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How SGNN Began (And Why March 12 Matters)
- David Oaks
- Mar 2
- 3 min read
Monday, March 2
11:30 a.m.
Recently, I had a conversation with Donnie Warren, Executive Director of the Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation, and asked him a simple question: Why did the Foundation help start SGNN?
His answer took me back to 2018—and reminded me why this work matters.
Years before SGNN was founded, Donnie attended a conference where foundation executives were challenged: “It’s one thing to write a check and support a group—sometimes that’s the easy thing to do. But so many small nonprofits lack the resources to really learn, train, and network.”
That challenge sparked an idea.
The Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation’s mission has always been about improving quality of life in South Georgia through education, community service, and promoting the entrepreneurial spirit.
Donnie realized something important: the best way to strengthen our community isn’t just through grants—it’s by strengthening the nonprofits doing the work.
Because here’s the truth: Many nonprofits can’t afford to get the training they need to accomplish their mission.
So in 2018, the Foundation partnered with Mauldin & Jenkins, McLane Funeral and Cremation Services, Valdosta State University, and the Greater Valdosta United Way to found SGNN—bringing professional development right here to South Georgia.
That September, more than 100 nonprofit managers and staff gathered at Valdosta State University for the inaugural conference.
People doing incredible work in the same town—who had never met each other—were suddenly in the same room.
By the end of that day, business cards were flying.
Phone numbers were exchanged.
Relationships formed that are still going strong today.
The response was overwhelming: “This was wonderful. Can we do this again?”
And SGNN has been doing it ever since.
That’s the entrepreneurial spirit in action. That’s how we advance our region—not just through individual programs, but by educating and connecting the people who serve our communities every single day.
That founding vision is why March 12 matters.
On March 12, you’ll have the chance to:
Learn AI tools that can transform your grant writing and communications
Get legislative updates that could affect your funding and programs
Sharpen your financial oversight with expert guidance from Carr, Riggs & Ingram
Network with leaders who understand your challenges and share your mission
Build relationships that strengthen the entire nonprofit sector in South Georgia
Share meals together—because the best ideas happen around the table
Donnie told me he’s “super excited about the itinerary of the upcoming conference. AI is on the forefront of everything today, and this is our chance to learn how to use it wisely, ethically, and safely—protecting both our mission and the people we serve.”
We’ve already had 30 registrations—and seats are limited to 100.
When: Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 7:45 AM–3:00 PMWhere: Second Harvest of South Georgia, 1836 Piedmont Place, ValdostaInvestment: $25 (includes SGNN membership)
From that first gathering in 2018 to today, the heartbeat remains the same: invest in people, foster relationships, and improve quality of life across South Georgia.
You don’t have to travel to San Antonio or Atlanta. You just need to show up on March 12.
You can meet Donnie Warren and 100 other leaders.
I’ll see you there.
David Oaks
Board ChairSouth Georgia Nonprofit Network
P.S. – Questions? Contact Eva Freeman at efreeman@hljrfoundation.com or 229-219-2358.
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