Community Partnerships

These facilitated dialogues bring together community stakeholders for meaningful, peer-led discussions on a variety of topics. Each session focuses on a different theme, ranging from skill-building workshops on administrative practices to deep dives into specific social issue areas. Designed to foster collaboration, learning, and shared insight, these conversations are led by members of the CCE team or guest facilitators with specialized knowledge, depending on the topic. This flexible, inclusive format creates space for open dialogue, professional development, and relationship-building across campus and community.

Community Conversations will be held the last Wednesday of every other month from a.m. to 12 p.m. Each Community Conversation will focus on a different topic ranging from administrative skill workshops to issue area focus group discussions.

2026 Dates

• January 28, 2026
• March 25, 2026
• May 27, 2026
• July 29, 2026
• September 30, 2026
• No meeting in November

Community Conversations

NPLC is a professional development initiative designed to enhance the leadership, strategy, and operational capacity of local nonprofit organizations. Launching its first session in August 2025, this virtual, cohort-based series is intentionally structured to minimize barriers to participation while maximizing impact. The program offers focused, practical training through four thematic modules, each running for six consecutive weeks and addressing a key area of nonprofit success: Governance and Leadership, Marketing and Partnerships, Finance and Program Design, and Fundraising and Grant Writing.

This program is ideal for nonprofit professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge, build internal capacity, and collaborate with peers across the sector. Whether you’re new to nonprofit leadership or looking to elevate your impact, this cohort offers a flexible, supportive environment to learn and grow.

Program Format:

Program Schedule & Topics:

Part 1: Governance, Leadership, and People
August 6 – September 10, 2025
Explore board development, nonprofit governance, leadership styles, and strategies to build strong, inclusive teams.

Part 2: Marketing, Public Relations, and Partnerships
October 1 – November 5, 2025
Learn how to craft effective messaging, engage the public, and build strategic partnerships to amplify your mission.

Part 3: Finance and Program Design
February 4 – March 11, 2026
Gain essential knowledge in budgeting, financial oversight, impact measurement, and designing sustainable programs.

Part 4: Fundraising and Grant Writing
April 1 – May 6, 2026
Build skills in fundraising strategy, donor cultivation, and competitive grant writing to support your organization’s growth.

Fall and Spring 26/27 dates TBD

The Nonprofit Leadership Summit is an annual gathering of nonprofit leaders, professionals, and community advocates dedicated to advancing the impact and sustainability of local mission-driven organizations. Hosted at Stetson University, the summit provides a platform for meaningful dialogue, professional development, and the exchange of innovative ideas.

Through workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities, the summit provides participants with opportunities to enhance their leadership skills, strengthen organizational strategies, and address the unique challenges facing the nonprofit sector. Each year, the event focuses on critical topics such as fundraising, governance, and marketing. It is a unique opportunity to learn from community leaders, connect with peers, and leave equipped with actionable strategies to elevate your organization’s mission.

NPLS 2026 Topic: People and Culture

Leading and motivating volunteers and staff

Creating inclusive, equitable, and diverse nonprofit workplaces

Conflict resolution and difficult conversations in mission-driven spaces

Succession planning for key leadership roles

Date and registration information coming soon.

The Sweet Spot Awards Luncheon is a celebration of the extraordinary achievements and contributions made by our dedicated community partners, faculty, staff, and students. This special gathering honors the meaningful work accomplished throughout the year and recognizes the ways we come together to strengthen our community through collaboration, service, and shared purpose.

Each year, we take time to reflect on the impact of our collective efforts and celebrate the individuals and organizations who make a difference through their dedication, creativity, and leadership. Award categories are shaped by the accomplishments of our community and highlight the many ways people contribute to building lasting partnerships and creating positive change.

The Global Citizenship Fair is an annual event that brings together community partners, campus programs, faculty, and students to explore meaningful opportunities for engagement and collaboration. Held each year as part of Stetson University’s commitment to shared values and community impact, the fair serves as a vibrant space to connect students with internships, volunteer roles, service-learning projects, and global experiences such as study abroad.

Our Community Partners are invited to participate by hosting a table and engaging directly with students who are eager to learn about new opportunities and build meaningful connections. There is no cost to participate, and we provide a table and chairs.

The Global Citizenship Fair is an excellent chance for Partners to share their mission, recruit volunteers or interns, and inspire the next generation of changemakers

The Bonner Speed Dating event is designed to connect our newest Bonner Program students with a wide range of community partner organizations. Held at the beginning of the academic year as part of New Bonner Orientation, this event serves as an introduction to the many meaningful ways students can get involved in the community through their Bonner internships.

The format is simple: students rotate through brief, structured conversations, much like “speed dating” with representatives from various nonprofit and community organizations. These rapid, one-on-one conversations give students the chance to learn about different missions, programs, and internship opportunities, while partners have the opportunity to share their work and connect with passionate, service-minded students eager to make a difference.

By the end of the event, students gain a clearer sense of the causes and organizations that align with their interests and values, and partners leave with potential interns excited to contribute to their mission.

The Community Partner Breakfast is an annual gathering held at the start of the academic year that brings together our valued community partners for a morning of connection, collaboration, and conversation. More than just a shared meal, this event is designed to strengthen relationships, celebrate our collective work, and set the stage for a successful year of partnership.

The breakfast offers partners the opportunity to connect with one another, exchange ideas, and build a stronger network of organizations committed to positive community impact. As a dedicated listening space, it also allows us to hear directly from our partners about their most pressing needs, emerging priorities, and evolving goals. These conversations help guide how we collaborate, ensuring that our programs and student engagement efforts align with the real challenges and opportunities facing our community.

By fostering open dialogue and shared planning, the Community Partner Breakfast helps us deepen partnerships, spark new ideas, and continue building a strong foundation for meaningful, long-term impact.