FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lauren Deiorio
Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County
(352) 622-5020
info@ocalafoundation.org
www.ocalafoundation.org
Community Foundation Announces 2026 Nonprofit Excellence Academy: Investing in Leadership, Growth & Sustainability
Ocala, Fla. [November 6, 2025] The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County is proud to announce the launch of the 2026 Nonprofit Excellence Academy, a year-long professional development program designed to strengthen the leadership, operations, and sustainability of nonprofits across Marion County and beyond.
Building on the success of the past two years, the 2026 Academy has been re-imagined based on feedback from previous participants. This year’s format features once-a-month sessions, including select courses being offered virtually to make it easier than ever for nonprofit leaders and their teams to participate. Each organization can send different team members throughout the year, ensuring employees receive training directly aligned with their roles and responsibilities.
“The Academy provides an exceptional opportunity for local nonprofit professionals to learn from some of the best minds in the sector,” said Lauren Deiorio, President and Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County. “It’s not just about education but it’s about equipping nonprofits with the tools to grow stronger, operate smarter, and better serve our community.”
Expert consultants and presenters from across Florida will lead interactive sessions covering a wide range of essential topics, including governance, fundraising, strategic partnerships, planned giving, nonprofit branding, cybersecurity and financial fraud prevention, management and leadership development, annual campaign strategies, budgeting fundamentals, and human resources best practices.
Registration is now open for the 2026 Nonprofit Excellence Academy. For more information or to register, visit www. https://www.ocalafoundation.org/2026-nonprofit-excellence-academy/or contact Dawn Phelps at Dawn@ocalafoundation.org.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
About the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County
The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County connects donors to causes that matter, strengthens local nonprofits, and builds a stronger community through philanthropy. The Foundation’s Nonprofit Resource Center provides training, resources, and support to help nonprofit organizations operate effectively and achieve measurable impact.
