Public & Nonprofit Professional Associations

What are Professional Associations?

Professional associations seek to gather individuals working in certain fields through a common interest. Their goals are to promote activities such as development, ethics, and training standards in order to protect both the professional and public interest. These organizations serve as great sources of information and networking within their field, and often provide additional benefits to their members.

American Society for Public Administration (ASPA): Since 1939, ASPA has represented all forums in the public service arena.
Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM): APPAM is dedicated to improving public policy and management by fostering excellence in research, analysis, and education.
Conference of Minority Public Administrators (COMPA): COMPA is one of America’s leading national organizations committed to excellence in public service and public administration.
International Research Society for Public Management (IRSPM): The International Research Society for Public Management (IRSPM) is interested in improving our understanding of public management and public policy implementation.
National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA): The Academy provides advice and solutions based on research and analysis.
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA): NASPAA is an institutional membership organization which exists to promote excellence in public service education.
National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA): NFBPA is dedicated to the advancement of black public leadership in local and state governments.
Public Management Research Association (PMRA): PMRA is a nonprofit academic membership association growing out of the bi-annual series of Public Management Research Conferences.
United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPAN): UNPAN is a global network that connects relevant international, regional, sub-regional and national institutions worldwide for the promotion of better public administration.

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME): AFSCME is a union made up of a diverse group of people who share a common commitment to public service.
Association of Inspectors General (AIG): The AIG seeks to foster and promote public accountability and integrity through policy research and analysis; standardization of practices, policies, conduct, and ethics.
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA): GFOA includes recommended practices in the functional areas of public finance, policy statements, and summaries of recent research projects.
International City/County Management Association (ICMA): The ICMA provides member support to more than 9,000 city, town, and county experts and other individuals and organizations internationally.
National Association of Counties (NACo): NACo is the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States.
National Association of Regional Councils (NARC): NARC advocates for and provides services to its member councils of government (COGs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs).
National Association of State Facilities Administrators (NASFA): NASFA provides leadership in the development and implementation of state facility administration practices.
National Association of State Personnel Executives (NASPE): NASPE is an authority on state government human resource issues, trends, practices, and policies.
National Center for State Courts: NCSC is the organization courts turn to for authoritative knowledge and information, because its efforts are directed by collaborative work with the Conference of Chief Justices, the Conference of State Court Administrators, and other associations of judicial leaders.
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL): NCSL, a bipartisan organization, provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers.
National Governors Association (NGA): NGA is a bipartisan organization of the nation’s governors that speaks with a unified voice on national policy.
National League of Cities (NLC): This site contains information about conferences and training for individuals who believe that cities can be centers of opportunity, leadership and governance.
The National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO): NASBO is the instrument through which the states collectively advance state budget practices.
State and Local Government Employees (SLGE): This is the ultimate government resource for state and local government employees.
The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM): USCM is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more.

Alliance for Nonprofit Management (ANM): ANM is a professional association devoted to improving the management and governance capacity of nonprofits.
Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA): The Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) is a U.S.-based, national and international association that connects scholars, teachers, and practice leaders interested in research on nonprofit organizations, voluntary action, philanthropy, and civil society.
National Council on Nonprofits: To advance the vital role and voice of New Jersey’s charitable nonprofit organizations who provide services throughout our state and national networks.
NJ Center for Nonprofits: To build the power of New Jersey’s nonprofit community who improve the quality of life for the people of our state.

Public & Nonprofit Professional Associations

What are Professional Associations?

Public Sector Groups – General

Public Sector Groups – Government, All Levels

Nonprofit Associations