Early Bird Registration Opens September 18

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700+

Attendees

35+

Industry Topics

40+

Breakout Sessions

8

Hours of Networking




The strength of the nonprofit sector isn't found in one singular program or mission. It comes from organizations, funders, volunteers, and community leaders being woven together into the fabric of our communities - each thread making us stronger and more stable.

The 2026 SC Nonprofit Summit will highlight best practices and new strategies that help organizations and their teams position for strength and stability, helping South Carolina's communities be more resilient and vibrant.


Learn More

Early Bird Registration Opens September 18. Limited Tickets Available.
Standard Registration Opens October 7. 

Register Now. See Rates.

Meet Our Plenary Speakers


Suzanne Smith, MBA
Social Impact Architects

Suzanne Smith, MBA, is the Founder of Social Impact Architects, a Benefit Corporation reshaping the business of social change. With three decades of experience as a social innovator, she advises leaders nationwide, teaches social entrepreneurship at top universities, and writes the award-winning Social TrendSpotter blog. Suzanne co-founded the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and has been recognized nationally for her thought leadership in building game-changing social solutions.


Dr. Kirsten Naomi Chapman 
United Way of Greenville County

Dr. Kirsten Naomi Rogers Chapman is the Vice President of Systems Change and Innovation at United Way of Greenville County. With +15 years of experience, she specializes in solving the execution gap that derails corporate transformations, developing scalable frameworks that build lasting organizational change. An expert in cross-sector collaboration, adult learning science, and innovation lab design, she has led strategy, professional development, and racial equity initiatives that strengthen organizations and communities.



Dr. Cory Scheer
Dr. Cory Scheer
TrustCentric®

Cory Scheer, Ed.D., MBA, is the Founder and CEO of TrustCentric® Consulting. With over 25 years of leadership experience across multiple sectors, he helps organizations build trust-driven cultures that improve performance and well-being. Cory is the author of Closing the Trust Gap, co-author of the National Survey on Brand and Trust, and creator of The Complete Guide to Building Organizational Trust.


Meliah Bowers Jefferson 
Jolley Foundation

Meliah Bowers Jefferson, JD, is the Executive Director of the Jolley Foundation, where she leads grantmaking, investments, and community engagement to advance a just and vibrant Greenville. A top-level attorney, spokesperson, and heart attack survivor, she draws on two decades of experience in law, business, and community leadership to inspire resilience and empower others to build lives of purpose.



SC Nonprofit Summit Agenda

Day 1: Monday, March 9

12:00 PM - Registration opens

2 PM -  Nonprofit 2.0: Navigating the Road Ahead

  • Keynote - Suzanne Smith
  • Keynote Panel - Moderated by Dr. Kirsten Naomi Chapman

3:45 PM - Concurrent Sessions

5:30 PM - Welcome Happy Hour

Day 2: Tuesday, March 10

7:30 AM - Hot Breakfast Buffet

9 AM - Concurrent Sessions

10:30 AM - Closing the Trust Gap 

  • Keynote - Dr. Cory Scheer
  • Keynote Panel - Moderated by Meliah Bowers Jefferson - Keynote 

12 PM - Buffet Lunch

1:30 PM - Concurrent Sessions

3 PM - Southeastern Threads

  • Keynote Panel - Announcing Soon! 

5 PM - Allies For Good Reception 

Day 3: Wednesday, March 11

7:30 AM - Hot Breakfast Buffet

9 AM - Concurrent Sessions

10:30 AM - Concurrent Sessions 

Read the latest updates, news & blogs for the Nonprofit Summit

Read Now

Thank You to Our Sponsors & Co-Hosts



Hosted at the Hyatt Regency Greenville


220 N. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601

Special rates are available until January 31 OR until they are sold out. 

Book Your Hotel Nights Now


The Timeline

  September 18

  • Early Bird Registration Opens
  • Special Hotel Rates Open 
  • Keynote and Panels Announced 
 October 7
  • Standard Registration Opens 
  • 35+ Breakout Sessions Released
 January 31 Hotel Special Rate Closes February 23 Conference App Launches

Exhibitors & Sponsors

Receive complimentary conference tickets.

Exhibitor tables and Sponsorship packages are available for purchase in advance.  

2026 Summit Steering Committee

  • Katy Smith

    Katy Smith

    MSW

    Executive Director, Greater Good Greenville

    Co-Chair

  • Dawn Dowden

    Dawn Dowden

    Chief Operating Officer, Homes of Hope

    View Profile

    (864)546-4634

    Co-Chair

  • Langley Shealy

    Langley Shealy

    Administrator, SC Grantmakers Network

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    (803)261-8585

  • Sally Wills

    Sally Wills

    Executive Director, LiveWell Greenville

  • Mike Ungar

    Mike Ungar

    FocalPoint Master Business Coach, FocalPoint Executive Coach, Veteran-Owned Small...

    Business Coach and Executive Coach, FocalPoint Business Coaching

  • Rieta Drinkwine

    Rieta Drinkwine

    PEPS & STEM Initiatives Coordinator, Clemson University

  • Jamika Nedwards

    Jamika Nedwards

    Director of Mission Impact, United Ministries

    View Profile

    (864)605-7697

  • Lelia King

    Lelia King

    Executive Director, Build Carolina

    View Profile

    (980)322-5636

  • Justine Allen

    Justine Allen

    Program & Event Coordinator, Ten at the Top

  • Meliah Bowers- Jefferson

    Meliah Bowers- Jefferson

    Executive Director, Jolley Foundation

    View Profile

    (864)696-6983

  • Belle Zeigler

    Belle Zeigler

    Executive Director, Eastern Carolina Community Foundation

  • Crystal Denise Davis

    Crystal Denise Davis

    Parenting Program Director, Charleston County First Steps

    View Profile

    (843)745-0237

  • Eleanor Dunlap

    Eleanor Dunlap

    Executive Organizational and Talent Consultant, Find Great People, LLC

  • Henry Well

    Henry Well

    President / CEO, United Way Association of SC

    View Profile

    (803)605-0054

  • Todd Leahy

    Todd Leahy

    President and CEO, Chapman Cultural Center

  • Chelsea Gold

    Chelsea Gold

    Office Manager, Engaging Creative Minds

    View Profile

    (843)870-4293

  • Kirsten Naomi Chapman

    Kirsten Naomi Chapman

    Vice President of Systems Change & Innovation, United Way of Greenville County

  • Lynn Mann

    Lynn Mann

    Director of Community Engagement, Fluor Corporation