NCE's planning process involves formal input from the broad general public, community decision-makers and other agencies and organizations who work to address similar issues.
Programs are very focused on local needs, but knit together to reflect five broad program areas.
Children, youth and families is the largest program. All efforts are based upon an ecological model, involving the individual, family and community influences. The second largest programmatic focus of NCE is natural resources. A particular emphasis is water. Educational programs in nutrition, diet and health and sustainable agriculture are conducted in the urban and rural areas respectfully.