The Alabama Association of Nonprofits (AAN) is a membership based organization formed to serve the needs of Alabama’s growing nonprofit sector. Information obtained through focus groups conducted following our transition in late 2009 helped direct the Association to develop and focus on four key areas: * Offer Professional Development programming that enhances the knowledge of nonprofit professionals, board members and volunteers * Address Public Policy & Advocacy issues affecting the sector on a local, state and federal level * Provide members access to discounted products, services and employee benefits utilizing a group purchasing methodology * Implement Standards For Excellence®, a proven and effective capacity building initiative that assists nonprofits in obtaining the highest of standards in ethics, governance, management, and accountability Membership in the Association is open to any emerging, new or existing nonprofit organization, including volunteers, board members and students interested in the nonprofit sector. The Alabama Association of Nonprofits is governed by a dynamic and visionary Board of Directors.