The Community Foundation for the CSRA is proud to announce the participants of its 2026 Capacity Building Cohort. In its third year, this initiative brings together nonprofit leaders from across the region to strengthen organizational effectiveness, sustainability, and long-term community impact.

Designed to equip participating organizations with the tools, strategies, and connections necessary for growth, the Capacity Building Cohort provides structured learning sessions, expert-led workshops, and peer collaboration opportunities. Participants will focus on key areas such as governance, fundraising strategy, financial management, strategic planning, and operational excellence.

“This cohort represents our continued commitment to investing not only in programs, but in the people and organizations leading the work,” says Shell Berry, President and CEO. “When we strengthen nonprofit capacity, we strengthen our entire community.”

Over the course of the year-long program, participants will engage in hands-on learning experiences and practical implementation strategies tailored to their organization’s needs. The goal is to empower leaders with sustainable frameworks that drive measurable impact well beyond the program’s duration.

2026 Capacity Building Cohort Participants:

• Gerald Ricks, Executive Director, Boggs Rural Life Center
• Eric Mongillo, Director, Broad Street Ministry
• Gailer Baity, Founder and Executive Director, Elite Eagles Inc.
• Denise Tucker, Executive Director, The Greater Augusta Arts Council
• Christie Stewart, VP & Program Director, The Manhood Tour
• Kari Callaway, Executive Director, McDuffie Manna
• Sara Hilyard, Outreach Coordinator, Pawsitive For Heroes
• Thomas Robinson, Founder, Toxic House of Elite
• Tiffany Howard, Founder, Wild Thistle Collaborative
• Vachon Upson, Executive Director, Women in Unity

The Community Foundation believes that strong nonprofits are essential to building a thriving CSRA. By investing in leadership development and organizational capacity, the Foundation continues to advance its mission of connecting people who care with causes that matter. 

For more information about the Capacity Building Cohort or the Community Foundation’s nonprofit support initiatives, visithttps://www.cfcsra.org/nonprofits/training-resources/capacity-building-cohort/ or contact Lasima Turmon, Director of Programs at[email protected].