What National Nonprofit Day Has Taught Me About the Power of Partnership

By Colisha C. Stanford, CEO of StepUp Ministry

Colisha C. Stanford with 2026 StepUp Ambassadors James and Shennette.

Every year on National Nonprofit Day, we celebrate organizations working to strengthen our communities. While I appreciate that recognition, after 18 years at StepUp Ministry—and the past four years serving as CEO—I have come to believe that we sometimes misunderstand the role nonprofits are meant to play.

People often assume nonprofits exist to solve our communities' greatest challenges. The truth is, no nonprofit can do that alone. Our role is not to carry the work by ourselves; it is to bring people together around a shared purpose and help communities solve challenges together. That distinction may seem small, but I believe it changes everything.

Throughout my time at StepUp, I have watched thousands of individuals begin the journey toward stability. What has always stood out to me is that transformation rarely happens because of one program or one organization. It happens because many people decide to invest in someone's future.

A coach helps someone believe in themselves. An employer offers an opportunity. A volunteer encourages. A mentor walks alongside someone during difficult seasons. A church opens its doors. A community partner fills a gap we cannot. Every person and every organization contributes something unique, and together those individual investments become lasting change.

At StepUp, we have the privilege of seeing that happen every day. Employers create opportunities for our participants to build careers. Wake Tech's REACH program expands access to education and career pathways. White Memorial Presbyterian Church has walked alongside us for decades, opening its doors and investing in our mission. Foundations like the Mead Family Foundation and corporate partners like TowneBank, Truist, and Bank of America have helped strengthen our capacity to serve. The Junior League of Raleigh, Wake County, the City of Raleigh, and so many other organizations each bring something different to the table. No two partnerships look exactly alike, but together they make our work—and our community—stronger.

That's what partnership has taught me. The most meaningful work isn't done by one organization. It's done by people who choose to believe in one another and work together toward something bigger than themselves. That's the kind of community StepUp has been fortunate to be part of for nearly 40 years.

This year, I see that same spirit reflected in our Rooted & Rising campaign. This new community space will exemplify partnership in action. It represents thousands of people choosing to invest in stronger families, greater opportunity, and a future where more individuals have the support they need to thrive.

Yes, StepUp’s new home will allow us to welcome more participants, expand our programs, and serve more families for decades to come. But the greatest achievement is not the space itself. The greatest achievement is that our community chose to build it together. Together, we are creating a place where relationships are strengthened, opportunities are expanded, and transformation can continue for generations.

As we celebrate National Nonprofit Day, I hope we recognize more than the work nonprofits do. I hope we celebrate the employers who create opportunity, the churches that open their doors, the volunteers who give their time, the educators who expand possibility, the businesses and foundations that invest in long-term solutions, the community partners who share their expertise, and every neighbor who believes someone deserves another opportunity.

After 18 years at StepUp, one lesson has become abundantly clear to me:

People rarely move to long-term stability because of a single organization. People thrive when an entire community chooses to invest in them.

That is the future I believe in. It's the future we're building together through Rooted & Rising. And it's the kind of community I hope we continue to celebrate—not just on National Nonprofit Day, but every day.