Thrive's New Year Mix & Mingle: A Conversation with Philanthropy
Thur, January 23, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, In-Person
Thrive's New Year Mix & Mingle will feature festive connection alongside an insightful panel discussion with prominent community leaders. Moderated by Nadine Rambeau, Executive Director at EPACENTER, and Aubrey Merriman, Chief Executive Officer at LifeMoves, the event will showcase perspectives in philanthropy from Moses Zapien, EVP of Community Action, Initiatives and Policy at Silicon Valley Community Foundation; Camille Llanes-Fontanilla, Vice President of Silicon Valley Programs at The Sobrato Organization; and Irene Wong, CEO of the Palo Alto Community Foundation. This is a fantastic opportunity to be inspired by colleagues and engage in dialogue on the most pressing issues.
Registration Now Open for the United for Youth Summit: Join Us in Cultivating Community Healing
Thur, February 13, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, In-Person
The second annual Partnerships in Education Summit, titled "United for Youth: Cultivating Cultural Wealth through Youth Behavioral Health and Healing," invites participants to engage in creating a thriving ecosystem for youth behavioral health and community healing. This conference will emphasize leveraging community cultural wealth, developing impactful partnerships, and incorporating indigenous healing practices. It aims to explore innovative strategies that support the well-being of youth in San Mateo County, with co-hosts including the San Mateo County Office of Education, the Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities, Thrive Alliance for Nonprofits, Stanford Haas Center for Public Service, and Sand Hill Foundation.
For those interested in sharing their insights and work at the conference, proposals can be submitted here with the deadline for submissions closing on January 18, 2025.
Additionally, attendees are encouraged to complete a pre-conference survey, which will assist in planning the event, gathering outreach information, supporting the upcoming RFP release for United for Youth funding, and creating a directory for districts and partners to foster collaborations and programming.
COAD Announcement: COAD Issue Area Committees Open for Participation
Thrive recently received a grant from the Sequoia Healthcare District to develop COAD Issue Area Committees that will support 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. We are grateful to the Sequoia Healthcare District for their generous support in making this initiative possible. Nonprofits, congregations, community organizations, and agencies with expertise or interest in these issue areas are encouraged to join these committees either as members or chairs. Interested in joining a committee?
Nonprofit Recruitment & Retention Learning Community
As part of the Thriving Nonprofit Workforce Initiative, Thrive is launching a Learning Community designed to strengthen the capacity of San Mateo County small to mid-sized nonprofits in recruitment and retention. In partnership with Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Thrive will provide tailored training, practical resources, and facilitated opportunities to connect with staff and board candidates. In addition, we will gather data and best practices from the Learning Community to share more broadly with the local nonprofit community.
Call for Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Speakers
Thrive Alliance & SVCN are looking for experienced professionals to support the capacity building of the Racial Equity Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) Hub in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties' nonprofit sector.
Thrive & SVCN are inviting speakers -- panelists, presenters, trainers, and facilitators -- to submit proposals on topics including but not limited to:
Racial Justice
Race and Identity
Organizational Culture
Governance and Nonprofit Boards
REDI Metrics and Accountability
Support System
Healing and Wellness
We encourage submissions from speakers who represent a wide range of backgrounds and we welcome speakers from outside Silicon Valley.
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 a new Post-Election Resources section to Thrive Weekly to do just that. By working collectively and shining a light on our sector's collaborative, caring power, we will lighten each others' loads as we renew ways to safeguard our diverse communities.
County of San Mateo's Strategic Discussion for 2025 and Beyond
The County of San Mateo will host an important forum on January 16, focusing on implementing strategies to effectively respond to evolving federal priorities going into 2025. This event aims to bring together community members, leaders, and stakeholders with place-based knowledge to identify concerns and provide a unified approach to potential changes in federal policies impacting our communities. The goal of the discussion is to create a platform for open dialogue to align efforts, share expertise, and develop actionable strategies for addressing emerging challenges and opportunities. To ensure productive discussions, the County of San Mateo is asking that each organization send only one representative to the event.
