Senator John Laird Honored As Nonprofit Champion

State Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) has been honored with the inaugural Nonprofit Champion award from the California Association of Nonprofits.

Senator Laird received the recognition for his steadfast commitment to supporting the nonprofit sector and for being a strong voice for nonprofits in the legislature. He was honored Wednesday evening at a reception in Sacramento attended by fellow representatives and nonprofit leaders from around the state.

“As a former nonprofit executive director, this recognition from CalNonprofits means a lot to me. In times of change and uncertainty, nonprofit organizations are often the ones communities rely on first and trust the most. They step up to meet real needs and help ensure no one is left behind. Having spent a part of my career working in the nonprofit sector, I know how important it is that we continue to support this work and make sure nonprofits have a strong partner in the Legislature.” – Senator Laird

Senator Laird is a member of the Senate Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector. In addition to his support of nonprofits in the legislature, Senator Laird has extensive personal nonprofit experience. Prior to his election as senator, he served as executive director and was a founding board member of Santa Cruz AIDS Project.

“Senator Laird understands the important role nonprofits play in strengthening communities and helping our state’s most vulnerable populations,” said CalNonprofits CEO Geoff Green. “ He has been a constant champion for nonprofits and our work throughout his time in the legislature. We are proud to offer him this recognition.”

CalNonprofits is a statewide alliance of thousands of nonprofits and a vital voice for California’s nonprofit sector. Through policy advocacy, education and research, CalNonprofits works to build a more powerful and politically engaged nonprofit sector in California.