Timing is everything, and it has proven to be perfect for Cursive Academy founder Terrell Whittington.

Just six months shy of its inception and days before Giving Tuesday, Gary-based Cursive Academy achieved nonprofit status as a 501c3 organization.

Whittington and wife and co-founder Chelsea Whittington had been considering the idea since summer. After research and counseling, the pair decided that it was the route to pursue.

“As we started to receive community support through donations and sponsorships for students to take cursive courses, we knew a vehicle had to be created to access funding and be eligible for grants,” Terrell Whittington said in a press release. “We are committed to doing everything to the letter even as we are learning new strategies about the business daily.”

Founded June 9, 2025, Cursive Academy has graduated 83 students, teaching participants the basics of cursive handwriting and how to sign their name. The Whittingtons wanted to create a path to ensure that the program could thrive and serve participants who may not be able to afford the cost of the cursive workshops.

The pair enlisted the assistance of Lois Whittaker of Royalty Strategic Consultants.

“At first I was on the fence because I have operated my for-profit business for several years,” Chelsea Whittington said. “Once Ms. Whittaker laid out all of the benefits and potential access to funding, we were sold on the idea.”

In addition to securing the 501c3 designation, Whittaker will assist the Whittingtons in identifying grants and providing help with the grant application process.

“I could not be more proud of the progress we’ve made in just a few months,” Terrell Whittington said. “I know that we are providing a needed service, and we want everyone who is interested in learning to write cursive to have that opportunity.”

In honor of the nonprofit designation, the Whittingtons will be teaching a free, 2-day cursive workshop 3 to 4 p.m. Dec. 22 and 23, at the Gary Public Library.

“It is the season of giving, and we want to give back,” Terrell Whittington said.