Hopeful Together: The True Charity Summit as Encouragement

COLE EDMONSON
Marketing Specialist

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What is the True Charity Summit?

From its local beginnings in 2019 as a southwest Missouri training and networking event, the True Charity Summit has grown to an annual spring gathering of over 200 committed, like-minded charity givers from across the country (many of whom are True Charity Network members). Over the course of two-and-a-half days, attendees are equipped and encouraged with some of the finest resources the effective charity movement has to offer — all so they can return home and more skillfully embody compassionate charity. 

This year, we had over 200 attendees from 27 states join us in Jacksonville Beach, Florida — and it was such an encouragement! The scenery was beautiful, the weather was perfect, and most of all, the conversations were uplifting. Here’s what some of this year’s attendees had to say:

“This was a fantastic experience. We have found a group of like-minded orgs and feel empowered to continue this work.” 

— Heather Isaacs, Life on Belay

“I am so glad I made time to come to this! So encouraging, informative, inspiring and impactful. One of the best events I have attended.” 

— Diane Hagni, Phelps County Dream Center

Why should you attend a Summit?

If you’ve been at the charity game very long, you know toxic handouts are still prevalent — and easier. And you probably also know there’s a better way to help because you’ve seen that ‘better way’ work. But upholding effective charity principles can be lonely and tiring. It’s easy to feel like you’re fighting the battle alone. 

True Charity is here to tell you that you’re not alone — and the best way to know is to find your people. This year’s Summit was a perfect case in point. 

Participants connected and collaborated with others who are changing lives and restoring human dignity through timeless principles and innovative practices. The insights gained inspired them with a fresh sense of hope and encouragement that will keep them from burnout and benefit their clients.

“This was my first Summit so I didn’t know what to expect. … I walked away with ideas, plans, and next steps that feel realistic, not overwhelming. I made several new contacts and learned from others further on the journey. Normally, I don’t enjoy networking but this was different. I loved every opportunity to hear and learn from those attending, not just the session speakers. I echo the sentiment I heard several times during the event — I have finally found my people! The Summit covered it all and I could not be more grateful! What a beautiful time of inspiration, education, equipping, and activation!”

— Melissa Demopoulos, Bringing Children Hope

“I went to the True Charity Summit and definitely felt like I found my people. I kept saying over and over again, “I can’t believe I didn’t know about this before.”

— Traci Slager, Love INC Newaygo

What’s the day-in and day-out like at a Summit?

Before the official start at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, we hosted two “True Charity Intensives,” providing a deeper dive into areas of interest. This year, The Chalmers Center’s Justin Lonas returned for a session on program design, while Trevor Bragdon led a 7-Figure Fundraising session.

Afterward, the doors officially opened, launching a Summit chock-full of mini-events designed to maximize opportunities to connect and get to know other charity professionals. That started with a First-timers Meetup, followed by interactive ‘Connect and Crowdsource’ discussions that gave everyone in the room the opportunity to talk about pressing issues they face. 

As a bonus, participants discovered many of the most insightful conversations they had started organically after one of our breakout classes (more information below), during our ice cream social, and in spontaneous interactions with charity and nonprofit B2B vendors in our exhibit hall. There were also free times available for spur of the moment lunch meetings, walks on the beach, and a nighttime viewing of the new Poverty Trap documentary from Acton Institute.

Every Summit sees a bevy of impactful stories and principles shared during our plenary sessions — and 2026 was no exception. This year’s keynote and panel talks included [click to listen]:

• Michael Matheson Miller: Loving Our Neighbors as Ourselves
• James Whitford: Designed for Development, Purpose, and Destiny
• Bethany Herron: A Panel on Dignity-driven Case Management
• Rachel Ferguson: Applying True Charity to Families and Neighborhoods

Attendees also took advantage of 27 interactive breakout sessions along six different education tracks hosted by True Charity staff and other subject matter experts. And day two kicked off with a worship and devotional gathering in Beach Church’s historic chapel building.

“I went to the Summit, and I was blown away. It was the first conference I have been to that truly matched what our organization does.” 

— Gina Whitmore, Compassion Coalition

“I truly enjoyed the conference! So much good food for thought that I know will translate into better service and … outcomes for those we encounter.”

— Olivia Hann, Kershaw Area Resource Exchange (KARE)

Honoring Change-makers Like You

Each year, our Excellence in Charity Award recognizes a True Charity Network organization that demonstrated exceptional effectiveness in helping people through dignity-centered, relational care during the past year. The winner is chosen from essay entries conveying a story about someone who successfully moved from crisis and dependency to freedom and flourishing.

This year’s winner was Saved By Grace Glynn, a Christ-centered nonprofit in Brunswick, Georgia that helps men through discipleship, accountability, work opportunities, and long-term residential support. Their mission is to “Restore hope, one life at a time.”

In the same vein, our Waypoint Award honors organizations that have pursued meaningful improvements in how they serve individuals and families in poverty.

This year’s winners (pictured below from left to right) are: 

• ANEW Ministries, serving young mothers in northwest Indiana through mentorship, encouragement, and practical support programs. They also equip local churches with tools to walk alongside moms in ways that strengthen families and promote long-term flourishing.
• Skylark: A Sexual Health + Care Clinic, serving individuals and families in Brunswick, Georgia through compassionate healthcare services, education, and client support programs designed to promote holistic well-being and flourishing.
• Joshua’s Place, rendering assistance to the Kings Mill, OH community through practical support programs, relational care initiatives, and personal development opportunities designed to help individuals and families move toward greater stability and flourishing.

Come join us!

Next year promises to be just as powerful as we gather April 21st – 23rd in beautiful Holland, Michigan to enjoy each other — along with the beautiful tulips that make southwest Michigan so memorable that time of year. We hope to see you there!

“So many aspects and details of this conference changed my perspective on what I believe true charity work is. I feel incredibly blessed to be provided with the opportunity to experience this and be a witness to the work you do. Thank you for such a great experience. I can’t wait until next year!”

—Kayla Beene, CAANEAL

Ready to find your people? Why wait until next year’s Summit? Join the True Charity Network today! Membership allows you to connect with other organizations through the Network portal and obtain discounted tickets for our time together in Holland.