Greater Lynchburg’s nonprofit community is vibrant and collaborative. Every visit to a local organization reveals partnerships in action—sharing resources, co-hosting workshops, and volunteering at each other’s events. This spirit of cooperation is one of our region’s greatest strengths.

Yet, through my role as Business Development Specialist at Freedom First Credit Union and service on multiple boards, I’ve seen an untapped opportunity: strategic partnerships between nonprofits and businesses.

Here’s the reality:

• Businesses want to engage employees meaningfully, develop future leaders, and demonstrate their commitment to giving back.
• Nonprofits need donors, volunteers, sponsorships, and platforms to share programs and services.

Both sectors share the same goal—to strengthen our community. So why not work together intentionally?

Imagine a space where nonprofits and businesses come together for honest conversations about challenges and opportunities. Nonprofits could share concerns like financial stability, diversifying revenue streams, engaging younger generations, and recruiting dynamic board members. Imagine companies and nonprofits coming together not just to meet goals, but to spark hope, build trust, and create a ripple of impact that transforms our region.

Lynchburg is rich with resources and people eager to connect. We already have incredible platforms like The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, SHARE Greater Lynchburg, CVANE, and spaces such as The Academy Center of the Arts and The Virginian Lynchburg. Events like the Nonprofit Summit and the plentiful Alliance networking events prove that when we gather, great ideas emerge.

Now is the time to take this further. Let’s create intentional forums where nonprofits and businesses collaborate—not just network. Let’s turn conversations into solutions, partnerships into progress, and shared goals into a stronger, more resilient Lynchburg.

As Lynchburg’s Community Cheer Captain, I’m calling nonprofits and businesses to join forces and turn collaboration into a movement of impact—this is your official pep rally for change!