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How Group Purchasing Empowers Charter Schools: CPA's Insights from NCSC '25
How Group Purchasing Empowers Charter Schools: CPA's Insights from NCSC '25

This summer, staff from the Community Purchasing Alliance Co-op attended the largest gathering of charter school leaders in the country at the National Charter School Conference (NCSC).

We spoke with charter leaders all conference long about some of the challenges that they face in their work. From a changing regulatory landscape, to safety concerns and rising costs – there is no shortage of worries on school operations leaders’ minds.

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Why Electricity Prices Are Spiking — And How We Helped Nonprofits Navigate the Storm Together
Why Electricity Prices Are Spiking — And How We Helped Nonprofits Navigate the Storm Together

In spring 2025, organizations across DC, Maryland, and Ohio found themselves facing unexpected news: a dramatic, across-the-board spike in electricity supply costs beginning in June. For budget-constrained nonprofits—schools, congregations, and community institutions alike—this presented more than a budget line adjustment. It became a source of uncertainty and concern at precisely the time of year when annual budgets are being finalized. What caused this sudden increase? More importantly, what could we do about it?

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CPA Co-op Spring/Summer 2025 Newsletter
CPA Co-op Spring/Summer 2025 Newsletter

Last year, the Community Purchasing Alliance Cooperative formed a national network of co-ops, the CPA Network (CPA). Three local co-ops now make up the CPA Network: CPA DC, CPA MA and PowerUp OH. Over the past decade, our flagship co-op in DC has helped community institutions save time and money, secure better contract terms, and shift spend to local and BIPOC-owned businesses on over $150 million dollars of contracting.

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Why Nonprofit Insurance Premiums Are Rising - And How to Respond Strategically
Why Nonprofit Insurance Premiums Are Rising - And How to Respond Strategically

Insurance costs are on the rise — and not by small margins. Nonprofits of every shape and size, from charter schools to religious institutions, are experiencing notable spikes in their insurance premiums. Increases of 15% to 30% annually are becoming more common, and many organizations are seeing these jumps despite having no changes to their claims history, asset valuations, or operational risk.

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