When the community calls, Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) answers. Supporting our nonprofit partners means more than providing funding – it means standing beside them in every aspect of their work, especially as they continue to stretch their resources to meet the increased needs of our growing region.
Invest in Incredible (i3) is a results-driven initiative designed to strengthen the operational effectiveness of nonprofits in our area. Led by a cohort of certified instructors, i3 equips nonprofit leaders with practical tools, expert guidance, and a collaborative learning environment. The program supports participants through free and low-cost workshops in Sarasota and Venice, as well as multi-week offerings such as the Gulf Coast Board Institute (GCBI) and the Gulf Coast Leadership Institute (GCLI), meeting leaders where they are and helping guide them toward long-term success.
For UnidosNow, a Sarasota-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering the Latino community through education, leadership development, and opportunity, professional development is not optional – it’s essential. Serving immigrant and first-generation families requires adaptability, cultural fluency, and strong organizational infrastructure, particularly as the nonprofit sector navigates evolving funding landscapes, policy changes, and increased community need. Through i3 workshops, UnidosNow team members have been able to strengthen internal systems, sharpen strategy, and build confidence in their work, ensuring their mission-driven impact keeps pace with a rapidly changing environment.
“i3 creates a valuable space for learning, growth, and professional development within the nonprofit sector,” said Ana Aristizabal, Manager of Family Engagement for UnidosNow. “The workshops help build confidence and ultimately strengthen organizations’ ability to secure funding and demonstrate impact.”
At the core of i3 is a cohort of seasoned consultants who bring deep, real-world experience to every workshop. These experts represent key disciplines including nonprofit leadership, fundraising, grant writing, board governance, marketing strategy, and organizational development. They also understand the realities nonprofits face: limited resources, increasing community needs, and the expectation of measurable outcomes.
That practical, skill-building approach has proven especially valuable for UnidosNow’s operations team. “To hear from professionals and get their tips and tricks is helpful because you can translate that in a way that is best for you, your team, and your organization,” said Alex DeMartino, Operations Manager for UnidosNow.
Rather than focusing on abstract theory, i3 emphasizes practical frameworks, proven tools, and actionable strategies participants can implement immediately. Workshops are intentionally designed to encourage dialogue and problem-solving, ensuring learning is relevant and grounded in daily organizational practice. This expert-led approach builds confidence, clarity, and momentum for nonprofit leaders, their boards, and their teams.
i3 also serves as a catalyst for meaningful, lasting change within the community. Participants gain the capacity to think more strategically, strengthen internal systems, and lead with purpose. The program helps organizations shift from reactive decision-making to proactive planning, positioning them to better serve their missions and communities.
Equally important, i3 fosters strong peer connections. Participants learn alongside fellow nonprofit leaders, creating space to exchange ideas and build partnerships. These shared learning experiences amplify impact across the region, contributing to a more resilient and collaborative nonprofit ecosystem.
“I think most people that come into non-profits, it’s sometimes their first time in the field,” said DeMartino. “If anyone is looking to learn or for new ways to do things, I always recommend that they check out i3.”
Looking ahead, the 2026 i3 calendar offers an expanded lineup of workshops and leadership training. From Designing and Facilitating Engaging and Impactful Board Meetings to Developing an Impactful Marketing Plan, along with welcoming new cohorts of both GCBI and GCLI, all i3 sessions are tailored for nonprofits and professionals at every stage in their careers. Ultimately, Invest in Incredible (i3) is about building bridges: between vision and execution, challenges and solutions, and organizations and the communities they serve. By helping nonprofits grow with intention, i3 empowers community partners to turn passion into progress.
Learn more about the i3 program and see the current schedule of workshops: www.gulfcoastcf.org/events.
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