UrbanPromise Charlotte has been investing in Charlotte’s youth for more than a decade, guiding children and young adults on a 20-year leadership journey from ages 5 to 25. Founded in 2013 by Jimmy McQuilkin, the organization now serves more than 600 participants annually across four neighborhood sites through its proven model: reach a child, raise a leader, restore community.
After more than a decade of rapid growth, UrbanPromise Charlotte reached a pivotal moment. While the organization had successfully focused on strengthening programming and staff capacity following a 2023 strategic planning process led by Next Stage, the nonprofit recognized that investing in board governance was essential for its next phase of growth.
Elevating Governance to Match Organizational Growth
In 2025, UrbanPromise Charlotte’s Board of Directors entered an exciting period of transition and renewal, navigating experiences common among founder-led nonprofits experiencing growth:
- Leadership transition. The board was experiencing significant change, with long-term members departing and new members joining.
- Role clarity. Both board members and executive leadership sought to strengthen collaboration and clarify how their complementary roles could best support organizational success..
- Committee structure. The organization recognized an opportunity to formulate committees to distribute governance work more effectively.
Recognizing the importance of intentional alignment during this growth phase, UrbanPromise Charlotte turned to Next Stage to design a full-day retreat that would engage staff and board members in shared learning and build consensus around a path forward.
Crafting a Tailored Retreat Experience
To prepare for the retreat, the Next Stage team conducted a targeted discovery phase that included:
- Individual meetings with Executive Director Jimmy McQuilkin and board members to understand group dynamics and identify specific needs
- A governance gap analysis to establish clear goals and objectives
- Board member involvement in the retreat design process to increase buy-in
This process ensured the retreat would be a meaningful investment of time, with discussions and interactive exercises tailored specifically to UrbanPromise Charlotte.
In June 2025, both incoming and outgoing board members joined UrbanPromise Charlotte’s staff leadership for an eight-hour retreat at Next Stage’s Plaza Midwood office. The comprehensive format allowed for:
- Deep dives into relevant governance best practices
- Knowledge transfer between departing and incoming members
- Culture-building activities and moments of celebration
- Time for both strategic thinking and practical planning
Achieving Structural and Leadership Transformation
The retreat delivered tangible results that immediately strengthened UrbanPromise Charlotte’s governance structure:
Structural Improvements
- Established two new committees to distribute board work more effectively.
- Developed a plan for future board expansion, including two new seats to bring additional expertise and capacity.
- Enhanced staff integration by generating ideas for involving staff members beyond the executive director in committee work.
Leadership Transition Success
- Facilitated meaningful knowledge transfer from long-term departing board members to incoming leadership.
- Clarified responsibilities for both board members and the executive director.
- Strengthened the staff–board relationship by navigating the unique dynamics of a founder-led organization.
To sustain momentum, the engagement concluded with a comprehensive deliverable documenting key discussions, decisions, and priorities for follow-up.
Strengthening the Foundation for Future Leadership
With a strong governance foundation in place, UrbanPromise Charlotte is well-positioned to sustain its mission of developing Christian leaders determined to restore their communities. For founder-led nonprofits in growth mode, the case illustrates how intentional board development can unlock an organization’s potential and create the infrastructure necessary for lasting impact.
For more information about Next Stage’s board retreat services and how they can support your organization’s governance development, contact us today.
