Black Belt Capacity Building Workshops to offer free training for nonprofits, churches and community groups

Community leaders, churches, nonprofit organizations and grassroots groups across Alabama’s Black Belt will have an opportunity this summer to strengthen their organizations through a new free professional development workshop series focused on leadership, sustainability and community impact.

The 2026 Black Belt Capacity Building Workshops are being offered through a partnership between the Mike & Gillian Goodrich Foundation, Black Belt Community Foundation, Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area and Daniel Foundation of Alabama.

Organizers said the workshop series is designed to help strengthen organizations throughout the Black Belt by providing practical training on essential nonprofit and organizational development topics.

Sessions will focus on grants and fundraising, budgeting and finance, marketing and networking, and governance and board leadership. The workshops are intended for organizations at every stage of development, from newly formed community groups seeking guidance to established nonprofits looking to expand their reach and improve operations.

“All workshops are designed to equip organizations with practical tools and knowledge that can strengthen their long-term impact in the communities they serve,” organizers said in a release. “Strong organizations are essential to building stronger communities across Alabama’s Black Belt.”

The workshops will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and lunch will be provided. Attendance is free, but registration is required.

The first workshop, focused on grants and fundraising, will be held Wednesday, June 24, at the Dr. Michael and Catherine Bullock Community and Recreation Center in Selma. A second session on budgeting and finance will take place Tuesday, June 30, at the same location.

Additional workshops will be hosted at the Black Belt Development Center in Livingston. The July 17 session will focus on marketing, branding and networking, while the July 29 workshop will address governance and the role of nonprofit boards.

For more information or to register, contact Jennifer Ludwick with the Mike & Gillian Goodrich Foundation at 251-533-0492 or jennifer@mggoodrichfoundation.org.