A foundation started by one of Augusta’s historic businesses is continuing to support leadership for non-profit organizations.
The J. B. White Foundation, collaborating with the Community Foundation of the CSRA (CFCSRA), has launched the 2026 Capacity Building Cohort.
This is the third year the initiative has brought together leaders from nonprofit organizations, particularly those that are small and new or emerging, to strengthen effectiveness, sustainability, and long-term community impact.
“We accept 10 nonprofit leaders into it every year, and they spend the year with us doing professional development through trainings and workshops facilitated by local subject matter experts,” Lasima Turmon, Director of Programs at CFCSRA, explained for ABD. “They also get a year of one-on-one mentoring and coaching with foundation staff.”
Participants will attend learning sessions, expert-led workshops, and peer collaboration opportunities. The goal is to give the groups the tools, strategies, and connections they will need to thrive. The lessons will target vital areas including governance, fundraising strategy, financial management, and strategic planning.
Turmon said CFCSRA is usually thought of as a fundraising organization, but strengthening nonprofits is one of the top priorities in their strategic plan.
“We also think about the things that organizations need to be able to compete for and receive and steward resources to support their mission work. A lot of times, what those needs are go beyond dollars. So, how can we use our network, our connections, our strengths, our access to information and people to build up organizational leaders who can then walk out their role to lead their mission and lift their organizations up as a whole,” she said.
CFCSRA believes strong nonprofits work to create a thriving CSRA, and supporting leadership development and organizational capacity are part of its mission.
“This cohort represents our continued commitment to investing not only in programs, but in the people and organizations leading the work,” said Shell Berry, President and CEO. “When we strengthen nonprofit capacity, we strengthen our entire community.”
Every other month, the participants go to the CFCSRA offices for half-day workshops on a single topic, led by a local expert in the subject. Topics range from organizational basics to resource development, marketing and communications, and financial management.
“With the one-on-one coaching sessions, it’s up to them, whatever is most convenient for them. We offer up to 10 coaching sessions,” said Turmon. “There is a minimum amount that they are required to have, because at the end of the program, they are allowed to apply for a micro-grant to support a capacity-building need.”
Funding for Capacity Building Cohort is provided by the J. B. White Foundation, which began with $400,000 bequeathed to the city by founder James Brice White, with instructions to use the money for the public good. It has supported local charities and provided scholarships. CFCSRA has managed the fund since 2012.
The 2026 Capacity Building Cohort participants are:
- 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
CFCSRA begins taking applications for next year’s cohort in November.
For more information, visit: www.cfcsra.org/nonprofits/training-resources/capacity-building-cohort/
