Explore Our Free Programming
Free Support for Cabarrus County Nonprofits
Our free programming includes:
Organizational Reviews
Board Services
Agency Professional Development
Support Cabarrus offers free programming designed to help nonprofit organizations across Cabarrus County strengthen their operations, governance, and long-term sustainability. These services provide practical, peer-informed support that helps organizations assess where they are, identify opportunities for growth, and move forward with confidence.
Organizational Reviews
A Collaborative, No-Cost Assessment
Support Cabarrus offers a complimentary, one-day Organizational Review to help nonprofits better understand their strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth. These reviews provide a structured, supportive space for reflection, learning, and planning.
Each review is conducted by a consulting team that typically includes:
Two peer nonprofit executive leader
One volunteer professional consultant
One Support Cabarrus staff member
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The agency completes the Five Elements self-assessment and shares it with the consulting team prior to the site visit. A preparation call helps identify priorities, challenges, and areas of focus.
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Consultants facilitate conversations with board members, staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders to gain insight into organizational culture, operations, and capacity.
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Following the site visit, the consulting team provides a written report and facilitates a follow-up discussion with organizational leadership to review findings and recommendations.
The Three-Phase Review Process
Organizational Reviews follow a proven, three-phase process grounded in the nationally recognized 501 Commons Five Elements Assessment, which examines governance, fundraising, communications, planning, and management.
Outcomes & Benefits
Through the Organizational Review process, organizations gain:
A clearer understanding of strengths and growth areas
Practical, actionable recommendations
Guidance to support both short-term improvements and long-term planning
Increased confidence among staff and board leadership
Agency Professional Development
Quarterly Lunch & Learn Workshops
Support Cabarrus hosts quarterly Lunch & Learn workshops focused on nonprofit administration and leadership. Each session highlights a single topic and includes time for networking and peer connection.
These workshops are designed to:
Build staff skills and confidence
Encourage collaboration across organizations
Strengthen the local nonprofit ecosystem
By investing in professional development, Support Cabarrus helps nonprofit staff and leaders grow their capacity to serve the community more effectively.
Board Services
A strong board is essential to nonprofit success. Boards provide strategic direction, financial oversight, and mission stewardship — all of which are critical to organizational sustainability.
Support Cabarrus offers two Board Services designed to strengthen governance and leadership: Board Matching and Board Education.
Supporting Strong, Effective Nonprofit Boards
Board Matching Services
Connecting Skilled Individuals with Mission-Driven Organizations
The Board Matching program connects nonprofit organizations with individuals who are interested in serving and bringing their skills to a board role.
Participants complete a two-hour training in small cohorts that covers:
The role of nonprofit boards
Legal duties and responsibilities
Types of nonprofit boards
Expectations of effective board service
Participants also complete skills and interest inventories, allowing Support Cabarrus to thoughtfully connect individuals with organizations whose missions and needs align.
Board Education
Enhancing Board Effectiveness and Governance
Board Education services are available at the invitation of an organization’s Executive Director or Board Chair and are tailored to the organization’s needs.
Options include:
One-hour trainings during board meetings
Facilitated sessions at board retreats
Topics may include board roles and responsibilities, fundraising, financial oversight, strategic planning, and governance best practices.
Upcoming Events
Quarterly Lunch & Learn
Friday, January 30, 2026
Presenter: Robbie Furr, Director of Development at Greater Cabarrus Foundation
The Greater Cabarrus Foundation is pleased to announce a new grantmaking partnership with the William Coltrane and Norma Craft Cannon Charitable Trust, expanding funding opportunities for Cabarrus County nonprofits in 2026. This collaboration will introduce a second grant cycle for 2026 and marks the debut of the Foundation’s new online grant management system designed to simplify the application process for local agencies.
Quarterly Board Matching
The Board Matching Service is designed to bridge the gap between individuals eager to serve and nonprofits seeking skilled and committed board members. Participants in the program will attend a comprehensive two-hour training session in cohorts of 4-8 people. This session is carefully structured to provide both foundational knowledge and personalized guidance. The training covers the essentials of effective board membership, including:
Basics of being an effective board member
Types of nonprofit boards
Legal duties of board members
Roles and responsibilities
Interested in Free Programming?
If you’d like to learn more about any of our free programming opportunities, or aren’t sure where to start, we’d love to connect.
Complete the form to let us know what you’re interested in. We’ll follow up with the right information. No obligation, no pressure.
