One of the FUND’s philosophical beliefs is that educational resources often have an equal or greater value than cash grants, especially to small working groups of people.
For this reason, and as part of its mission to provide an alternative concept in philanthropy, the FUND consciously commits staff and volunteer time to support community activists and organizations with skills-building opportunities, informational resources, and advice through our Capacity Building Program. To that end, the FUND recommends informational resources accessible through the portal below.
If you have any questions about the documents contained or would like to offer any additions, please contact FUND staff. We often have additional readings, individual consulting, and referral ideas on most of the topics below. Contact Stanley Tzankov for more information or for additions to this list.
Santa Barbara County Region Resources
Check out our Election, Lobbying & Advocacy Resources Page
“We don't need perfect political systems, we need perfect participation.”
— Cesar E. Chavez (1927 - 1993)
Voting is an opportunity to be heard, to hold elected officials accountable for their decisions, and to have a say in the political landscape, important issues, and policy changes that affect your community and beyond.
FEDERAL
President Joe Biden
U.S. Senator for California Alex Padilla
U.S. Senator for California Dianne Feinstein
Congressman Salud Carbajal
STATE of CALIFORNIA
Governor Gavin Newsom
State Senator Monique Limon
State Assemblymember Steve Bennett
State Assemblymember Jordan Cunningham
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
Board of Supervisors – http://www.countyofsb.org/bos/
1st District: Das Williams, Chair – https://www.countyofsb.org/bos/williams.sbc
2nd District: Gregg Hart – http://www.countyofsb.org/bos/hart.sbc
3rd District: Joan Hartmann – https://www.countyofsb.org/bos/hartmann.sbc
4th District: Bob Nelsen– http://www.countyofsb.org/bos/adam/
5th District: Steve Lavagnino, Vice Chair – http://www.countyofsb.org/bos/lavagnino/
Santa Barbara County Education Office – http://www.sbceo.org/
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES
CITY OF BUELLTON – http://cityofbuellton.com/CityCouncil/CITY OF CARPINTERIA –https://carpinteria.ca.us/
CITY OF GOLETA – http://www.cityofgoleta.org/city-hall/mayor-and-city-council
CITY OF GUADALUPE – http://www.ci.guadalupe.ca.us/index.php/city-government/city-council
CITY OF LOMPOC – https://www.cityoflompoc.com/
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA – http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/Government/Council/Meet_Us/
CITY OF SANTA MARIA – http://www.cityofsantamaria.org/city-government/departments/mayor-city-council
CITY OF SOLVANG – http://www.cityofsolvang.com/187/City-Council
California Legislative Information is a website with the most up-to-date information on bills working their way through the California Legislature. http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/home.xhtml
League of California Cities is an association of California city officials who work together to enhance their knowledge and skills, exchange information, and combine resources so that they may influence policy decisions that affect cities. Their website host a number of resources including detailed information on the Open Meeting Law (Brown Act). http://www.cacities.org/Resources/Open-Government
The Nonprofit Resource Network (NPRN) maintains a Grant Center with a Grant Tracker and Funder Database.
The Santa Barbara Regional Foundation Roundtable publishes a directory of local foundations.
The recently-launched California Grants Portal is a one-stop search engine for grants and loans offered by California state agencies.
Check out the FUND's Internship Opportunities
UCSB Career Services
Santa Barbara City College Schall Career Center
Allan Hancock College Career Center
Westmont College Office of Life Planning
Oxnard College Career Center
Ventura College Career Center
California State University Channel Islands - Career Development and Alumni Engagement
The Nonprofit Resource Network NPRN maintains a listing of jobs and internships in the local nonprofit sector.
The Fund for Santa Barbara maintains a list of regional press & media outlets (e.g. print, digital, radio) and their contact information: bit.ly/FUNDPRESSMEDIA.
The Fund for Santa Barbara maintains a list of facilities available for public use by community groups either for free or for a fee. For the most recent version of this list CLICK HERE
Finding the help you need is as easy as dialing 2-1-1!
Santa Barbara County’s 2-1-1 Helpline is the first point-of-access to all community services, including information and referrals to housing, food, drug and alcohol abuse prevention and treatment, health facilities, counseling, mental health services, senior issues, financial assistance, legal assistance, child care, child and elder abuse services, recreation, and disaster relief.
Search Santa Barbara County community resources by clicking here.
Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Services Directory
https://www.countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness/aodservices.sbc
The Nonprofit Resource Network (NPRN), a newly developed smart social network connecting people with unique nonprofit business challenges — fund raising, staffing, board development, strategic planning, volunteer recruitment, professional development — with individuals having skills and experiences to help solve or improve these challenges.
We invite you to join NPRN to help us create an interactive, well-matched community network providing deep resources and collaboration opportunities for all things Nonprofit in Santa Barbara County.
