In 1996, a group of community funders in Tampa Bay noticed a growing challenge. Nonprofits were being asked to do more and more for their communities, but most had nowhere to turn to develop the skills and systems needed to meet these increasing needs. United Way of Tampa Bay (now United Way Suncoast), the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, and the Conn Memorial Foundation came together to establish a small initiative, housed within the United Way, to fill this gap.
Originally launched as the Management Assistance Program, or MAP, the program was designed to make management assistance resources available to nonprofit organizations to improve their operating efficiency and effectiveness. MAP officially received its 501(c)3 designation in 2005.
Eventually hiring one paid staff member and relying on a network of volunteers, MAP offered training and educational programming, facilitation, and networking forums to local nonprofits to build skills in communications, marketing, fundraising, social entrepreneurship, technology, financial management, human resources, strategic planning, and board and executive development.
Now three decades later, that small community resource program has grown into the Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay (NLC). Today, with a team of seven staff and a robust network of expert trainers, it serves nearly 600 nonprofit organizations and more than 2,230 nonprofit professionals annually, helping nonprofit leaders and organizations build the capacity needed to fulfill their missions and improve our communities. In 2025, NLC delivered more than 16,000 training hours across in-person and virtual classes, certificate programs, custom trainings, and its annual Nonprofit Leadership Conference.
“As the Nonprofit Leadership Center celebrates 30 years of impact, our story is one of gratitude, service, and hope,” says Charlie Imbergamo, MA, CFRE, CEO of the Nonprofit Leadership Center. “Gratitude for those who came before us and built the foundation. Service to the nonprofit leaders and organizations that work every day to strengthen our communities. And hope for a future where more people fully recognize the nonprofit sector as central to Tampa Bay’s economic strength, workforce vitality, and shared commitment to those most in need.”
The Journey to Strengthen Nonprofits & Communities
What started as a small community program established by a dedicated group of funders has become Tampa Bay’s leading advocate and resource for the regional nonprofit sector, and an example for similar management service organizations across the country.
Today, more than 9 in 10 nonprofit professionals who attend Nonprofit Leadership Center events say they’ve applied concepts learned to achieve a desired outcome, and 90% report feeling more confident in their leadership skills.
Through every year and milestone, our purpose has remained the same: to develop and connect nonprofit leaders to strengthen organizations and our communities.
1996 — Founded as the Management Assistance Program by United Way of Tampa Bay, the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, and the Conn Memorial Foundation
2005 — Received IRS 501(c)3 designation
2006 — Renamed the Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay
2007 — Launched NLC’s first logo and website, held the first Certificate in Nonprofit Management program in partnership with The University of Tampa, and launched the first Certificate in Volunteer Management and Certificate in Grant Writing programs
2010 — Opened the Nonprofit Leadership Center’s Tampa training center on N. Westshore Boulevard and launched the new logo and mission statement NLC has today
2011 — Hosted the first Nonprofit Leadership Conference
2012 — Launched Key Partner program, formalizing our commitment to deepen relationships with the business community
2020 — Launched Certificate in Leadership, our signature program focused on developing rising leaders
2026 — Celebrating 30 years of developing and connecting nonprofit leaders to strengthen organizations and our communities
Looking Ahead: Strong Nonprofits = Stronger Communities
As the Nonprofit Leadership Center looks ahead to the next 30 years, it remains committed to developing skilled and confident leaders advancing effective and sustainable nonprofits that reflect the communities they serve.
“Strong communities depend on strong nonprofits,” says Imbergamo. “As the Nonprofit Leadership Center marks our 30th anniversary, we are focused on the future — on redoubling our efforts to ensure nonprofit leaders and organizations have the knowledge, skills, and capacity to serve our communities.”
In honor of NLC’s 30 years of impact, nonprofit leaders share their wish for the sector:
Help Strengthen Tampa Bay’s Nonprofits
Behind every thriving community initiative is a nonprofit leader and organization. Help celebrate 30 years of impact with a gift to the Nonprofit Leadership Center. Just $30 will empower a nonprofit professional with the essential training and peer support needed to overcome hurdles, secure vital funding, and advance their missions to support our communities.
