kentucky communities. NKNC nonprofits will also benefit from regularly connecting with fellow local leaders and one-on-one virtual coaching to strengthen their advocacy efforts.
“Nonprofits are essential to the strength and stability of Northern Kentucky communities,” said Jean H. Mize, Chief Operating Officer of The R. C. Durr Foundation, Inc., an early funder of the
coalition. “From supporting education to meeting critical needs like food, shelter, and health services, these organizations make a direct difference in people’s lives every day. This coalition creates an important opportunity to better connect those efforts and strengthen the impact of services across our region.”
“The launch of the Northern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition comes at a pivotal moment for our sector,” said Danielle Clore, KNN’s CEO. “Organizations are navigating rising demand, shifting resources that include funding threats, and an evolving policy landscape—while continuing to meet the changing needs of their communities. This coalition creates an important opportunity to align efforts at the regional level, and KNN is proud to support Northern Kentucky nonprofit leaders as they shape what comes next.”
The coalition’s 26 member organizations, including KNN, collectively serve 682,066 constituents each year and employ 2,270 full-time and 1,918 part-time staff. Together, these nonprofits contribute $356 million in annual payroll and expenditures to the Northern Kentucky economy and generate $371.8 million in total revenue, with 68% coming from earned income and fees for services—primarily through government grants and contracts. This funding sustains critical services across the region and highlights the growing importance of strong nonprofit advocacy, as the sector’s financial health is directly tied to the strength of Northern Kentucky’s communities and economy.
Nonprofits interested in joining the Northern Kentucky Nonprofit Coalition can learn more and get involved at kynonprofits.org/join/nknc.
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Kentucky Nonprofit Network was founded in 2002 and exists to strengthen and advance the Commonwealth’s nonprofit organizations through quality education, sharing of nonprofit management recommended practices and resources, time and money-saving member benefits, and a unified public policy voice for its 1,200+ member nonprofits. Nonprofit organizations are critical to Kentucky’s quality of life and serve as an important economic engine, employing one in ten of the state’s private sector workforce.