California Budget & Policy Center: Analyzing Governor Newsom’s 2025-26 State Budget Proposal
The Budget Center team will provide an overview of Governor Newsom's proposed 2025-26 budget in a virtual event on Friday, January 17, from 10 - 11 AM PST. They will highlight significant proposals and answer key questions about California's fiscal future. As the state navigates a changing budget landscape, a new federal administration, and the effects of recent ballot measures, policy experts will discuss the governor’s approach to the budget, its impact on racial and economic disparities, and identify missed opportunities for further progress. The session will focus on tools and policies that promote equity and support thriving communities.
Comprehensive Immigrant Legal Resources and Support Services in San Mateo County
The County of San Mateo Office of Community Affairs is addressing community concerns about safety and anxiety related to public charge and mass deportations by providing updated resources on their revamped website. They will continue to share information via social media and keep partners informed about available County resources.
Upcoming USCIS Webinars (English) - see below and on attached flyer:
Citizenship Teacher Training: The USCIS Office of Citizenship will be holding a citizenship teacher training in downtown San Jose on February 5th. See attached flyer for more details, and register for the training here!
Family Preparedness Plan (English/Spanish): this resource from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center helps families prepare for immigration-related emergencies. The toolkit goes into detail about different childcare options available in case of an absent parent, where to find trusted immigration services in your community, and how to prepare to assert your constitutional rights in the presence of an immigration officer. Download a copy in English or Spanish on this page.
We Have Rights: these multilingual videosshow how community members can respond in a variety of scenarios involving immigration enforcement officials.
Find Legal Assistance | County of San Mateo, CA - Free and low cost immigration service providers, US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) resources, housing legal services, employment legal services, DACA resources and more.
Keep your Benefits - Get the facts about public charge & immigration, including a guide to see if public benefits could affect different immigration options.
Immigrant Services Resources and Information - Includes community and mental health resources, translation & interpretation services and information about the San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline at 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA).
LIBRE — The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County - Linking Immigrants to Benefits, Resources & Education (LIBRE) LIBRE provides legal advice and representation related to: Medi-Cal, CalFresh (food stamps), CalWORKs, Social Security/SSI/CAPI, U Visa (immigration relief for crime survivors), VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), SIJS (immigration relief for minor survivors of parental abuse, neglect, or abandonment) and certain other immigration cases.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
The League of Women Voters is dedicated to defending democracy. Here are a few ways they will be leading the charge in the coming months:
Capturing the Essence: Peninsula Proud Photography Contest
Peninsula Proud Photography Contest invites participants to showcase the beauty and diversity of the region from January 6 to January 31, 2025. This contest offers an opportunity to capture and share the stunning landscapes, vibrant community, and cultural richness of the Bay Area Peninsula, which features breathtaking beaches, majestic mountains, fertile farmland, and magnificent redwood forests. With Silicon Valley and Stanford University as part of the backdrop, the community thrives on open-mindedness, innovation, inclusivity, and kindness. By participating, contestants could have their work displayed in the Capitol Office in Sacramento and on the official website, shining a spotlight on what makes this home truly extraordinary.
Get Healthy SMC Funding Opportunity Closes January 10
There is still time to apply for funding! Awards of up to $100,000 are available in three categories from Get Healthy SMC. Applications are due on January 10 by 5 p.m. The categories include Access to Health Care Services, Social Determinants of Health, and Mental Health.
To view additional information and access the question and answer section, please click here.
Participate in the 2025 Compensation & Benefits Survey: Key Insights for Northern California Nonprofits
The 2025 Compensation & Benefits Survey for Northern California nonprofits is now open for participation, with new job categories in Development, Education/Recreation, Housing, and Social Services/Behavioral Health. This year’s survey includes an updated section addressing the economic environment, focusing on employee engagement, retention, and contract adjustments due to inflation. By participating, organizations will gain access to critical data on compensation, employee benefits, and workplace policies that can assist them in navigating the challenges posed by low unemployment and high costs.
Conducted by Nonprofit Compensation Associates, the survey covers 48 counties in Northern California and garnered participation from 794 nonprofits last year, making it the largest in its history. Organizations can benefit from discounted report prices based on their annual operating expenses, with various tiers available.
