Friend, in September, we observe Hispanic Heritage and Suicide Prevention Month. Legislation continues to impact the nonprofit sector and ICE terror grows.
Before we dive into the wins and challenges of this month, we have an important feedback opportunity; In order to better understand and advocate for the needs of our nonprofit communities, we have launched a Federal Impacts Survey with Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits. We want to hear about how changes in federal policy and funding are impacting your organization. More information in the Thrive Updates section.
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September brings both challenges and opportunities for our nonprofit community. San Mateo County is navigating fiscal uncertainty, with a revised $5.5 billion budget alongside a lawsuit against the state over a $38 million funding shortfall. Local leaders are also sounding the alarm on urgent issues, from the child care crisis that has forced many parents—especially women—out of the workforce, to the continued need for equity investments in women’s health, safety, and economic security. These are not abstract debates; they are decisions that directly affect the families and neighborhoods we serve.
At the same time, we’re seeing important shifts in housing and immigration; cities across the county are reconsidering their affordable housing strategies; immigrant communities are facing renewed pressure from ICE enforcement, even as state legislators advance protections in healthcare settings. Nonprofits remain on the front lines—supporting families, advocating for fair policy, and defending the dignity of every resident.
September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a vital reminder that mental health and connection are core to community resilience. The County’s campaign theme, “Love Over Loneliness,” calls us to recognize how isolation impacts nearly half of local residents, and to strengthen networks of care and support. Amidst somber reflection, this month is also dedicated to celebrating Hispanic Heritage, with events throughout the Bay Area occurring from September 15 to October 15.
As always, Thrive is committed to supporting the incredible organizing power of our local nonprofit and partner communities. We have created this Community Safety Resource Webpage to do just that. We also co-hosted an event to create safer community spaces with the ACLU of SMC and REACH Coalition. Resources from that event are available here.
In solidarity,
Skye Hathaway, Policy and Equity Coordinator
Yajaira Ortega, Policy and Equity, Senior Manager
To view Thrive and community events or to submit an event, visit Thrive's Event page.
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CalNonprofits and the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego are updating the Causes Count report on the economic and social impact of California’s nonprofit sector, and they want to hear from you. This anonymous survey is designed for nonprofit employees working in day-to-day operations, such as program staff, educators, outreach coordinators, clinicians, or administrative support staff. It will help inform policymakers, funders, and the public about the importance of nonprofit work.
Hearing on Nonprofit Sector in Sacramento
Last month, CalNonprofits joined the California Senate and Assembly Select Committees on the Nonprofit Sector for a joint hearing on the unprecedented challenges facing the nonprofit sector. Speakers detailed how federal funding cuts, reimbursement-only state contracts, and delayed payments are straining the sector, which employs over 1.7 million Californians. Proposals included contract reforms, stronger disaster partnerships, and the creation of a new Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to give nonprofits a permanent voice in state government. The hearing recording and transcript are available here.
Major Housing Bill SB 79 Passes Assembly
Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County (HLC) urged support for SB 79, this year’s major housing bill. SB 79 will enable more housing to be built near transit, a crucial step in reducing housing costs and promoting sustainable transit use. The bill passed the California Legislature last week and is now on the Governor's desk to be signed into law.
County Updates
$5.5 Billion County Budget Announced
San Mateo County has released a revised $5.5 billion budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year, adding $610 million in new spending and 24 staff positions to strengthen health, safety, and community services. County leaders highlighted the uncertainty caused by state and federal policy shifts but emphasized their commitment to maintaining essential neighborhood services, including health clinics and assistance offices. The Board of Supervisors will review the budget on Tuesday, September 23. Read the full announcement here.
County Suing State over $38 Million Shortfall
San Mateo County has filed a lawsuit against California over a $38 million shortfall in vehicle license fee funds, warning that the gap threatens core services like health care, housing, and public safety. County leaders argue the state failed to deliver funds promised in a 2004 budget deal, even as other counties received their full share. Read the full announcement here.
Local Housing Updates
On August 26, the Board of Supervisorsunanimously approved the FY 2025–26 Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan, granting the executive authority to complete and submit it to HUD for approval. MTW supports flexible and cost-effective housing solutions, including funding for affordable housing development and self-sufficiency programs.
