June 23, 2021 – Today, 110 California state legislators announced their selection of a “Nonprofit of the Year” in celebration of California Nonprofits Day. The 114 honorees range from nonprofits in health and food banks to nonprofits in music and sports, this annual effort – in its sixth year – creates a way for legislators to recognize an exceptional nonprofit in their district. You can download the press release and a complete list of honorees and legislators.

Watch the video messages from Senator Monique Limón, Assemblymember Luz Rivas, and CalNonprofits CEO Jan Masaoka!

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 80 authored by Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley), the chair of the Assembly Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector joined by Senator Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), chair of the Senate Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector, proclaims June 23rd as California Nonprofits Day this year. As the voice for California’s nonprofits and a statewide policy alliance of more than 10,000 organizations, the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits) has been pleased to work with both chairs and their committees to raise the profile of California’s nonprofit sector.

“California nonprofits are a vital part of our economy,” said Assemblywoman Rivas. “The challenges of the past year have stressed how important nonprofits’ services are to our communities throughout the state. As someone who created and managed a nonprofit, I know how much passion, effort, and time it takes to run these essential organizations, even without the stresses of a global pandemic. I want to thank our nonprofits across the state for stepping up during a critical time of need. I am proud to author ACR 80, which recognizes and celebrates California Nonprofits Day.”

“As Chair of the Senate Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector, I want to congratulate all of this year’s nonprofit of the year honorees! You are all examples of the powerful, life-changing impact that California nonprofits have on our communities, and you deserve to be recognized for your efforts,” remarked Senator Limón.

“I also want to recognize your resiliency during this challenging time,” Senator Limon continued. “You have stepped up to provide families with essentials, were on the front lines of keeping our communities safe, and found ways to adjust your mission to ensure our communities continue to thrive.”

The recognition as a Nonprofit of the Year brings deserved attention to outstanding nonprofits while illustrating the remarkable diversity and vibrancy of California's nonprofit community. Honorees this year include organizations like: Stop AAPI Hate selected by Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco), Family Assistance Ministries honored by Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel), High Fives Foundation chosen by Assemblymember Megan Dahle (R-Truckee), and Fresno Freedom School selected by Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Fresno)— to name just a few of the more than one hundred honored organizations.

“The pandemic and shelter-in-place orders that are starting to lift have put nonprofits — usually hidden in plain sight — in the spotlight,” explains Jan Masaoka, CalNonprofits CEO. “By selecting an organization to recognize as a Nonprofit of the Year, our elected officials celebrate the good work they see nonprofits doing in their districts and ensure communities see and appreciate the collective impact nonprofits are making.”

California’s nonprofits have continued to step up for their communities during the pandemic as they always do, but have also been adversely impacted by the crisis. Nonprofit health clinics, food banks, senior nutrition programs, and other essential services continue to work far beyond their usual capacity. Across the nonprofit community, 32% of nonprofits have been forced to reduce activity below 50%, and 14% have completely shut down. Many nonprofits are suffering deep financial losses from a drop in earned income, and despite some temporary relief from federal loan and state relief programs, will be laying off staff once those loan funds are expended.

According to “Causes Count,” a 2019 report by CalNonprofits, the nonprofit sector is the 4th largest employer by industry in the state, employing more than 1.2 million people. Each year, California nonprofits generate more than $273 billion in revenue and bring in $40 billion in revenue from outside of California. The unpaid volunteer labor mobilized for nonprofits in service to communities is equivalent to 330,000 full-time jobs every year.