Nonprofit Issues Forum
Join nonprofit leaders, advocates, and policy experts from across South Carolina and beyond for the 2026 Nonprofit Issues Forum. This annual gathering explores the pressing policy issues shaping our sector—federal decisions, state-level reactions, and the evolving challenges nonprofits face.
Through engaging panels, interactive Q&A, and candid discussions, participants will gain insight into how nonprofits can adapt, respond, and lead amidst shifting political, economic, and social landscapes. Attendees will also enjoy dedicated networking time and opportunities to connect with peers and thought leaders driving impact statewide.
Agenda
| November 18 | |
| 9:30 AM - 9:40 AM |
Welcome Remarks
Welcome: Karen Riordan Advocacy Allies PN Welcome: Nancy Lee / Jeff Robinson |
| 9:40 AM - 10:20 AM |
State of Play: Federal Actions & Nonprofits
What’s happening in Washington and what it means for your mission. A fireside chat with Bernie Mazcyk (SCACED) and GP McLeer (Together SC). |
| 10:20 AM - 10:30 AM |
Break
Snacks & Drinks Provided |
| 10:30 AM - 11:20 AM |
State (Re)Actions & Nonprofits
How has South Carolina responded to federal policy shifts, and what ripple effects are nonprofits experiencing? Moderator: Sally Ehrenfried (Blackbaud) Courtney Thomas (ACLU of SC) Kimberly Tissot (Able SC) Henry Well (United Way Assoc of SC) |
| 11:20 AM - 11:30 AM |
Break
Snacks & Drinks Provided |
| 11:30 AM - 12:20 PM |
Small Group Discussions
Peer discussions around current policy priorities, current impacts of public policy, and support needed going forward. |
| 12:20 PM - 12:30 PM | Closing Remarks |
Visionary Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Registration Options
|
Registration Options
|
Price |
|---|---|
|
Together SC Member
|
$30.00 |
|
Non-Member
|
$40.00 |
|
Advocacy Allies Peer Network Member
|
$25.00 |
Attendees (45)
Kassy Alia
CEO
Serve & Connect
Jamie Alt
Policy and Advocacy Specialist
Feeding the Carolinas
Jordan Amaker
Director of Advocacy & Communications
Lowcountry Local First
Kim Andrews
Founder
Kim Andrews Coaching
Shanice Bligen
VP of Programs
Midlands Housing Alliance
Meredith Blount
Director of Strategic Partnerships
United Way of the Midlands
Megan Branham
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Family Connection of SC
Djuanna Brockington
Interim Executive Director
Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission
Abbey-Grace Bryant
Operations Coordinator
Home Works of America, Inc.
Joseph Current
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Trident United Way
Susan DeVenny
CEO
Arras Foundation
Dawn Dowden
Chief Operating Officer
Homes of Hope
Shawn Edwards
CEO
Solutions by Shawn Edwards
Roxanne Forsythe
Executive Director
Driving Change
Kellen Gatton
Volunteer and Event Coordinator
Oliver Gospel Mission
Chelsea Gold
Office Manager
Engaging Creative Minds
Tamara Greene
Regional Executive Director
Freedom Readers
Jonathan Habbick
CEO
Thursday Team
Amanda Herlihy
Executive Director
Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities Foundation
Melanie Huggins
President & CEO
Girl Scouts of South Carolina - Mountains to Midlands
Stephanie Kelley
Executive Director
East Cooper Community Outreach
Alysha McConnell
Executive Director
Family Promise of the Midlands
Melinda Merrell
Senior Director of Grantmaking
Sisters of Charity Foundation of SC
De'Angelo Montgomery
Program Manager
Serve & Connect
Kara Moore
Director Community Engagement
Lowcountry Food Bank
Demetria Mosley
Donor Relations Officer
American Civil Liberties Union of SC Foundation
Summersby Okey
Director of Development & Advocacy
Habitat for Humanity of York County
Dolly Patton
Chief Advancement Officer
Girl Scouts of South Carolina - Mountains to Midlands
Erin Predmore
Executive Director
Greenville Connects
Omme-Salma Rahemtullah
Interim Executive Director
FoodShare South Carolina
Citlaly Rojo
Legislative Associate
Institute for Child Success
Lila Anna Sauls
President/CEO
Homeless No More
Vicki Singleton
President and CEO
United Way of Sumter, Clarendon & Lee Counties
Amber Stewart
Advocacy and Community Engagement Director
Greenville Housing Fund
Latasha Taste
Senior Director of Statewide Partnerships
Communities In Schools of South Carolina
Preston Trippe
Executive Director
Beginnings SC
Kristen Williams
Director of Advocacy & Community Engagement
Charleston Habitat for Humanity
Saville Williams
Executive Director
LifeWorks SC
Hafeezah Yates
State Manager- South Carolina
Save the Children Action Network
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