Jamie Richardson: Building Better Nonprofits, Together
Some of the greatest investments in Cabarrus County aren't made in buildings or programs: they're made in the people who lead our nonprofit organizations.
For Jamie Richardson, some of the most important work happening in Cabarrus County isn't always visible. It happens when nonprofit leaders gather around a table to solve a problem together, when one organization refers a family to another that can better meet their needs, and when volunteers, donors, businesses, churches, and foundations unite around a common mission.
As Director of Marketing, Events & Communications for Cooperative Christian Ministry (CCM), Jamie has a front-row seat to these moments every day. They're also the reason she's passionate about creating opportunities for nonprofit organizations to learn, collaborate, and grow together.
Finding Her Calling
Jamie moved to Cabarrus County in 2008 and quickly discovered a community unlike any she had experienced before.
"It didn't take long to feel like this was exactly where I was supposed to be," she says.
She joined Cooperative Christian Ministry in 2021 after seeing the organization's impact through her church's partnership with CCM. Watching neighbors come together to serve one another inspired her to become part of the organization herself. Today, she leads the organization's marketing, events, and communications while helping build community engagement across CCM's many programs.
Collaboration Is Cabarrus County's Superpower
Ask Jamie what makes Cabarrus County great, and her answer is immediate.
"The people."
She describes a community where generosity isn't the exception: it's the expectation. Where organizations celebrate one another's successes, share resources freely, and understand that no single nonprofit can solve every challenge alone.
"Our nonprofit community has a genuine willingness to refer, partner, and share rather than compete," she explains. "Leaders know each other. They pick up the phone. They work together."
Jamie believes that's one of Cabarrus County's greatest strengths. That collaborative spirit is something she sees every day through CCM's work.
"Community challenges are too complex for any one sector to solve alone," she says. "Businesses, nonprofits, government, and foundations each bring something unique to the table. When they work together, that's when real change happens."
Investing in the People Behind the Mission
That philosophy is exactly what inspired Cooperative Christian Ministry to launch the Cabarrus County Nonprofit Workshop 14 years ago.
CCM recognized that while nonprofits dedicate themselves to serving others, many organizations have limited access to affordable professional development for their own teams.
"We realized that strong programs require strong organizations behind them," Jamie says. "Investing in nonprofit leadership is just as important as funding programs because programs are only as strong as the people and organizations running them."
She believes capacity building creates a ripple effect throughout the entire community.
"When nonprofit leaders have the tools they need to succeed, they create stronger organizations, attract more partnerships, and ultimately produce better outcomes for the people they serve."
Rather than creating another fundraising event, CCM created something different: a free professional development workshop focused entirely on helping nonprofit leaders, staff, board members, and volunteers become stronger in their work.
The Greater Cabarrus Foundation shares CCM’s vision as the presenting sponsor of this year's workshop.
"Foundations like GCF bring credibility, resources, and a shared commitment to the community," Jamie says. "Their investment signals that this work matters and allows us to offer the workshop free of charge, removing barriers to participation."
Cabarrus County Nonprofit Workshop
This year's workshop reflects the evolving needs of today's nonprofit sector.
Attendees will choose to participate in two breakout sessions covering topics such as fundraising strategy, artificial intelligence, organizational capacity building, leadership wellness, community partnerships, team communication, and nonprofit marketing. The workshop will also feature keynote speaker Candice Kane of The Cannon Foundation, who will speak about people-centered philanthropy.
Jamie says one of the most valuable parts of the event isn't just the educational sessions.
"It's the opportunity to connect with peers," she says. "The conversations that happen between sessions often become lasting partnerships."
Each year, the workshop brings together more than 125 nonprofit professionals representing over 65 organizations, creating an environment where ideas are shared, challenges are discussed openly, and relationships continue long after the event concludes.
Looking Toward the Future
Cabarrus County continues to experience remarkable growth, bringing new residents, businesses, and opportunities.
Jamie is excited about what that means for the nonprofit community, but she also recognizes the challenges ahead. Housing costs continue to rise, food insecurity remains a concern, and nonprofits must recruit and retain talented staff while meeting increasing community needs.
She believes organizations like Cooperative Christian Ministry and the Greater Cabarrus Foundation will continue helping nonprofits prepare for the future by convening leaders, investing in capacity building, and creating opportunities to learn from one another.
"Technology is opening new doors for nonprofits to reach and serve people more effectively," Jamie says. "The future is exciting because we're growing together."
Everyone Has a Role to Play
For Jamie, one of the greatest lessons she's learned through her work at CCM is that creating a stronger community isn't reserved for nonprofit professionals.
Everyone has something to contribute.
"Your local nonprofits are doing more with less than most people realize," she says. "Giving locally means you can see the impact with your own eyes."
Whether through volunteering, donating, serving on a board, or simply learning more about the organizations serving our neighbors, she believes everyone has a role in strengthening Cabarrus County.
"If I could encourage everyone to do one thing," Jamie says, "it would be to get involved. Cabarrus County is great because people choose to make it great."
Learn More
The 14th Annual Cabarrus County Nonprofit Workshop will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 8:30AM to 1:00PM at Crossroads Church in Concord.
Nonprofit executives, staff, board members, and volunteers are encouraged to attend this free professional development event to connect with peers, gain practical skills, and strengthen the organizations serving Cabarrus County.
To learn more or register for the workshop, visit: cooperativeministry.com/donate/events/nonprofit-workshop