The Greater Alliance Foundation and the University of Mount Union Regula Center recently welcomed nearly 80 nonprofit professionals and organizational staff members to the 2026 Professional Development Day, a full-day learning experience designed to strengthen leadership across the greater Alliance community.
Now in its fifth year and held at The Alliance Commons, the event featured an impressive lineup of regional experts who shared practical strategies and professional insights to support nonprofit effectiveness and community impact. “Our goal was to create an accessible, high-quality professional learning opportunity right here in our community,” said Heidi McClung, Executive Director of the Greater Alliance Foundation. “The strong attendance and engagement throughout the day demonstrated how committed local organizations are to growing their skills and strengthening their impact.”
A Day of Learning and Leadership
Participants engaged in sessions led by experienced professionals in nonprofit leadership, communications, fundraising, and organizational strategy. Presentations covered topics including nonprofit governance, grant writing and funding strategies, workplace culture, storytelling for impact, generational dynamics in the workplace, donor engagement, and purpose-driven leadership. The day featured insights from regional leaders representing organizations such as the Ohio Attorney General’s Charitable Law Section, Visit Canton, ArtsinStark, the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Strengthening Stark, and private-sector leadership and consulting firms.
Building Capacity Across the Community
The 2026 Professional Development Day was designed to address real challenges facing today’s organizations, from communication and leadership development to fundraising and strategic growth. Attendees participated in interactive sessions and collaborative discussions throughout the day. Feedback from participants highlighted the value of bringing high-caliber training opportunities directly to Alliance, reducing barriers to professional growth while fostering stronger connections among local organizations. “This event reflects the Foundation’s commitment to investing not only in programs, but in people,” said McClung. “When leaders grow, our entire community benefits.”