The African American Nonprofit Network was founded in 2006 to strengthen diversity among the leadership of nonprofit organizations within the National Capital Region. By broadening the base of African American management and leadership, AANN helps nonprofits better understand and address the needs of the children, youth and families they serve. AANN achieves these results by helping nonprofit organizations in the National Capital Region identify: * Experienced African American managers within the nonprofit sector to serve as president, executive director, CEO, COO, CFO, chief human services officer, and in other senior management capacities; * Talented African Americas in other arenas, such as the for-profit sector and military service, that are interested in working in the nonprofit sector, and helping them to transition their careers; and * African Americans with strong leadership skills that are interested in serving as board members, advisors, and mentors for board members. AANN was created by 11 community leaders who were concerned about the heavy turnover and lack of diversity among leadership in the nonprofit sector. These visionary leaders shared a history of working and volunteering in the nonprofit sector. They understood the challenges nonprofits face, listened to various viewpoints, and united to strengthen the nonprofit community in the National Capital Region. AANN received seed support and strategic assistance from the Venture Philanthropy Partners (VPP), a philanthropic investment organization that concentrates investments of money, expertise and personal contacts to improve the lives and boost the opportunities of children and youth of low-income families in the National Capital Region.