LEE CHARITIES, INC.
About us
Lee Charities, Inc. serves as a force multiplier, equipping nonprofits with the leadership, insight, and connections they need to grow, bridge gaps, and expand their impact across our community.
Through collaboration, strategic support, and resource alignment, we strengthen organizations and help turn their efforts into meaningful, measurable change.
Mission
Our vision is a Baldwin County where nonprofits are stronger, more connected, and better equipped to serve, working collaboratively to meet the growing needs of our community.
By connecting resources, people, and organizations, we help turn good intentions into meaningful, measurable impact.
vision
Fueling Impact Across Baldwin County
40+
Organizations supported across Baldwin County
18
Nonprofits strengthened through the Leadership Academy
15+
Boards actively served
$1M+
Own funds Invested directly into local nonprofits
$2M+
Raised for local nonprofts
Our goal is to equip the nonprofit community with meaningful data to inform decisions, strengthen partnerships, and enhance the vital work being done across Baldwin County.
"
A TRUSTED STEWARD AND A FORWARD-THINKING CONNECTOR.
2026 baldwin county
nonprofit landscape report
A first-of-its-kind look at the organizations strengthening our communities-and the challenges they're working to overcome.
Developed from survey responses representing 87 nonprofit organizations, this report explores staffing, fundraising, executive compensation, organizational capacity, geographic service gaps, and emerging opportunities across Baldwin County.
Whether you're a nonprofit leader, donor, grantmaker, business owner, or community advocate, these findings provide valuable insight into the future of our local nonprofit sector.
ORGANIZATIONS
SURVEYED
87
OPERATE UNDER
$500K ANNUALLY
60%
LACK DEDICATED
FUNDRAISING STAFF
73%
Our goal is to equip the nonprofit community with meaningful data to inform decisions, strengthen partnerships, and enhance the vital work being done across Baldwin County.
"
A TRUSTED STEWARD AND A FORWARD-THINKING CONNECTOR.
2026 baldwin county
nonprofit landscape report
A first-of-its-kind look at the organizations strengthening our communities-and the challenges they're working to overcome.
Developed from survey responses representing 87 nonprofit organizations, this report explores staffing, fundraising, executive compensation, organizational capacity, geographic service gaps, and emerging opportunities across Baldwin County.
Whether you're a nonprofit leader, donor, grantmaker, business owner, or community advocate, these findings provide valuable insight into the future of our local nonprofit sector.
ORGANIZATIONS
SURVEYED
87
OPERATE UNDER
$500K ANNUALLY
60%
LACK DEDICATED
FUNDRAISING STAFF
73%
A Hub for People Who Want to Make a Difference
and Actually Do
Lee Charities exists to connect nonprofits, donors, and volunteers in a way that creates real, lasting impact.
We’re building the infrastructure that helps organizations grow, communities collaborate, and generosity move faster.
Where nonprofits gain support.
Where donors give with purpose.
Where people plug in and get to work.
origins
Lee Charities was founded in 2024 by David and Mitchell Lee with a shared vision: to strengthen the nonprofit community in Baldwin County and close the gaps that prevent organizations from reaching their full potential.
David Lee, a Huntsville native, built his career in executive leadership within major credit and information companies, ultimately serving on the executive team of a publicly traded organization. After successfully helping lead and sell the company, he stepped away from the corporate world and, alongside his wife Ellen, settled in Orange Beach—shifting his focus toward community involvement and investing his time in local nonprofits and civic initiatives.
Mitchell Lee brought a complementary, on-the-ground perspective. Originally from Atlanta, Mitchell earned his degree in Psychology from the University of West Florida and a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. After becoming a licensed social worker in Alabama, he served as Executive Director of the South Baldwin Literacy Council from 2018 to 2024. During his tenure, he worked to address critical gaps in Baldwin County’s nonprofit landscape, particularly in areas like literacy, homelessness, and mental health services.
Through their combined experience—David’s background in leadership, growth, and successful exit strategy, and Mitchell’s deep-rooted work within the nonprofit sector—they recognized a common challenge: organizations doing meaningful work often lack the resources, connections, and infrastructure needed to grow their impact.
Lee Charities was created to change that.
Today, the organization serves as a hub for connection, collaboration, and capacity-building—supporting nonprofits across Baldwin County with the tools, insight, and partnerships they need to thrive.
Mitchell currently serves as President and CEO of Lee Charities, continuing to work closely with organizations throughout the community, while also serving on multiple local boards. He lives in Gulf Shores with his wife, Shea, and their four children, Mabel, Davis, Oliver, and Lola, and remains deeply committed to strengthening the nonprofit sector he has long served.
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Penny Hughey
Director of Community Development
Penny Hughey brings more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning banking, career coaching, and community development. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Education and Programs for the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, where she led the creation of high-impact initiatives like Junior Leadership, the Coastal Alabama Leadership League (CALL), Diplomats, and CAKE Day—programs that have shaped emerging leaders and strengthened the region’s business community.
She is a graduate of the United States Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management, earning her IOM designation, and also holds the Alabama Accredited Chamber Executive (AACE) credential. Her work has been recognized with a nomination for Alabama Chamber Person of the Year.
A dedicated leader in Rotary International, Penny has served as President and Membership Director of the Gulf Shores–Orange Beach Rotary Club, was named Rotarian of the Year in 2023, and was selected as Assistant District Governor for District 6880 in 2025. She is also a Paul Harris Fellow and Paul Harris Society Member.
A 16-year breast cancer survivor, Penny continues her commitment to service as a board member of Bras Across the Causeway, supporting local patients in need.
Now part of the Lee Charities team, Penny is passionate about building programs, developing leaders, and creating meaningful impact across her community.
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