At the 2026 TogetherSC Nonprofit Summit in Greenville, Dr. Richard was busy! She presented three times in the three day conference. The focus and content of her presentations were:

Stronger Together: Using Community Voice to Build Sustainable Programs and Trust in Your Organization
Presenters: Chelsea Richard, Central Carolina Community Foundation and Lexi Jones, South Carolina First Steps

Based in principles of community-based participatory research, high-quality feedback loops provide organizations with an opportunity to gather community input; co-create data-informed action steps; and improve trust between program implementers, program users, and community partners. Through a 5-step process, organizations can use feedback loops to support continuous quality improvement and inform strategic planning processes. Key considerations for designing, implementing, and responding to data collected during a feedback loop will be shared using two case studies: (1) from a staff feedback loop in a small philanthropic organization; (2) from a statewide evaluation of a home-visiting program conducted by SC First Steps. Attendees created a plan to implement a high-quality feedback loop in their organization.

AI for Nonprofits: Real Tools, Real Results, Right Now
Panelists: Chelsea Richard, Central Carolina Community Foundation; Rhonda Bush, Girl Get Up Society; Shunna Jeter, SC Legal Services
Moderator: Lelia King, Build Carolina

This panel focused on real, practical ways nonprofits in South Carolina are using AI right now. Featuring participants from the AI Opportunity Accelerator - South Carolina, an initiative funded by Google.org, in partnership with Project Evident and the Central Carolina Community Foundation, panelists shared how a foundation, a statewide nonprofit, and a grassroots organization are putting AI tools to work. From developing fundraising campaigns to streamlining operations, these were solutions nonprofits can use - no tech background required. We covered what is working, what is not, and how to get started in a way that fits any nonprofit’s budget and capacity. The audience left with solutions to everyday issues to apply right away.

AI for Funders: Accelerating Impact
Presenters: Chelsea Richard and Georgia Mjartan, Central Carolina Community Foundation

This workshop focused on what members of the South Carolina Grantmakers Network could be doing themselves and for the nonprofits they support in implementing AI to gain efficiency. Based in six enabling conditions learned from the AI Opportunity Accelerator - South Carolina, the workshop led to robust discussion regarding available tools and how to get started. Participants left asking to keep the conversation going - not only for themselves, but for their local nonprofit networks.