At a time of federal instability and rising community needs, California’s state government agencies must strengthen how they partner with nonprofits.

SB 1240, newly introduced by Senator Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) and sponsored by CalNonprofits, establishes the Office of Nonprofit Empowerment (ONE) — a first-of-its-kind dedicated hub within state government to improve collaboration between the state and its nonprofit partners.

Just as California businesses can turn to Go-Biz and the Office of the Small Business Advocate, nonprofits need a dedicated liaison office that will support their work and the communities they serve throughout the state. The bill aligns with recommendations from the Little Hoover Commission’s recent report emphasizing the urgent need for a more responsive government-nonprofit infrastructure.

Join us now in calling on legislators to support SB 1240 and the creation of a new Office of Nonprofit Empowerment. The bill will soon move to its first policy committee hearing and we need a strong show of support.

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Together we can build a partnership with our state government that is more responsive, coordinated, and effective for the communities we serve.

 

California’s nonprofits drive change, provide essential services, and strengthen every corner of our state. But behind every cause are the people powering the work.

Whether you’re on the frontlines of direct service or supporting your organization through fundraising, communications, HR, finance or administration – you’re who we want to hear from!

As part of the next Causes Count report – the most comprehensive look at California’s nonprofit sector – we’re digging deeper into the experiences of the nonprofit workforce. CalNonprofits, in partnership with The Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego, is conducting the 2025 Nonprofit Employee Survey to capture the realities of nonprofit work in 2025.

What’s working? What’s broken? What do you need to keep doing your job well? This is your chance to be heard! Policymakers, funders, and advocates will use your insights to shape decisions that impact your work.

Take the Survey

Deadline to complete the survey is October 7.

This survey is intended for those who are not in an Executive Director or CEO role. But EDs and CEOs, you can help by ensuring the survey gets out to the right people. Help make Causes Count 2025 our most comprehensive report to date!

What you can do:

  • Forward this email to your staff and encourage them to take the survey
  • Share this email with colleagues and friends working the nonprofit sector
  • Help us spread the word on socials with this handy social media toolkit

Thank you for helping make sure California’s nonprofit workforce is seen, heard, and supported.

At the August 19th joint hearing of the CA Senate and Assembly Select Committees on the Nonprofit Sector, legislators heard directly from several nonprofit and foundation leaders about the pressing challenges facing nonprofits in California.

A key highlight: CalNonprofits CEO Geoff Green proposed the creation of an Office of Nonprofit Empowerment as a formal bridge between the government and the nonprofit sector. With so many state agencies relying on nonprofits to deliver essential services, a centralized office would help nonprofits navigate the complexities of state government, strengthen compliance, and provide a channel for their input on state priorities.

Read details in the hearing’s background paper.

“There’s really no ‘bat phone’ [nonprofits] can pick up to try to solve a problem or access help immediately.” Green told committee members. “So in short we really need better infrastructure within state government and nonprofits really need a voice.”

Other panel discussions addressed the impact of federal funding cuts and new tax policies, the role of nonprofits in wildfire recovery, and needed reforms to state contracting.

CalNonprofits was instrumental in the creation of these two important committees, which provide leadership in Sacramento on behalf of our sector and help inform legislators about the critical role nonprofits play in communities across the state. Watch the full hearing recording here.


The hearing was co-chaired by Senator Monique Limón (D-Ventura) and Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara). Speakers included: Laura Seaman, CEO, League of California Community Foundations; Monica White, CEO, Food Share of Ventura County; Abby Browning, Chief of Private Sector & NGO Coordination Office, Governor’s Office of Emergency Services; Bruce Yerman, Director of Operations, Camp Fire Collaborative; Annie Chang, Vice President, Nonprofit Finance Fund; and Wilfredo Cruz Jr., Executive Director, Community Resource Project.

In recognition of California Nonprofits Day on May 21st, we’re excited to announce the 2025 California Nonprofits of the Year! These stellar organizations were each selected by a State Senator or Assemblymember to be honored for the difference they’re making in their communities. From food banks and youth programs to arts collectives and veteran support, this year’s honorees reflect the depth, diversity, and impact of California’s nonprofit sector.

“Whether they are inspiring us through the arts, working to empower vulnerable communities, serving our veterans, or simply offering a meal to someone in need, nonprofit organizations are the heart and soul of our communities,” said Geoff Green, CEO of CalNonprofits. “In the face of the federal government’s recent attempts to de-fund and weaken our sector, we celebrate the fact that California’s elected leaders from across the political spectrum honor the role nonprofits play in all our lives.”

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the CA Nonprofit of the Year program, which has now honored a total of 1,009 nonprofit organizations across California. The selected nonprofits will be recognized at a luncheon on the Capitol Mall at the state Capitol tomorrow (Wednesday) which has been officially proclaimed “California Nonprofits Day.”

More than a one-day celebration, the event helps to increase awareness about the critical role nonprofits play in our communities. When legislators recognize the nonprofits in their districts, they gain a deeper understanding of community needs and build relationships with the individuals working to address those needs.

“These organizations are on the front lines,” said Assemblymember Gregg Hart, Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector. “The California Nonprofits of the Year recognition provides a meaningful opportunity to spotlight the work they do every day.”

“As Chair of the Senate Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector, I have seen the impacts nonprofits make on millions of Californians every year,” said Senator Monique Limón. “As our state navigates the challenges ahead, we must work together to ensure that California nonprofits can continue to serve our communities. It is my honor to recognize this year’s Nonprofit of the Year honorees and thank them for their service to the Golden State.”

Want to see who was honored in your region? 👉🏼 Take a look at the full list of 2025 Nonprofits of the Year here.

We’re proud to lift up this amazing community of changemakers. And we’re grateful to the legislators who see, value, and stand with the nonprofit sector.

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