Participate in highly relevant Forums/Discussions on topics you will find both informative and interesting. Create special interest or role based Groups to address a specific challenge, share successes and best practices. Become acquainted with new Resources designed to help you work and play more effectively and efficiently. Instantly gain access to people, information and conversations. Get to know your colleagues better and even become a mentor to someone new to the community.
To become a member, log into: http://nprnsb.org/. Go to “New User” at the bottom of the Login block, complete your profile and then you’re set to explore, discover and connect!
The Nonprofit Resource Network is a collaborative project brought to you by Hutton Parker Foundation, The Fund for Santa Barbara and introNetworks.

The Partnership for Excellence conference is Santa Barbara County’s premiere social sector conference. The Foundation Roundtable founded and generously sponsors the annual Partnership for Excellence (PFE) conference–bringing together leaders from Santa Barbara County’s philanthropic sector, building relationships and exploring ideas, strategies, and skills that can enhance our organizations, our work, and our communities.
The Fund for Santa Barbara is a proud sponsor of Partnership for Excellence conference.
2019 Schedule Coming Soon
Contact the FUND for more details
Check out the Fund for Santa Barbara's Style Guide for downloadable logos and descriptions of our work, alongside our press & media list: bit.ly/FUNDSTYLE
The following is a partial but mostly complete list of Fund for Santa Barbara grantees:
100,000 Poets for Change Santa Maria is a gathering of poets celebrating and promoting social, environmental and political change through the arts and creating a safe space for expression.
http://100smv.org/
2nd Story Associates is a nonprofit corporation created in 2007 for the purpose of funding and developing affordable housing and related social services for the benefit of low-income families, seniors and disabled members of the Santa Barbara community, including clients of the City of Santa Barbara Housing Authority.
http://www.2nd-story.org/
AB 540 Coalition of Santa Barbara creates social change by empowering AB 540 students, parents and allies with the information and tools necessary to access higher education.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/
Academy of Health arts for Teens (AHA!) is committed to transforming the world by empowering teens to create peaceful and connected communities.
http://ahasb.org/
Active Alumni Academia works toward raising awareness of the importance of higher education and the necessary steps involved, as well as forming the necessary connections and partnerships to support each alumni’s individual career goals.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/
Adsum Education Foundation, Inc. provides educational scholarships for the benefit of students who do not have access to federal sources of financial aid. https://www.womensfundsb.org/
AHC Dream Club promotes the available resources at Allan Hancock College and also provide financial help to those who do not receive any from the college because of their migrant status.
http://dev.hancockcollege.edu/asbg/clubs.php#dream
Allan Hancock Joint Community College District provides quality educational opportunities that enhance student learning and the creative, intellectual, cultural, and economic vitality of our diverse community.
http://www.hancockcollege.edu/
Alternatives to Violence Project facilitates participants' capacity to positively transform relationships by practicing affirmation, communication, conflict resolution and community building.
http://avpcalifornia.org/
American GI Forum Education Foundation of Santa Maria was established for the specific purpose of increasing the financial resources available to needy and qualified students pursuing a higher education.
http://www.agifedfoundation.org/
American Sign Language Club (Foundation for SBCC) creates a space for all learners to practice American Sign Language. The club serves as a bridge to build relationships between the Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing community and all those who want to learn ASL by hosting and supporting inclusive educational opportunities and interactions. https://www.sbcc.edu/
Association of Mexican American Educators ensures equal access to financial resources for a quality education for Mexican American/Latino students at all levels, validate and affirm cultural and linguistic diversity, advise local/state boards, legislators, administrators, and faculty on educational and financial policy, work in partnership with parents and communities for the benefit of our students, and advocate for ongoing recruitment, retention, support, and development of Mexican American/ Latino educators and all others committed to a top quality education in the 21st Century for our students.
http://www.amae.org/
Barbareno Chumash Council works toward strengthening the Native Chumash community through the revitalization of culture, sharing songs, language and traditional oral histories.
http://www.chumashlanguagecc.
Beekeepers Guild of Santa Barbara are a group of bee enthusiasts of every level of interest and experience. From a desire to have the camaraderie of other beekeepers, they have created a guild for all to gather, share knowledge, experience, and ideas with one another.
http://www.beeguildsb.org/
California Center for Cooperative Development promotes cooperatives as a vibrant business model to address the economic and social needs of our communities.
http://cccd.coop/
California Independent Provider Training Center (CAIPTC) seeks to professionalize the homecare provider industry and provide upward mobility and increased career opportunities to home care providers in California by providing training in skills essential to home care providers.
http://caiptc.org/
California Water Impact Network (C-WIN) advocates for the just and environmentally sustainable use of California’s water, including instream flows and groundwater reserves, through research, planning, public education, media outreach, and litigation.