To participate in the 2025 survey (and acquire the 2024 survey report via our “2-for-1” offer, if you don’t already have it), visit www.nonprofitcomp.com, email Nonprofit Compensation Associates at survey@nonprofitcomp.com or call 510-645-1005.
PACF Opens 2025 Grant Application Cycle for Nonprofits in Palo Alto Area
The Palo Alto Community Fund (PACF) has announced the opening of its 2025 Grant Application cycle, inviting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park to apply for funding between December 2, 2024, and January 10, 2025. In fiscal year 2024, PACF awarded $1.725 million to 72 organizations and prioritizes funding in areas such as youth services, mental health, food security, and the arts. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 and are intended for general operating support.
An online information session will be held on December 10, 2024, to address questions about the application process. Applicants may also be contacted for a follow-up conversation in February 2025, though this is optional and does not influence funding decisions. Notifications regarding grant decisions will be made by mid-May 2025. PACF encourages organizations outside of its traditional network to apply and appreciates community support in spreading the word.
Horizons Foundation Launches Safety and Security Fund to Support LGBTQ Organizations in the Bay Area
The Horizons Foundation is accepting rolling applications for its Safety and Security Fund (SSF) until January 2025, providing grants of up to $2,500 to support the safety and security of LGBTQ organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a total of $40,000 available for rapid response to incidents of anti-LGBTQ hate crimes, the SSF seeks to assist LGBTQ-primary organizations in securing their physical spaces and enhancing the safety of public events and staff. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in the Bay Area, with a mission focused on the LGBTQ community. This initiative responds to the alarming increase in hate crimes and threats targeted at the LGBTQ population, as documented in recent reports.
Learn more about heat pumps, which are a clean and efficient way to heat and cool a house. Whether you are planning to install air conditioning, remodel, replace an old furnace, or switch from methane gas, you should consider a heat pump heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, as it provides both heating and cooling. Heat pumps are clean, safe, and all-electric. Peninsula Clean Energy offers a $2,500 rebate to help customers make the switch to a heat pump HVAC system.
County's Supplier Diversity Study Final Findings, Recommendations, and Next Steps
Wed, January 8, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm, Virtual
Join the County of San Mateo for the Supplier Diversity Study Final Findings, Recommendations, and Next Steps event. This important gathering will unveil key insights from a comprehensive study that examined barriers faced by local, small, micro, and diverse business enterprises (LSMDBEs) in accessing County contracts. Attendees will learn about the findings related to the County's procurement processes, as well as actionable recommendations aimed at fostering a more inclusive and equitable supplier base. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with County leaders and contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance opportunities for LSMDBEs within our community.
Acterra: Electric Vehicle Financial Incentives: Virtual Workshop
Thur, January 23, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Virtual
Join Acterra and Silicon Valley Clean Energy for a free webinar to learn how you may qualify for up to $10,000 in electric vehicle (EV) incentives from federal and local programs. Experts will discuss the benefits of EVs, including lower maintenance costs, reduced fuel expenses, and health advantages compared to traditional vehicles. Presented in both English and Spanish, this informative session aims to provide resources that lower barriers to EV adoption for a cleaner, healthier environment. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
DEM is hosting a Bay Area UASI tabletop exercise (TTX) at the Regional Operational Center in Redwood City. This all-day event aims to enhance community-based organizations' understanding of their roles during emergencies and how to effectively communicate with local governmental agencies to improve disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Lunch will be provided, and space is limited to the first 100 registrants, so it's recommended that organizations send one or two representatives.
Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County: Community Interpreter Training Program
Mon, February 24 - 28, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, In-person
The Community Interpreter Training Program is accepting registrations for its in-person course from February 24-28, 2025, at the Sobrato Palo Alto Center, led by Licensed Trainer Noemi Gonzalez-Rocha. This program aims to equip participants with the skills necessary for interpretation while promoting language justice and cultural humility. A nominal fee of $300 covers the textbook and workbook, with potential financial assistance available. To receive a certificate, attendees must complete at least 36 hours of the training, pass an exit exam, and are encouraged to take a language proficiency exam beforehand. An additional 8 hours of practical training in interpretation methods is also included. Registration is open until January 20, 2025.