The Nonprofit Life

I had the privilege of interviewing Zoot Velasco, Director of the Gianneschi Center at California State University, Fullerton on his new research project that studied organizations that grew by double or more during the last recession. What did they have in common? The answers will surprise you.  Read the article about the research project upon which that the episode is based at: https://business.fullerton.edu/engagement/GianneschiNonprofitResearch/Publications

Since COVID, this small but mighty nonprofit has tackled THREE virtual fundraising events in the past 6 months. Learn from StandUp for Kids OC's Development Director, Michael Olson, how they managed a Collaborative Giving Day with 19 other organizations, launched a new Virtual Run event, AND transitioned their in-person gala virtually using Facebook and YouTube. See it all in action on their YouTube channel.

OC Grantmakers invites the nonprofit, philanthropic, and business community to four days of learning and discussion around equity, innovation, and resiliency. This year's virtual summit, with sessions spread out over four days, is open to executives, staff and board members, and offers an opportunity for leaders of all ages and experiences to connect, grow and learn with one another. Hear from program committee co-chairs Nithin Jilla and John Guastaferro on the exciting things they have planned to keep us engaged for this upcoming virtual event! 

Anaheim Community Foundation's Anaheim Community Impact Grantee, Community Action Partnership of Orange County shares their work in the community at Anaheim Independencia Family Resource Center in the City of Anaheim. Learn about how they are adjusting to COVID to continue to serve Anaheim residents daily. Thank you Program Manager Jessica Bello for the interview and tour of the facility.

Are you a volunteer looking for opportunities to serve? Or a nonprofit searching for a place to post your opportunities? Volunteeer Network OC is a free online platform and mobile app that has over 400 volunteers, and growing daily, looking for placed to give their time and skill. Learn more about how they can help your organization reach more volunteers, and how the app can also serve as a volunteer management tool. Great resource for small and growing nonprofits.

Still considering a virtual fundraiser for the year? Joya Scholars, a tiny nonprofit in Orange County took on the bold move of canceling their in-person event and making it a 30 min live fundraising event using Stream Labs and YouTube Live. Not only was it fun and engaging, it cost them nothing! Well, other than 6 weeks of staff and volunteer time. And that's not even the best part... they now have 10 individual video segments they can utilize throughout the year to share with potential board members, donors and community stakeholders. They took all their stories throughout the year and made it something that can be utilized all year long. To view the event visit their YouTube Page.

When City, Foundation and Community come together for youth. In this interview we meet Joe Perez, City of Anaheim- Municipal Government Superintendent of Community Services who oversees the Human Services component of city programs. Learn about Project S.A.Y. (Supporting Anaheim Youth) and how Anaheim Community Services and Anaheim Community Foundation plays a roll in making it a success.

Family Resource Centers (FRC) are the one-stop shops for families and children needing access to a food, resources, referrals and a safe person to talk to in times of stress. Providing much needed guidance and support, the Oasis Center located on Paul Revere Elementary school is a hub for all families in need, but especially those in the surrounding areas. Here how they serve Anaheim residents, and continue to serve event after COVID.

Meet Anaheim Ballet, a nonprofit with a mission to enlighten and entertain audiences with classically rooted programming and contemporary presentation by providing quality performances to all audiences throughout Southern California. Their educational outreach and Scholarship STEP-UP! program is committed to the promotion of classical ballet and providing its numerous benefits to those otherwise not able to receive them.

Another passionate nonprofit in Anaheim giving voice to individuals in our community. Voice of Refugees offers a number of tools aimed at assisting refugee families as they re-establish their lives in America. Each of these tools meet an essential need, including but not limited to: supplemental food, English instruction, financial counseling, housing assistance, job coaching, youth leadership corps, summer camp, and community connections within the Little Arabia neighborhood.

I have had the pleasure of attending Chance Theater several times over the years and beyond amazed with their programming and commitment to making sure that art is not just about actors on a stage, it's a story... important stories that need to be seen, heard and felt. I had the honor of interviewing a staff member and parent talk about their educational youth programs and how they are giving Teens and children with Autism a place to Speak Up!

Youth sports organization, Pure Game, is dedicated to changing the lives of youth through sport. Teaching them character and the skills needed to be thriving leaders for our next generation. Meet Anthony Cummings, Strategic Partnerships and Youth Director and here how they are serving youth in Anaheim, even through COVID.

Anaheim Community Foundation's Executive Director, John Guastaferro talks about mission, partnerships, grants and upcoming Giving Day. Learn how they are striving to support the residents of Anaheim and nonprofits that serve them.

There are a lot of things that go into a successful Giving Day. As you prepare for Giving Tuesday Now or your own organization's virtual fundraising day, there are many factors to consider. Learn from three fundraisers that took part in a group giving day by impact area. One mission, 19 nonprofits, $1.7 million dollars raised! #1 Tip, Find Your Champions!

The landscape of funding and grants are rapidly changing as COVID continues to bring us day to day uncertainty. In this interview with Kim Sanchez, Grant Consultant and former President of the Grant Professionals Association, she covers what's going on in the world of grants, how funders are changing their focus areas, and new requirements that are already making their way to the grant application.