https://c-win.org/
Carpinteria Valley Foundation preserves and enhances the rural beauty of the Carpinteria Valley, especially its open field agriculture, and to maintain the charm of Carpinteria and Summerland as small beach towns.
http://carpinteriavalleyassociation.org/
CAUSE builds grassroots power to invoke social, economic and environmental justice for the people of California's Central Coast Region through policy research, leadership development, organizing, and advocacy.
https://causenow.org/
CAUSE Action Fund is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization dedicated to social economic and environmental justice throughout the Central Coast of California.
https://www.causeactionfund.org/
Central Coast Future Leaders is a community benefit, youth-led organization that supports the development of youth and families through education, service to community, advocacy, and leadership and personal development in a culturally affirming environment. https://www.facebook.com/SantamariahighschoolCCFL/
Central Coast Green Team encourages healthy environmental stewardship on the Central Coast.
http://www.sbcan.org/sbcan_green_team
Central Coast Literacy Council (CCLC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to tutoring individuals to read, write, speak and understand English.
http://www.centralcoastliteracycouncil.org/
Chicano Studies Institute is dedicated to advancing knowledge on cultural practices, the historical development, the experiences of immigrants and related socio-economic conditions, education, and the health of Chicano-Latino population. https://www.csi.ucsb.edu/
Citizens Planning Association is a nonprofit grassroots organization that focuses on countywide land use issues. We advocate for the best standards of design and natural resource protection in order to maintain sustainable communities and protect the heritage of Santa Barbara County.
https://www.citizensplanning.org/
City at Peace - Santa Barbara is a nationally recognized non-profit organization that empowers teenagers to create safe, healthy and peaceful lives and communities.
https://santabarbaraca.com/
Coalition for Sustainable Transportation (COAST) provides advocacy, education and outreach to improve transportation options in the Santa Barbara and Ventura Regions, promoting rail, bus, bike and pedestrian access.
http://coast-santabarbara.org/
Coast Valley Substance Abuse Treatment provides group counseling, individual counseling, and drug testing services to adults and adolescents via three counseling clinics, one in Santa Maria and the other two in Lompoc.
http://www.coastvalleyworship.com/coast-valley-substance-abuse-treatment-center.html
Community Action Commission creates opportunities for Santa Barbara County families to achieve stability.
http://www.cacsb.org/
Community Counseling & Education Center provides low-cost counseling to the Santa Barbara community by matching incoming clients to highly skilled trainees and intern volunteers in our Clinical Training Program.
https://ccecsb.org/
Conflict Solutions Center is committed to the development of community-based, non-adversarial responses to conflict and differences that strengthen social harmony and support individual healing.
http://www.cscsb.org/
Cuyama Valley Family Resource Center serves as the primary provider of social services to all residents of the Cuyama Valley, including seniors, families, individuals, youth and children.
http://cvfrc.org/
Doctors Without Walls - SB Street Medicine is dedicated to providing free, volunteer medical care for the most vulnerable of Santa Barbara County, when and where they are in need, including in times of disaster, and to provide education and training for DWW-SBSM volunteers and others, in order to promote the excellent practice of humanitarian medicine in our hometown and elsewhere.
https://sbdww.org/
E-ESHORA advocates and works toward holistic change as individuals, as an entity, and as partners with their clients, with each other, with other agencies and with their communities.
Environmental Defense Center (EDC) works to protect the local environment through education, advocacy, and legal action.
www.environmentaldefensecenter.org
Families ACT! aids and empowers individuals and families living with mental health and substance use disorders.
http://www.familiesact.org/
Foundation for Santa Barbara City College supports SBCC students and programs through sustained philanthropy.
http://www.sbccfoundation.org/
Four Ingenieros Foundation believes in providing educational assistance towards underrepresented students who have the vision to obtain a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
https://fouringenierosfoundation.org/
Freedom4Youth empowers youth and builds community in the juvenile justice system.
http://freedom4youth.org/
Friends of the Carpinteria Library supports the Carpinteria Library in meeting the needs of the community.
http://friendsofcarpinterialibrary.org/
Friends of the Santa Barbara Public Library inspires and encourages the community to provide resources that will ensure a superior public library that serves the diverse population.
http://www.friends-sblibrary.org/
Future Leaders of America provides a comprehensive youth empowerment program in our public schools and in the community year-around. The FLA Way teaches young leaders to take pride in their cultural diversity, strengthen their leadership capacity, and shares the value of an education to achieve their full potential for success in their academics, career choices, and in life.
http://www.futureleadersnow.org/
Gay Rights Advocates for Change and Equality is a grassroots organization from Santa Maria Valley made up of diverse people who share in the desire to advocate for sexual and gender diversity on the Central Coast.
