Please join us for our Thrive RISE COAD Quarterly Meeting on Wednesday, June 25, from 1 PM - 2 PM. We will introduce Betty Nen, Thrive Alliance's new Community Resilience Manager. We will introduce the Co-Chairs for our Thrive RISE COAD Committees in four key issue areas. All COAD members and individuals interested in emergency management and community preparedness are encouraged to join.
Issue Area Committees: Thrive RISE has formed working groups to support disaster planning and risk reduction initiatives in the areas of Children and Childcare; Older Adults and Access and Functional Needs (AFN); Mental Health and Spiritual Care; and Food Security. The goals of these committees will be to define the roles that specific organizations may play in disasters, develop collaborative plans and projects, and build localized knowledge and capacity in disaster. We are excited to introduce our Thrive RISE Committee Co-Chairs to our COAD network at this meeting.
Highlights from the Civic Engagement Hub Video Editing Workshop
Thrive recently hosted a successful Civic Engagement Hub focused on foundational video editing skills. The session was led by Andrea Gil, Program Manager at Youth Leadership Institute, and Skye Hathaway, Thrive's Policy & Advocacy Coordinator. The workshop provided participants with hands-on experience in essential video editing techniques aimed at enhancing digital storytelling. The collaborative environment fostered creativity and peer learning, as attendees explored ways to strengthen their organization's visual content. We thank all participants (both in person and virtual) for their engagement during the session. We look forward to offering future opportunities for professional skill-building.
Thrive in the Community
*Photo acknowledgements: Stanford University and Thrive Staff.
Stanford's Spring Community Partnership Celebration
On May 28, Stanford University’s Haas Center for Public Service and Office of Community Engagement hosted their annual Spring Community Partnership Celebration. This event honored the contributions of Stanford’s community partners and their campus’ several community engagement hubs. It convened Stanford faculty and staff, as well as local nonprofit leaders.
Thrive Alliance's Executive Director Georgia Farooq was honored to speak on behalf of Stanford’s many nonprofit partners. She spoke alongside Stanford practitioners and faculty, including Professor Rodolfo Dirzo, who highlighted community partnerships related to environmental efforts such as the Partnerships for Climate Justice in the Bay Area initiative.
Georgia acknowledged Stanford’s long history of supporting the local nonprofit sector and highlighted key Stanford-Thrive partnerships, ranging from Climate Summit to Partnerships in Education. Cross-sector partnerships like these are critical to Thrive’s mission of cultivating, amplifying, and advocating for a thriving nonprofit sector in San Mateo County! We are grateful to Stanford University and to all our nonprofit partners who join us in this important work.
County of San Mateo’s Juneteenth Flag Raising
We were grateful to join the County of San Mateo’s Juneteenth flag raising event—a powerful celebration of freedom, unity, and community. The event was filled with joy, reflection, and a shared commitment to honoring this historic day.
Community Safety Resources
Thrive is committed to highlighting the incredible organizing power of our local nonprofit and partner communities always and especially during this time. We have created this Community Safety Resources section for Thrive Weekly to do just that. By working collectively and shining a light on our sector's collaborative, caring power, we will lighten each other's loads as we renew ways to safeguard our diverse communities.
This Pride Month, we stand with our LGBTQ+ community—and we know support matters now more than ever. The ACLU is tracking more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced this year, targeting everything from healthcare to self-expression.
The Human Rights Campaign is calling on all of us to show up: at Pride events, in our workplaces, and in daily conversations.
If you're in or around a hostile environment, The Trevor Project has a great guide on how to signal allyship and create safer spaces for LGBTQ+ youth.
CLINIC: Comprehensive Overview of Immigration Law
The Comprehensive Overview of Immigration Law (COIL) is an e-learning course offered by CLINIC from June 16 to September 4, 2025. Designed for aspiring or new practitioners, the course covers essential immigration law concepts and legal skills, helping participants prepare for Department of Justice accreditation. The course includes two 75-minute webinars each week, interactive activities, recorded sessions for flexibility, and an open-book final exam. Participants should allocate 8 to 10 hours per week for webinars and coursework, with a completion requirement that includes viewing all materials and passing the final exam. Registration is open to staff from qualifying nonprofit organizations and private law offices, with fees payable by credit card. Certificates of completion are awarded upon fulfilling all course requirements. The course also offers MCLE credits for California attorneys.
