United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA) LEARN United program equips nonprofit professionals with tools and knowledge to maximize their impact. An acronym for Leadership, Education and Readiness for Nonprofits, LEARN United supports agencies through flexible training tracks, in-depth cohort programs and year-round partner events. UWCA staff and partners recently gathered for a partner agency appreciation lunch in celebration of this continued partnership.
A Community Effort Toward Impact
Partner agencies not only rely on UWCA for funding, but also for unique training opportunities. UWCA Senior Vice President of Community Impact Katrina Watson shined a light on upcoming opportunities for partner agencies to expand their skills, concentrating on subjects such as grant writing, financial management, crisis communications and more. UWCA’s inCommunity program, which collaborates with local schools to provide wraparound services, also allows agencies to apply for competitive grant funding if their work aligns with UWCA’s.
Watson highlighted UWCA’s ability to connect partner agencies with one another based on unique problem-solving and shared experiences.
“I’ve been in your shoes,” shared Watson, a former partner agency president herself. “I know that sometimes the budget for staff development is not where you’d like it to be. That’s why UWCA provides plenty of opportunities for you to access high-quality training that is free of charge.”
Collaboration Is Key
Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications Chip Graham shared information on UWCA’s community engagement strategy with the agencies. “We can’t be everywhere, just like you,” said Graham. “That’s why we need to work together to highlight the great work we are all doing in the community to expand our reach.” LEARN United will also offer sessions on marketing, media training and speaker training in 2026.
UWCA Vice President of Agency Relations Shakeitha Tatum reiterated that every staff member and partner has the opportunity to advance UWCA’s mission of creating lasting impact across Central Alabama every day.
“Just as the Olympic torch is carried across nations to ignite the flame of hope, we carry our own torch – one fueled by service, compassion and a shared belief that our work lights the way of our community.”.
To learn more about upcoming LEARN United training opportunities, click here.