EVOLVE Nonprofit Networking + Training
EVOLVE: Empowering Visionaries, Optimizing Leadership, and Valuing Excellence
The EVOLVE Nonprofit Program is designed for nonprofit leaders, founders, and board members in Halifax, Mecklenburg, Charlotte, Lunenburg, Brunswick, Pittsylvania, and surrounding counties. This program offers both a comprehensive training series and ongoing networking opportunities to help nonprofit organizations grow and thrive.
Training Series
The EVOLVE Nonprofit Training Series is a six-part curriculum that will explore essential nonprofit management topics including organizational purpose, board governance, financial management, team leadership, marketing and outreach, and strategic planning.
COHORT 1 LAUNCHING FALL 2025 – Register by September 16, 2025
- Session 1 – Tuesday, September 23, 11:30am-2:30pm at the SOVA Innovation Hub (in-person)
- Session 2 – Tuesday, October 7, 11:30am-2:30pm on Zoom
- Session 3 – Tuesday, October 21, 11:30am-2:30pm on Zoom
- Session 4 – Tuesday, November 18, 11:30am-2:30pm on Zoom
- Session 5 – Tuesday, December 2, 11:30am-2:30pm on Zoom
- Session 6 + Celebration – Tuesday, December 9, 11:30am-2:30pm at the SOVA Innovation Hub (in-person)
- The first and sixth session will be in-person at the SOVA Innovation Hub (715 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, VA). In between, there will be four live, virtual sessions. Participants who complete the six-part series will be recognized with a Certificate of Completion.
Investment: $75 per person. Register by September 16, 2025.
A limited number of scholarships are available to nonprofit organizations based in Halifax County, thanks to support from Hitachi! Apply here >
Questions about the EVOLVE Nonprofit Training Series? Contact Rachel del Campo Gatewood at rachel@riverdistrictconsulting.com.
Networking Events
The EVOLVE Nonprofit Networking Events are by the SOVA Innovation Hub in partnership with the Dan River Nonprofit Network. You can expect to engage with peers, learn from guest speakers, and leave with new information and contacts to support your nonprofit organization.
Thanks to everyone who joined us for the EVOLVE Launch Party on August 19th! We had an awesome turnout!
The next EVOLVE Nonprofit Networking Event is Tuesday, October 14th, 5:30-7:00pm at the SOVA Innovation Hub.
All EVOLVE Networking Events are free to all nonprofit leaders, staff, volunteers, and board members. RSVPs are requested to help us plan to have plenty of snacks and seating. We hope you’ll join us!
Questions about the EVOLVE Nonprofit Networking Events? Contact Kirsten Aherron at kirsten@danrivernonprofits.org.
Training Series Details
Session 1: Setting the Foundation: Mission, Vision, and the Nonprofit Sector
Format: In-person at the SOVA Innovation Hub (715 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, VA)
Structure: 3 hours, including 30 minutes connection + 2 hours learning + 30 minutes lunch social
Focus Areas:
- Mission, vision, and values
- Leadership roles in the nonprofit ecosystem
- Strategic clarity and organizational purpose
Facilitators: River District Consulting Group and Dan River Nonprofit Network
Session 2: Building Strong Foundations: Nonprofit Governance & Board Development
Format and Structure: Virtual workshop, 3 hours with a break
Focus Areas:
- Governance fundamentals
- Board roles and responsibilities
- Recruitment, engagement, and succession planning
Session 3: Money Matters: Fundraising, Grant Readiness, and Financial Management
Format and Structure: Virtual workshop, 3 hours with a break
Focus Areas:
- Budgeting and financial oversight
- Fundraising strategy and donor relationships
- Introduction to grant writing and funding alignment
Session 4: People Power: Leading Teams & Managing with Purpose
Format and Structure: Virtual workshop, 3 hours with a break
Focus Areas:
- HR basics for small nonprofits
- Leadership development and supervision
- Organizational culture and team support
Session 5: Telling Your Story: Nonprofit Marketing & Community Engagement
Format and Structure: Virtual workshop, 3 hours with a break
Focus Areas:
- Messaging and storytelling
- Low-cost marketing tools
- Stakeholder and community engagement
Session 6: From Insight to Action: Sustaining Impact Beyond the Series
Format: In-person at the SOVA Innovation Hub (715 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, VA)
Structure: 2 hours learning + 30-minute reflection + 1 hour social
Focus Areas:
- Strategic planning and implementation
- Leadership reflection
- Program wrap-up and cohort celebration
PROGRAM PARTNERS
PRESENTED BY
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
PROGRAM SPONSORS
REGIONAL CHAMPIONS
IMPACT MAKER
COMMUNITY SUPPORTER
Become a Sponsor
Support the growth of Southern Virginia’s nonprofit sector by sponsoring the EVOLVE Nonprofit Program hosted by the SOVA Innovation Hub in partnership with the Dan River Nonprofit Network and River District Consulting. Your tax-deductible donation to the SOVA Innovation Hub, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, helps provide high-quality training, resources, and networking opportunities for local nonprofit leaders. Sponsors receive recognition on program materials, visibility across media channels, and the chance to engage directly with program participants.
Join us in strengthening community impact – become an EVOLVE sponsor!
QUESTIONS?
Contact us at hello@sovainnovationhub.com