Join the Community Mural Project: A Creative Opportunity for San Mateo Youth
The Community Mural Project, organized by the Center for Creativity and sponsored by the Redwood City Arts Commission, invites high school and college students (ages 14–24) residing in San Mateo County to participate in a collaborative mural initiative this summer. Events will be held at the new art space in the Hotel Sequoia, Downtown Redwood City, with a Design Workshop led by local artist Elizabeth Gomez on
June 22, 2025, followed by painting sessions on various dates in late July and early August. Participation is free, but a signed waiver is required, and attendees can choose one painting session per day. Interested individuals should email Pam Swint for more information and must complete necessary waivers to finalize their registration.
In June 2025, the Board of Supervisors proclaimed Immigrant Heritage Month to acknowledge and celebrate the vital contributions of immigrants to the county and the nation. This month-long celebration highlights the historical significance of immigrants in shaping American society, culture, and economy while promoting diversity and inclusivity. It raises awareness about the challenges faced by immigrants, advocates for supportive policies, and encourages communities to organize events and activities that foster understanding and appreciation for the immigrant experience.
If you're interested in learning more about the rich history of immigrants in our area, be sure to check out the San Mateo Land of Opportunity Exhibit.
Celebrating Pride Month
Join us as we celebrate Pride Month, a vibrant tribute to love, diversity, and the resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. Throughout June, we honor the progress made in the fight for equal rights while shining a light on the challenges that remain. Events such as parades and festivals create a space for individuals to express themselves authentically and promote inclusivity. This month serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acceptance and standing together in solidarity for a brighter future.
Stanford Alumni Consulting Team Seeks Applications for Pro Bono Projects Starting October 2025
The Stanford Alumni Consulting Team (ACT) is accepting applications for pro bono consulting projects beginning in October 2025, aimed at helping mission-driven organizations tackle strategic challenges in areas such as planning, financial sustainability, and growth strategy. Projects are tailored to client needs and typically run for 3 to 6 months. Since 1987, ACT has supported over 1,000 nonprofits, providing more than $100 million in assistance. The application deadline is Monday, June 30, 2025, with priority given to first-time clients and past Springboard Session participants. Organizations are encouraged to share this opportunity with other nonprofits that could benefit from strategic support.
Morgan Stanley: Children’s Mental Health Innovation Awards
The Children’s Mental Health Innovation Awards is a program aimed at supporting U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities with annual revenues under $5 million. It invites these organizations to submit innovative projects that address children's mental health challenges, particularly those affecting disadvantaged populations. The program offers grants of $100,000 for general initiatives and between $25,000 and $50,000 for projects led by young leaders under 32. Key goals include filling funding gaps in the sector, fostering innovative solutions, and promoting collaboration among nonprofits and funders. Applications open on May 5, 2025, with a deadline set for July 7, 2025. Winners will benefit from funding, leadership training, and networking opportunities
Help Acterra add to the electrification incentives database during our 3-hour hackathon. This project will help anyone in the US access crucial support to understand which incentives exist that would make electrifying their home easier. Lunch will be provided!
Join Justice At Last for an open house at their Redwood City office to learn about their impact in San Mateo County. Attendees will have the chance to meet the staff, board members, and volunteers, and connect with community partners over light refreshments. There will also be a raffle for two free tickets to see Lady Gaga perform at the Chase Center, with the winner announced on July 16. This free event is conveniently located near the Halls of Justice and San Mateo County Center.
Freedom: The Future of Hope Art Show will celebrate Juneteenth by showcasing unique artistic expressions that embody themes of hope, resilience, and freedom. This exhibition features a variety of two- and three-dimensional works that serve as a visual testament to the importance of self-determination and perseverance within the context of this significant cultural observance. Attendees will experience a vibrant display of creativity that reflects the spirit of Juneteenth and its impact on the community.
Join Art Bias for an inspiring and creative afternoon where everyone is welcome to explore a variety of artistic styles, from traditional to contemporary, in the open studios of over a dozen artists. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and learn about their techniques while discovering new favorite artists and artworks that resonate with you.
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