Redwood City has expanded its anti-camping ordinance by designating waterways as sensitive areas where encampments can now be cleared within 48 hours (down from 72) after refusing shelter, and it has established San Mateo County as a formal enforcement partner to help implement the policy.
The Menlo Park City Council passed a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Parking Plazas located north of Santa Cruz Avenue. Proposals will include affordable housing, updated parking, and/or mixed-use. Updates can be found here, and the discussion is recorded here (video timestamped).
In July, the East Palo Alto City Council unanimously rejected staff proposals to raise in-lieu fees for developers who don’t meet affordable housing mandates. Then, in September, council members approved the “Four Corners” development removal of all very low-income units and halving the number of for-sale affordable homes—sparking criticism that it disproportionately diminishes housing support for those most in need.
We do our best to keep up with updates from around the county; if you have something you would like featured, please to reach out.
Local Youth Updates
At the August 26 Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Jackie Speier called child care a “workforce crisis that starts in the crib,” citing data showing 81% of parents report child care affects their work. The county loses roughly $800 million annually in productivity. She proposed immediate steps, including a centralized childcare portal, a “Trishare” cost-sharing pilot with employers, and exploring new revenue options such as a half-cent sales tax, expanded Measure K funding, or an airport rental car tax, to lower costs for families. You can watch her presentation here.
At the same Board meeting, Supervisor Noelia Corzo reported progress on the County’s Action Plan for Women and Children, including reducing the workforce gender pay gap to 4.8%, well below the 15% national average. She emphasized the need for continued work on childcare access, domestic violence prevention, reproductive health, and closing wealth gaps amid ongoing challenges. Watch her presentation here.
Local Immigration Updates
Protesters gathered outside Stanford Hospital in support of East Palo Alto resident who was held in ICE custody while hospitalized following a medical complication during arrest. The demonstration coincided with a critical legislative advance: a California bill that would restrict ICE’s presence in healthcare facilities just passed a key vote in the legislature. Read more from KTVU and ABC7.
The San Mateo County Office of Community Affairs shares updates on immigration here. Recent changes include increased fees and changes to Temporary Protected Status for Guatemalans, Hondurans, Venezuelans, and Nepalis. For a curated list of immigration safety resources, check out our Community Safety Resources page.
The Daly City Partnership shares that fear of deportation is impacting nonprofits' ability to offer their services. Clients are scared to share information about themselves or their families. Without information, Daly City Partnership cannot adequately support these community members. "We don't care what your status is. We don't care where you're living... and we will not report any of your information to any other agencies," says Daly City Partnership case manager, James Bohm.
Thrive Updates
SVCN and Thrive Federal Impacts Survey
SVCN and Thrive Alliance are excited to share a Federal Funding & Nonprofit Needs Assessment, a joint effort to understand how recent shifts in federal policy and funding are impacting nonprofits across Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. This survey is designed to capture the real-time challenges, opportunities, and adaptations shaping our sector—from financial health and staffing to policy responses and racial equity engagement.
Your responses will help us surface urgent needs, elevate nonprofit voices in policy conversations, and inform funders and decision-makers about the on-the-ground realities facing organizations like yours.
This survey is intended for executive and senior nonprofit leaders in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, and it takes approximately 25 minutes to complete. Only one response per organization is required. Please respond by September 26, 2025.
Climate Summit 2025: Sustaining Community Power in Climate Action
Registration for the Fourth Annual Climate Summit for San Mateo County is underway, co-hosted again by Climate Resilient Communities, Nuestra Casa, Rise South City, and Thrive Alliance. This year’s Summit, Sustaining Community Power in Climate Action, will be held on October 9 at the Stanford Redwood City Campus.
Attendees will explore how cross-sector collaboration can better support frontline communities, ensure equitable access to climate investments, and highlight leadership in action. To learn more about the Climate Summit for San Mateo County and session recordings from previous years, check out our website. We are almost at capacity, with only a handful of tickets left. The last day to register is September 30, 2025. Scholarships are also available for those with need. If you can't get a ticket, the whole event will be live streamed; stay tuned for details.
