UCF Center for Public and Nonprofit Management

📸 As we celebrate the National Association of Counties NACo Achievement Award, we’re taking a moment to look back at where it all began.

These photos capture some of the early organizations that helped shape the CPNM Capacity Building Seminar—a program that began in 2003 and has grown through more than 23 years of partnership with Orange County Government Citizens’ Commission for Children.

What started with a vision to strengthen local nonprofits continues today through learning, collaboration, and community impact. 💛

UCF School of Public Administration University of Central Florida

🏆✨ A Legacy of Impact Recognized!
We are proud to celebrate the CPNM Capacity Building Seminar as a recipient of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7490447998091702273
This honor recognizes the power of partnership and long-term investment in our nonprofit community.

For the Center for Public and Nonprofit Management, this recognition represents more than recent accomplishments. It is the continuation of a legacy that began in 2003. 💛

It celebrates the many individuals who have strengthened the program year after year through their teaching, mentorship, and support—including Dr. Maritza Co**ha, Dr. Angela White-Jones, Ph.D., Andrew Sullivan, Dr. Terry Henley, and the many UCF graduate students who have served as program coordinators and technical assistants throughout the years.

We extend our deepest appreciation to those who founded and established the Capacity Building Institute in 2003. Their vision laid the foundation for more than two decades of learning, collaboration, and nonprofit impact.
Dr. Naim Kapucu, Dr. Thomas Bryer, Maria Elena Augustin, Dr. Mary Ann Feldheim

We are honored to carry this work forward and continue building stronger nonprofits and stronger communities. 🌱
Thank you to Orange County, Florida Government and nonprofits for believing in the power of nonprofit capacity building.

UCF Downtown University of Central Florida UCF School of Public Administration UCF College of Community Innovation and Education

🎓✨ Congratulations to our Orange County Capacity Building Seminar Cohort!

On Friday, July 31, our cohort of Orange County nonprofit leaders officially completed the CPNM Capacity Building Seminar! 🎉

Just a few months ago, we were welcoming these organizations into the program. Since then, they have spent weeks strengthening their knowledge and skills.

We are proud to celebrate their commitment to learning, growth, and creating greater impact in their communities. 💛

A special thank you to Dr. Angela White-Jones, Ph.D. and Kim Stockton for leading the seminar, and to Orange County Government for sponsoring this opportunity and investing in the strength of our local nonprofit sector.👏

Interested in a future Capacity Building Seminar? Stay connected with CPNM for upcoming opportunities!

🤩 Just a few months ago, we were inviting Orange County nonprofits to join our Capacity Building Seminar. Today, we're celebrating a cohort of nonprofit leaders who are about to complete this incredible journey.

Over the past several weeks, these organizations have strengthened their skills in governance, financial management, grant writing, program evaluation, and organizational leadership all while building meaningful connections with fellow nonprofit professionals.

💛 Interested in joining a future Capacity Building Seminar? Stay connected with CPNM for upcoming opportunities and take the next step in strengthening your organization's impact.

Lead by Dr. Angela White-Jones, Ph.D.
Thank you! Orange County Government

🎉 Congratulations to our Osceola County Capacity Building Seminar cohort 2026!

Over the past several weeks, nonprofit leaders have invested in strengthening their organizations through learning, collaboration, and strategic planning. From board governance and financial management to grant writing and program evaluation, this cohort demonstrated a strong commitment to building sustainable impact in their communities.

A special thank you to our faculty, graduate students, and nonprofit participants for making this program a meaningful experience.

Here's to stronger nonprofits and stronger communities! 💛

⏰ Last Call, Orange County Nonprofits!

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your organization, sharpen your leadership, and grow your impact through our Capacity Building Program.

Gain practical tools in board governance, financial management, grant writing, and program evaluation, plus receive up to 20 hours of technical assistance from UCF graduate students.

💛 Invest in your mission. Build for long-term impact. 8-week Capacity Building Training from June 5th to July 31st.
📅 Applications close May 22!
👉 Apply now: https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bl40U8WmMLE5Om2

UCF School of Public Administration

We’re excited to share that the Osceola County Capacity Building Program is officially underway! After a successful kick-off and second session.

A special thank you to Professor Dr. Angela White-Jones, Ph.D., Dr. Daniel Stephens, Ph.D., and Dr. Andrew Sullivan for leading our first two sessions with insight, expertise, and a genuine commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector through practical learning and meaningful dialogue.

Here’s to building stronger organizations, stronger leaders, and stronger communities—together. 🚀💫

UCF School of Public Administration

Before we move too far into May, we’re taking a moment to look back at a good month filled with meaningful conversations, community partnerships, student engagement, research highlights, and opportunities to strengthen the nonprofit sector.

📬 Our April Newsletter is here—catch up on everything we did, celebrated, and learned together. Take a look! ✨https://heyzine.com/flip-book/0c2459d6df.html

Thank you for your continued support!

The Elevate Summit with 100 Women Strong was filled with powerful stories and meaningful conversations.

Thank you 100 Women Strong at Central Florida Foundation , Kay Rawlins for such a great event! Nina Yon thanks for being our liaison and supporter of our work in the nonprofit community.
J Andrea Fong for representing the CPNM team!

🚀 Research Highlight #9

What drives accountability in local government? 💡

New research by Dr. Steve Modlin, Dr. LaShonda Stewart and Dr. Doug Goodman (2025) reveals that official bonding isn’t just a routine requirement—it’s shaped by who’s in the room, how counties are structured, and what audits uncover. From experienced finance officers reducing risk to audit findings signaling deeper financial vulnerabilities, the message is clear: strong personnel and systems matter.

🔍 Investing in people isn’t optional—it’s essential for transparency, trust, and effective governance. UCF School of Public Administration

Read full research here: https://jpna.org/index.php/jpna/article/view/1086