LEE CHARITIES, INC.
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
You’re Doing The Work
But growth gets complicated
Most nonprofit leaders don’t struggle because they lack passion, they struggle because they’re trying to figure everything out as they go.
From managing operations to building systems, leading teams, and navigating growth, the backend of running a nonprofit can quickly become overwhelming.
Without the right support, growth creates bottlenecks instead of momentum.
lee charities, inc.
The Leadership academy
The Leadership Academy is a structured, 10-month program where nonprofit leaders learn directly from experienced executive directors how to manage the operational backbone of their organizations, from finance and donor systems to staffing, boards, and internal processes.
Developed in collaboration with Shannon Preston of Service Dogs Alabama and supported by the United Way of Baldwin County, Lee Charities, and community partners, the Academy brings real-world expertise and high-level support directly to the organizations that need it.
It’s designed for leaders who don’t have time for long, academic programs, offering practical guidance, real-world insight, and immediate access to the people and resources needed to move past bottlenecks and grow now.
Structured Sessions
Expert-Led
Real-Time Application
Designed To Fit The Of
Running A Nonprofit
reality
Academy Structure
Built To Work While You’re Doing The Work
Not A Course. A System That Moves You Forward
The Leadership Academy is designed to help you solve real operational challenges as they happen. Through focused monthly sessions, you’ll gain the structure, clarity, and support needed to move forward without stepping away from your work.
Leadership & Governance
Financial Management & Compliance
Operations & Internal Systems
People, Teams & Volunteers
Development, Messaging & Fundraising
Program Strategy & Impact
how to join the academy
Academy Structure
Baldwin County nonprofits are invited to apply to the Leadership Academy. The program is designed to bring together organizations that are ready to strengthen how they operate, lead, and grow—while learning alongside others doing the work.
Hands-On Guidance
Leadership network
Operational clarity
Built in collaboration with Shannon Preston of Service Dogs Alabama, the Leadership Academy is grounded in real-world nonprofit leadership. With support from the United Way of Baldwin County, Lee Charities, and community partners, the program is made available at no cost—removing barriers and opening the door to meaningful growth.