Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) has announced a new schedule of workshops through Invest in Incredible (I3), its initiative dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations across the region.
Serving as Gulf Coast’s resource for regional nonprofits, I3 strengthens board governance and operational effectiveness while helping organizations build skills, knowledge and leadership capacity. The new workshop schedule offers practical training for nonprofit professionals, board members, and professional advisors, with topics spanning planned giving fundamentals to responsible, real-world applications of artificial intelligence.
“The latest I3 offerings are designed to support the wide range of skills nonprofit leaders and board members use in their work,” said Erin Minor, Vice President of Community Leadership at Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “By offering learning opportunities that span governance, strategy, and emerging tools, I3 helps strengthen organizations and supports a nonprofit sector that can continue to grow within our region.”
Gulf Coast also offers specialized leadership development programs that provide deeper learning in board governance and community leadership. The Gulf Coast Board Institute (GCBI), an application-based program offered twice each year in the spring and fall, begins its Spring 2026 session on February 6 and is currently full. Applications for the Gulf Coast Leadership Institute (GCLI)’s 2026 cohort will open February 16, with the program running from May through June.
The full list of I3 workshop offerings from January through June is listed below. For more information and to register, visit GulfCoastCF.org/events
- Creating an Effective Fundraising Plan: Your Roadmap for Success
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Venice Headquarters
601 Tamiami Trail South, Venice
Facilitated by: Kristen Theisen, CFRE - The Fundamentals of Planned Giving (Sarasota session)
Friday, January 30, 2026
Sarasota Philanthropy Center
1549 State Street, Sarasota
Facilitated by: Joe Carter, CAP®
- Conflict Prevention and Resolution
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Sarasota Philanthropy Center
1549 State Street, Sarasota
Facilitated by: Mitch Lomazov
- The Fundamentals of Planned Giving (Venice session)
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Venice Headquarters
601 Tamiami Trail South, Venice
Facilitated by: Joe Carter, CAP®
- Practical AI for Nonprofit Leaders
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Sarasota Philanthropy Center
1549 State Street, Sarasota
Facilitated by: Sam Stern
- Developing an Impactful Marketing Plan
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Venice Headquarters
601 Tamiami Trail South, Venice
Facilitated by: Tracy Spalsbury
- Planned Giving Instruments and Strategies
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Sarasota Philanthropy Center
1549 State Street, Sarasota
Facilitated by: Joe Carter, CAP®
- Designing and Facilitating Engaging and Impactful Board Meetings
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Venice Headquarters
601 Tamiami Trail South, Venice
Facilitated by: Whitney Crettol, MA
- Maximizing Cash Flow for Nonprofit Success
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Sarasota Philanthropy Center
1549 State Street, Sarasota
Facilitated by: Dan Weiss, J.D.
- Building Your Endowment
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Sarasota Philanthropy Center
1549 State Street, Sarasota
Facilitated by: Joe Carter, CAP®
- Best Practices in Board and Staff Succession Planning
Friday, April 24, 2026
Sarasota Philanthropy Center
1549 State Street, Sarasota
Facilitated by: Laurie Huebner, SPHR
- The Relationship Behind the Request: Mastering the Donor Dialogue
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Sarasota Philanthropy Center
1549 State Street, Sarasota
Facilitated by: Kristen Theisen, CFRE
- Getting to the Point: Communicating with Brevity and Impact
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Sarasota Philanthropy Center
1549 State Street, Sarasota
Facilitated by: Joan Lowery
