The African American Nonprofit Network was founded in 2006 to strengthen diversity among the leadership of national nonprofit organizations. 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 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 national nonprofit community.

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.