Scholarship Program Shifts to Independent Non-Profit Model
Local business sponsors should adjust their engagement protocols to align with the program's new independent organizational structure.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Should local scholarship programs operate as independent non-profits rather than relying on business chamber support?
The Best and Brightest program has transitioned into an independent non-profit organization following the withdrawal of administrative support from the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce on June 3, 2026. The scholarship initiative continues its operations for local high school seniors under this new structure.
Why it matters
The shift to an independent non-profit structure changes how the program manages administrative costs and corporate sponsorships as it moves away from Chamber-led oversight. This transition marks a significant operational pivot for a program that has distributed over $1 million in scholarships since 2006.
Since its 2006 inception, the program has recognized 3,000 seniors and distributed over $1 million in scholarship funds. The initiative maintains 15 award categories and typically honors 100 students annually.
The players
Sachs Media
A communication and public affairs firm that currently manages the operations of the newly independent non-profit.
Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce
A business advocacy organization that previously provided administrative support to the student scholarship program.
Michelle Ubben
The CEO of Sachs Media who managed the organizational transition of the program.
The details
The program incorporated as an independent non-profit entity under the management of Sachs Media to maintain continuity. Former director Laura Rogers and CEO Michelle Ubben led the transition after the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce opted to redirect its organizational resources elsewhere. Sponsors including the City of Tallahassee, Leon County Schools, and Comcast remain involved as the program prepares for its next independent cycle.
Timeline
The program launched in 2006.
The annual ceremony took place on May 13, 2026.
The Chamber of Commerce notified organizers of its withdrawal on June 3, 2026.
The next awards ceremony is scheduled for May 12, 2027.
Market Landscape
The transition marks a shift from the program's original governance model established at the 2006 launch of the Best and Brightest program. It reflects a broader trend of local non-profits seeking independent status to streamline resource management and governance.
Business operators should note that the program now functions as an independent non-profit, which may change the protocols for future corporate sponsorship agreements. Firms looking to participate in or support the initiative should coordinate directly with the new leadership rather than the local Chamber of Commerce.
The takeaway
The program has successfully navigated a major governance change while retaining its core sponsors and operational continuity. Local businesses interested in maintaining support should update their vendor and partnership files to reflect the program's status as an independent entity.
What happens next
The next awards ceremony for the program is scheduled for May 12, 2027, at Florida State University.
Further reading
For more on how local organizations restructure their operations, view the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tallahassee Democrat.
Live Poll
Should local scholarship programs operate as independent non-profits rather than relying on business chamber support?
