Thrive's New Year Mix & Mingle: A Conversation with Philanthropy
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.
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.
Save the Date: County & Stakeholder Federal Priorities
The County of San Mateo is hosting a vital discussion on January 16, aimed at addressing concerns and strategies related to evolving federal policies as the region approaches 2025. This event will provide an opportunity for key stakeholders to enhance collaboration in tackling emerging challenges and aligning their efforts to support the community. Each organization is encouraged to send only one representative to ensure effective discussion.
A formal invitation will be sent soon, and for any inquiries from Community-Based Organizations, attendees can contact Josefine Rubio.
Results Certified for the November 5, 2024 Presidential General Election
Mark Church, Chief Elections Officer & Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder for San Mateo County, has certified the results of the November 5, 2024 Presidential General Election, which saw a voter turnout of 76% from 443,164 registered voters, a significant increase from the 40% turnout in the Primary Election. Out of the 337,241 ballots cast, 88% were Vote by Mail, and 12% were submitted at Vote Centers. Church expressed gratitude to the employees, volunteers, and 207 high school students who assisted on Election Day. The election results, following a thorough canvassing process, are available in the Statement of the Vote on the San Mateo County Registration & Elections website.
ELECTION RESULTS ARE IN: BUT WHAT DO THEY MEAN FOR CALIFORNIA?
Check out United Way Bay Area's latest blog post on the recent election results and their implications for our communities. As they discuss the outcomes of key state propositions, it becomes clear that while some victories reflect progress, there remains a critical need for ongoing advocacy. United Way Bay Area is committed to promoting equity and empowering individuals and families, ensuring everyone has the chance to build a better future.
For a deeper dive into their insights and analysis, be sure to read the full blog here.
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:
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.
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.
Community Announcements
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.
Building Preparedness: Public Invited to Meet with Local Officials on Tsunami Warning, Ways to Boost Preparedness
A public meeting will be held on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, at 6 p.m. at Mavericks House in Half Moon Bay, inviting residents to engage with San Mateo County emergency officials regarding the local response to the recent tsunami warning on Dec. 5. The event, led by Supervisor Ray Mueller, aims to gather community feedback and enhance preparedness for future incidents. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar, the director of the Department of Emergency Management, and local first responders, who will provide information about tsunami risks, alert systems, and community preparedness efforts following the brief tsunami warning triggered by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake off the coast of Humboldt County.
San Mateo County Takes Action to Empower Women and Children Through Comprehensive Equity Plan
San Mateo County supervisors have directed the County Executive to establish a staff position and implement the Action Plan for Women and Children, aimed at promoting equity for women and children. This plan focuses on four key areas: bridging the wealth gap, increasing access to quality child care, preventing domestic violence, and expanding reproductive health care. Supervisor Noelia Corzo emphasized that addressing gender inequities benefits all members of the community, particularly noting the unique challenges faced by women, especially those of color. With significant systemic inequalities persisting, the county aims to create policies that support economic prosperity for those impacted and hold the county accountable for achieving these goals through targeted initiatives and resource allocation.
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: EV Financial Incentives Clinic/ Incentivos Para Vehículos Eléctricos
Thur, December 19, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Virtual
Join Acterra for the EV Financial Incentives Clinic / Incentivos Para Vehículos Eléctricos to learn how electric vehicles (EVs) can fit your budget. Discover financial assistance programs for income-qualifying residents, including the EV Federal Tax Credit and local grants in the San Francisco Bay Area. Participants can request a free consultation through the post-event survey for further assistance. Sponsored by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Please note that by attending, you consent to audio and video recordings for promotional purposes. You may choose to remain off-camera if you prefer. This event will be conducted in English and Spanish.
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.
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