A new initiative launching this August aims to empower nonprofit leaders across Southern Virginia. The EVOLVE Nonprofit Program—short for Empowering Visionaries, Optimizing Leadership, and Valuing Excellence—offers nonprofit professionals the opportunity to build leadership skills, connect with peers, and strengthen their organizations.
Developed by the SOVA Innovation Hub in partnership with the Dan River Nonprofit Network and River District Consulting Group, the EVOLVE program includes two components: free EVOLVE nonprofit networking events and a paid six-session EVOLVE training series. The EVOLVE program was created in response to the need for professional development and peer connection among nonprofit leaders in rural Virginia. The program is open to nonprofit organization staff, board members, and volunteers from Halifax, Mecklenburg, Lunenburg, Charlotte, Brunswick, Pittsylvania, and surrounding counties.
The EVOLVE nonprofit networking events begin with the “EVOLVE Launch Party” on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 from 5:30pm-7:00pm at the SOVA Innovation Hub at 715 Wilborn Avenue in South Boston. Additional EVOLVE nonprofit networking events will be hosted throughout the year in partnership with the Dan River Nonprofit Network. These events are free to attend and do not require participation in the training series. These gatherings are designed to foster collaboration, resource-sharing, and relationship-building among local changemakers.
The EVOLVE training series starts in September 2025 and concludes in December 2025. The first and sixth sessions will be held in-person at the SOVA Innovation Hub in South Boston, VA. Sessions two through five will be live, virtual sessions held on Zoom featuring guest facilitators who are subject matter experts in the nonprofit sector.
The training series will cover core topics, including:
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- Session 1: Setting the Foundation: Mission, Vision, and the Nonprofit Sector
- Session 2: Building Strong Foundations: Nonprofit Governance & Board Development
- Session 3: Money Matters: Fundraising, Grant Readiness, and Financial Management
- Session 4: People Power: Leading Teams & Managing with Purpose
- Session 5: Telling Your Story: Nonprofit Marketing & Community Engagement
- Session 6: From Insight to Action: Sustaining Impact Beyond the Series
Participants who complete all six sessions will be recognized at a special completion ceremony following the sixth session. The cost to participate in the training series is $75 per person. A limited number of scholarships are available for nonprofits based in Halifax County, thanks to sponsorship from Hitachi.
“Strong nonprofits are essential to strong communities, especially in rural regions like Southern Virginia,” said Mallory Lawter, Community Manager at the SOVA Innovation Hub. “We created the EVOLVE program to provide nonprofit leaders with the tools, connections, and confidence they need to grow their impact. By investing in the people who lead these organizations, we’re investing in the future of our region.”
“The Dan River Nonprofit Network is proud to support the EVOLVE program by fostering networking opportunities for nonprofit leaders,” said Kirsten Aherron, Programs Manager at the Dan River Nonprofit Network. “Strong organizations are built not only by learning from subject matter experts, but also by learning from one another. Our goal is to create a space where local expertise can be shared freely, helping to strengthen and sustain a vibrant nonprofit ecosystem.
“We believe that strong leadership and shared learning can transform how nonprofits serve their communities,” said Rachel del Campo Gatewood, Co-Founder and Principal Consultant, River District Consulting Group. “EVOLVE is built to deliver hands-on, results-oriented training that nonprofit leaders can put to use immediately. We’re invested in this initiative because we believe in what it makes possible: stronger organizations, better decisions, and deeper impact.”
To learn more or sign up, visit: sovainnovationhub.com/evolve
The SOVA Innovation Hub is a nonprofit organization working to spark economic transformation in Southern Virginia by advancing digital skills and entrepreneurship. Located in South Boston, VA, it provides coworking, training, and collaborative space, and serves as a lead partner for RISE Collaborative. Learn more at sovainnovationhub.com.
About Dan River Nonprofit Network
The Dan River Nonprofit Network supports and strengthens nonprofits across the Dan River Region, recognizing their critical role in enhancing community health, self-sufficiency, and quality of life. Since 2013, the Network has connected local organizations through shared learning and collaboration.
The organization focuses on three core areas to accomplish their vision of stronger nonprofits supporting a stronger community: networking to foster collaboration and resource sharing, skills training for nonprofit leaders and staff, and vetted resources to support operational excellence. Through these efforts, the Network empowers nonprofits to build capacity, improve services, and increase their impact. Learn more at danrivernonprofits.org.
About River District Consulting Group
River District Consulting Group (RDCG) is a strategic consulting firm based in Chatham, Virginia, that partners with nonprofits, municipalities, and funders to develop bold ideas, engage communities, and implement practical solutions. With deep roots in rural and small-town communities, RDCG specializes in strategic planning, community engagement, and grant support. Learn more at riverdistrictconsulting.com.
Media Contacts:
Liz Smith | SOVA Innovation Hub | hello@sovainnovationhub.com
Rachel del Campo Gatewood | rachel@riverdistrictconsulting.com
Evelyn Riley | Dan River Nonprofit Network | evelyn@danrivernonprofits.org