August 2025 Community Spotlight
August 2025 Community Spotlight
The Generosity Trust is pleased to share the incredible work being done by local ministries and nonprofits. This month, we highlight organizations and resources that strengthen nonprofits and leaders. We are honored to regularly interact with local organizations and strive to encourage and equip them wherever possible. Read about our local partners who collaborate with us in this venture.
Nonprofit Highlight – Mission Increase, Chattanooga
Mission Increase (MI) Chattanooga is a nonprofit for nonprofits, currently serving more than 130 ministries in our area. Their mission is clear: to empower nonprofits to multiply Kingdom impact.
Many nonprofits struggle with building capacity and achieving long-term sustainability, often because they lack resources, training, or a clear strategy. That’s where Mission Increase steps in to provide teaching, coaching, and consulting in a learning community—at no cost to nonprofits because of the generosity of local givers. MI walks alongside leaders in the areas of fundraising, finances, governance, and strategic planning so they can strengthen their organizations and better fulfill the work God has entrusted to them.
One leader recently shared, “For over three years now we have benefited from workshops, cohorts, and consulting. We attribute our growth and Kingdom impact directly to the Lord, and the support from Mission Increase. Each training has brought focus to our mission and also equipped us to more effectively support other first responder nonprofits in our alliance all over the country.”
Here are ways to pray for MI this fall as they launch several initiatives:
- Managing Ministry Money (MMM)
An 8-session financial cohort experience designed to equip nonprofit leaders with practical financial knowledge, tools, and confidence. - Causal Community Cohort (CCC)
A strategic convening initiative designed to bring together nonprofit organizations that are aligned in the causes they serve. - Quarterly Teaching Workshops – Empowering Board Members to Fundraise
A teaching centered on cultivating board members to be equipped and engaged in fundraising efforts.
On November 7th, join MI at an Open House to share how God is using MI to strengthen local nonprofit ministries, and where participants can write notes of encouragement for the nonprofit leaders. For more information, contact Ashley (email or phone) or Ben (email or phone) with Mission Increase.
Nonprofit Highlight – Nonprofit Resource Center
Receiving its nonprofit status just two and half years ago, Chattanooga’s Nonprofit Resource Center (NRC) has already met with nearly 400 individuals/organizations who either have their nonprofit status or are contemplating applying for it. In this relatively short amount of time, they are making a significant impact to current and future nonprofits as they navigate the joys and challenges of beginning and sustaining a 501(c)(3) organization.
Their mission is to create a learning environment where small to mid-size nonprofits can fulfill their mission and be impactful in our community. Their vision is to strengthen nonprofits from the inside out by offering mentoring, coaching and community connection. While the NRC is focused on assisting organizations with operating budgets of less than $1M per year, they have assisted organizations of all budget sizes with the following resources:
- Board training and certifications
- Executive Director training
- Shared meeting space
They have also recently launched their inaugural partnership with UTC to offer training for those who are interested in serving on community boards.
Coming up on October 22, the Nonprofit Resource Center will host the “Nonprofit Nexus: State of the Sector” Luncheon, to be held at Chattanooga Whiskey, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They will release its groundbreaking “Nonprofit Nexus: State of the Sector” report, highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities within the nonprofit sector in our area, offering invaluable insights for the future. While a state of the sector report isn’t unusual, the NRC believes this is the first to reflect our entire three-state, 17-county region, providing valuable, local data reflective of the people and communities served.
To learn more about this upcoming event or connect with this impactful organization, contact Phil Trammell by email or phone.
Global Leadership Summit
The Generosity Trust was one of several local sponsors supporting the Global Leadership Summit held in early August at Woodland Park Baptist. This year, over 300 individuals from local nonprofits and businesses joined to grow their leadership in a faith-driven way. TGT’s local leadership team continued to deepen relationships with the community – we believe in the power of strengthening local leaders and working collaboratively.
Here are some of our favorite takeaways:
- “Great leadership is boring. Embrace the mundane – your life and leadership is the sum of the small decisions you make.” – Craig Groeschel
- “Every negative thing creates an opportunity. Don’t waste failures but learn from your mistakes – defeat creates humility and a desire for growth.” – Nick Saban
- “True success is when those closest to you love and respect you most. Play the infinite game, because legacy matters.” – John Maxwell
- “The undertow is always there, even if we don’t do anything bad. All you have to do to drift is nothing – you stop checking your markers and lose sight. It’s the default setting. Our hearts, vision, and passion drift and carry us out to sea.” – Christine Caine
We hope to see you next year on August 6 & 7, 2026 at the next GLS!
Other Capacity Building Resources
Are you a nonprofit leader or board member? Here are some other free resources!
- FiftyFour Capacity Collective shared top-notch self-paced assessments and resources. Here is an example of a seminar they offered recently on “Transformational Donor Partnership”.
- Did you know the ECFA adopted a new standard effective 1/1/27 around Leader Care? Read more about their vision for Boards to support leaders in preventing burnout and fallout. Soul Care has partnered with the ECFA to develop a guide “Creating Your Leader Care Plan.”
Upcoming Events & Resources
*Please contact these organizations directly to register.
September 3rd: Pray Chattanooga Noonday Prayer
September 8th: Sharing God’s Goodness Grantee Celebration, where the giving circle members will award grants to this year’s Giving Circle grantees. For details or to come as a guest, RSVP here!
October 15th and 21st: Mission Increase Empowering Board Members to Fundraise as Champions
October 22nd: Nonprofit Nexus: State of the Sector Luncheon with the NRC. Registration opening up soon!
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Books to Share!
Do you love books and learning? We have books to share with you next time you stop by the office. Come by to take your pick from “The Treasure Principle,” “Lead with Prayer,” or “Splitting Heirs.”