news release

A strong community depends on strong people, strong partnerships, and a nonprofit sector equipped to meet changing needs. United Way of Indian River County and the Indian River Community Foundation are continuing their partnership through LEARN United, a professional development series created to give local nonprofit leaders and staff access to practical knowledge, resources, and expertise.

Now in its second season, LEARN United, or Leadership Education and Resources for Nonprofits, brings nonprofit professionals together to learn from experienced leaders and subject matter experts on issues that directly affect their work, from financial stability and fundraising to leadership and board engagement.

The series began August 24 with “Nonprofit Sustainability,” led by Indian River Community Foundation President and CEO Jeff Pickering. Pickering shared seven practical strategies for building a strong foundation for the future, including developing a compelling case for support, measuring return on investment, running a profitable annual fund, maintaining an operating reserve, building an endowment, strengthening donor stewardship, and celebrating accomplishments.

The conversation comes at an important time for Indian River County’s nonprofit sector. According to the newly released 2026 Indian River County Nonprofit Market Report, courtesy of the Indian River Community Foundation, the county is home to 898 nonprofit organizations, which employ more than 4,100 people and generate approximately $128 million in annual wages. Of the 218 earning more than $50,000 and filing an annual tax return, local charitable organizations reported $448 million in total revenue in 2026, highlighting the significant economic and social role the sector plays in the community.

”Philanthropy, earned income, and investment income account for 88 percent of the money local charities use for arts and culture, education, the environment, health, and services to vulnerable individual and families in our community,” Pickering said. “Our nonprofit sector’s impact on the local quality of life as well as the local economy is significant but underestimated with respect to public dollars” Pickering said. Pickering also examined the potential impact of changes to public funding, including what they could mean for groups that rely on government contracts. He encouraged leaders to prepare for increased demand on philanthropic resources while building the financial resilience needed to weather future challenges.

“Investing in our community means investing in the people who are doing the work,” said Meredith Egan, CEO at United Way of Indian River County. “LEARN United is one way we can bring people together, share expertise, and make sure local professionals have the tools they need to keep moving their missions forward.”

The partnership between United Way and the Indian River Community Foundation reflects a shared commitment to the strength of the local nonprofit sector. Through LEARN United, the two organizations are expanding their investment beyond fiscal support to help these professionals build skills, share knowledge, and connect with peers facing many of the same challenges.

The 2026-27 LEARN United series will continue with Grant Fundamentals on September 24, From Burnout to Sustainable Leadership on January 26, and Strengthening Board Engagement and Shared Leadership on February 9. These sessions will provide practical tools and resources to help local leaders strengthen fundraising, organizational health, and board engagement.

LEARN United is open to nonprofit professionals throughout Indian River County. The series is designed as a community resource, giving local leaders and their teams opportunities to learn, connect, and bring new ideas back to the work they do every day.

Read the full 2026 Nonprofit Market Report at ircommunityfoundation.org/resources/nonprofits/.

For more information about LEARN United and upcoming sessions, visit UnitedWayIRC.org/LEARN-United or contact Deana Shatley, Director of Community Impact at (772) 567-8900, ext. or Deana.Shatley@UnitedWayIRC.org.

About United Way of Indian River County

United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that mobilizes the caring power of our community by bringing people, partners, and resources together to address local challenges and create lasting solutions. Through investments in local programs, direct service initiatives, and strategic partnerships, we help households become more secure and prepared by working year-round to improve health, education, financial stability, and resilience, creating opportunities for people to thrive, and ensuring Indian River County can respond at the speed of need.

For more information about your local United Way, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website, UnitedWayIRC.org.

About Indian River Community Foundation

Indian River Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a powerfully simple mission of “Building a better community through donor-driven philanthropy.”  Since 2008, the Community Foundation’s assets have grown to more than $115 million. Together with its clients, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $150 million in grants mostly to nonprofit charitable organizations located in Indian River County, Florida. Visit www.ircommunityfoundation.org for more information.