Climate Summit for San Mateo County is co-presented by Stanford University as an Office of Community Engagement Regional Forum, periodic events that showcase regional collaboration on timely topics and advance Stanford's mission.
Apply to Thrive Alliance’s Translation Services Hub to receive free translation and interpretation support that your organization may not be able to provide independently. Our goal is a nonprofit sector where language is never a barrier—so every community member can access services and participate fully, regardless of the language they speak.
The Hub offers free translation and interpretation services in Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino for eligible nonprofits.
If you have any question, feel free to email Skye Hathaway.
The San Francisco Peninsula invites the public to join in honoring the culture, history, and achievements of Hispanic and Latine communities through a variety of local festivities bringing the region’s diverse traditions to life. For more inspiration on local ways to participate, explore cultural stories and upcoming programming across the Peninsula. Check out the list of events here.
LWV Fall Kickoff
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10:00 am–12:00 pm, In Person
Kick off the fall season with the League of Women Voters of South San Mateo County (LWV SSMC) at their 2025 Fall Kickoff Meeting. This gathering offers an opportunity to connect with fellow civic-minded residents, learn about upcoming League initiatives and help shape the League’s programming for the year ahead.
Join Fixin’ San Mateo County for Advocating Against Tasers. Speakers will share advocacy efforts in Santa Clara County to reduce and eliminate Taser use. Live Spanish interpretation will be available. RSVP here.
2025 Corporate Philanthropy Institute: CommUNITY
Thursday, October 8, 2025, 8:30 am, In Person
This in-person gathering hosted by Northern California Grantmakers brings together CSR and corporate philanthropy leaders for a day of collaboration, candid discussions, and learning rooted in community. Register here.
Prop 50: Pros and Cons
Thursday, October 9, 7–8pm, Virtual
The Leagues of Women Voters of South San Mateo County and North & Central San Mateo County will host a Pros & Cons Presentation on Proposition 50. This session will provide an overview of the measure, outline arguments for and against, and offer time for Q&A. Register here.
SVCN's Annual Luncheon
Friday, October 24, 11:30 am–1:30 pm, In Person
Be Our Guest, Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits’ signature annual luncheon brings community together for an afternoon of connection and celebration. Awards honoring nonprofits and nonprofit leaders are presented alongside a creatively decorated pumpkin contest.
CalNonprofits Events
Building Healthier Communities: Strategies for Empowering CBOs
Thursday, September 18, 10:00–11:00am, Virtual
In partnership with Full Circle Health Network, this webinar explores how community-based organizations are being integrated into California’s Medi-Cal system through CalAIM and the proposed SB 324.
The Mineral Platform and HR Compliance Tools
Tuesday, September 23, 11:00am, Virtual
A guided walk through of Mineral’s HR compliance platform, covering how to access live HR experts, track laws and alerts relevant to your organization, and use a wide range of resources. Register here.
2025 Policy Conference
Wednesday, November 5, 8:45am–5pm, In Person
Themed “United. Fearless. Powerful,” the CalNonprofits 2025 Policy Conference will be held in Los Angeles. The event will bring together national and state nonprofit leaders to reflect on this year’s challenges, strategize responses to funding cuts and policy threats, and build collective advocacy power. More info and registration here.
Resources
DACA Legal Services
Catholic Charities' Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Legal Services (DLS) Program can help with DACA renewals. The program also provides assistance to eligible participants for USCIS filing fees and Education and Outreach. To learn more, click here.
For the first time, the public—including attorneys, journalists, researchers, and impacted families—can access nearly 12,000 records (about 1.5 million pages) documenting serious use-of-force and misconduct by law enforcement personnel across California, thanks to a landmark database created by UC Berkeley, Stanford, KQED, and other media and civil rights partners. Built with support from transparency laws SB 1421 and SB 16 and powered by AI-assisted processing, the Police Records Access Project offers powerful tools to search by keyword, agency, or officer name and promises a major leap forward in police accountability statewide. Read more and learn how to use this tool here.
Of Interest
Trump's Surprise Boost to Low-Income Housing
President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” unexpectedly boosts California’s affordable housing production by expanding federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, a change experts say could double the number of new low-rent units built each year—up to 10,000 annually. While the broader bill cuts social programs, advocates view the housing provisions as a rare and significant win.
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