At the Gwinnett Coalition, we know that healthy, resilient communities depend on the strength of the nonprofits that serve them. That’s why, this year, we launched the Gwinnett Nonprofit Coalition (GNC)—a new capacity building initiative designed to equip local nonprofits with the tools, knowledge, and community they need to thrive.
From the outset, it was clear that this year would be unlike any other. As federal policy changes—including the recently passed Big Beautiful Bill—began to reshape the nonprofit landscape, organizations across Gwinnett faced rising uncertainty, shifting funding realities, and increased demand. We listened. We adapted. And we acted.
Instead of launching a full membership tier structure right away, we made a conscious decision to lead with equity, remove barriers, and expand support at the base level—ensuring that every Gwinnett-serving nonprofit could access essential resources from day one.
That’s why we waived all membership fees for 2025 and enhanced our Access-level offerings, creating more value, at no cost, for more organizations—and for those who paid dues in 2024, your contribution is being carried forward to cover your 2026 membership.
Your support helped us launch strong. Now we’re using that momentum to strengthen and serve even more organizations—together.
What We’ve Been Doing—Together
Since the start of the year, GNC has focused on building real-time solutions and connections that reflect the urgency and complexity of today’s nonprofit landscape.
Key highlights include:
- Ongoing 501Connect networking events—offered at no cost—bringing together nonprofit professionals across Gwinnett to spark relationships and strengthen community ties.
- Learning & Development Series events, offered for a nominal fee to ensure access to high-quality training and shared learning without burdening limited budgets.
- The launch of “Advocacy in Action,” a monthly briefing series, in partnership with the National Council of Nonprofits, offering expert insight into public policy, sector-wide trends, and real-time developments affecting nonprofit sustainability and effectiveness.
- A new Public Policy Resource Hub to help nonprofit leaders stay informed, engaged, and ready to act on evolving legislative and funding developments.
- “Circles: Continuing the Conversation,” our new peer roundtable series, launched to foster open, peer-driven dialogue and shared problem-solving around current challenges and policy shifts.
Each of these offerings reflects our intentional focus on what we call the 4S Framework—Spaces for connection, Squads for shared strength, Skills for growth, and Sustainability for long-term impact. This isn’t just a collection of services—it’s a cohesive strategy. The 4S Framework ensures that our support builds momentum, deepens resilience, and helps nonprofits do more than just navigate change—it helps them lead through it.
Every decision has been grounded in our long-held belief that capacity building isn’t just about strengthening organizations—it’s about sustaining the people, relationships, and missions that hold our community together.
“We believe this moment called for more than just rolling out a benefits package—it called for a values-driven response,” said Renée Byrd-Lewis, President and CEO of the Gwinnett Coalition. “As a Coalition, we are deeply committed to meeting our partners where they are. By expanding our free offerings and focusing on advocacy, we’re not just supporting nonprofits—we’re standing with them through a time of profound change and opportunity.”
Looking Ahead
While our Accelerate and Advance membership tiers remain on the horizon for 2026, we’re not standing still. In fact, we’re investing more deeply than ever in building the infrastructure, relationships, and knowledge that will serve our local nonprofits for the long haul.
Our equity-based membership model will continue to evolve to reflect the realities our partners face—and the vision we share for a resilient, equitable Gwinnett.
To all of our nonprofit partners: thank you—for the work you do, the people you serve, and the courage you bring to this moment.
We’re proud to walk alongside you.
