Our History

The Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO) is a nonprofit support organization and membership association that represents over 600 nonprofit and affiliate members. We provide assistance to the nonprofit sector through training programs, consulting services, interim staffing solutions, peer networks, and knowledge resources. Our members are located throughout Oregon and engage in a wide variety of activities that help make strong communities, including: health and human services, education, arts and culture programs, and environmental stewardship. Our mission is to strengthen the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of Oregon nonprofits.

Originally founded as Technical Assistance for Community Services (TACS) in 1977, NAO has developed successful initiatives to increase the capacity of nonprofit organizations and engage Oregonians in supporting them, including the Nonprofit Helpline, regional nonprofit training networks, peer learning communities, and advocacy.

By 2009, NAO was over 500 members strong and began tackling advocacy issues to advance the sector and get the stories of the good works of nonprofits in front of policy makers, the media, and other opinion leaders. There was growing interest by funders and partners to see a more robust and more active statewide association serving the nonprofit sector and representing its interests in the public policy arena. The Nonprofit Association of Oregon became the official identity and business model for the organization in 2010 after an extensive strategic planning process.

We are grateful to the friends and supporters who helped build and shape NAO, including TACS co-founders Kay Sohl and Jean DeMaster; Board members who have given their time, expertise, and financial support; and the many consultants and trainers who continue to share their expertise with our members and clients. We are especially grateful to members of the funding community who provide core operating support of our work, including: The Ford Family Foundation, Meyer Memorial Trust, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, and The Oregon Community Foundation.