http://smgrace.org/
Good Samaritan Shelter provides emergency, transition, and affordable housing with support services to the homeless and those in recovery throughout the central coast.
http://goodsamaritanshelter.org/
Goodland Coalition is dedicated to defending the quality of life in Goleta by advocating policies that protect, preserve, and improve Goleta’s unique character—its diverse neighborhoods and architecture, open spaces and views, ease of circulation, valued environment, local agriculture and businesses, and by encouraging and facilitating participation of Goleta residents in community planning and decision-making.
http://thegoodlandcoalition.org/
Guadalupe - Nipomo Dunes Center promotes the conservation and restoration of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes ecosystem through education, research, and the support of cooperative stewardship.
http://dunescenter.org/
Guadalupe Cultural Arts and Education Center promotes educational cultural awareness of diverse community groups and ethnic ties through art presentations, ethnic arts gallery and educational classes.
http://www.guadalupeculturalcenter.com/
Guadalupe Union School District provides each student the academic and social skills that will assist them in becoming high school graduates as well as college and career ready.
http://www.guadusd.com/
IDEAS Club provides financial, academic, and emotional support to all of our students through scholarships, workshops, and by simply having a safe place for undocumented student to share their experiences.
http://ideasucsb.weebly.com/
Immigrant Hope Santa Barbara equips churches to provide immigrants with the hope of the gospel, helps finding a pathway to legal residency, and a home in a church that cares for their needs.
http://immigranthope.org/santa-barbara/
Independent Living Resource Center, Inc. promotes independent living and full access for individuals with disabilities through advocacy, education and action in the community.
http://www.ilrc-trico.org/
Interfaith Initiative/HEAL welcomes, stands with, and celebrates the major faith and spiritual traditions in the community, promoting understanding, respect, and cooperative activities while partnering with other organizations to realize common values and goals.
http://www.interfaithinitiativesbc.org/
Just Communities advances justice by building leadership, fostering change, and dismantling all forms of prejudice, discrimination and oppression.
https://www.just-communities.org/
La Hermandad Hank Lacayo Youth and Family Center addresses the legal, social, educational, and economical inequities facing immigrants, their families, our youth, and the senior population.
http://lahermandadfamilyservices.org/
League of Women Voters encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
http://lwv.org/
Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County provides high-quality legal services in order to ensure that low-income persons and seniors have access to the civil justice system in times of crisis – to secure safe, habitable shelter, adequate income, and protection from domestic violence and elder abuse.
http://www.lafsbc.org/
Lompoc Cooperative Development Corporation Project creates social and economic change in Lompoc through the development of worker-owned cooperative businesses that create sustainable jobs and promote life-changing opportunities for unemployed and under-employed residents in Lompoc.
http://www.lcdp.coop/
Lompoc Unified School District AVID closes the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.
http://www.lusd.org/Page/5994
Lompoc Valley Beekeepers Association is a group of beekeepers who seek to help others learn more about bees and those interested in beekeeping become established and responsible apiarists.
http://www.lvbka.org/home.php
LUSD Dual Immersion Program promotes life-long learning, and believes every student can be a successful, productive, and involved citizen.
http://www.lusd.org/domain/310
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration Committee fosters positive relationships between the many diverse groups in the Santa Barbara Community and the surrounding areas; sponsors programs and events which exemplify the teachings of Dr. King; and observes, and celebrates the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.
http://www.mlksb.org/
Naples Coalition is a group that protects the rural character of Naples.
http://www.savenaples.org/
North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center reduces the incidence of and vulnerability to sexual assault and child abuse by providing education and prevention skills to community children and adults and to alleviate the trauma experienced by survivors of these crimes by providing direct services.
http://www.sbcountyrapecrisis.org/
Orcutt Area Seniors In Service provides program opportunities for the community, with an emphasis on serving the aging population.
http://oasisorcutt.org/
Organic Soup Kitchen is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing wholesome organic nutrient-dense foods to cancer/medical outpatients, seniors, veterans, and other demographic groups and individuals experiencing food-insecurity in the greater Santa Barbara area.
https://www.organicsoupkitchen.org/
Organizacion en California de Lideres Campesinas, Inc. develops leadership among campesinas so that they serve as agents of political, social and economic change in the farmworker community.
http://www.liderescampesinas.
Pacific Pride Foundation advocates and educates on the ongoing and emerging needs of a diverse population in order to create a thriving and visible LGBTQ+ community and to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS.
http://www.pacificpridefoundation.org/
People Helping People is dedicated to improving the lives of men, women, and children in the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Alamos, and surrounding communities by addressing emergency and basic needs, furnishing comprehensive integrated family and individual support services, and acting as a catalyst for positive community change.
http://www.syvphp.org/
PFLAG Santa Barbara realizes its vision through support for families, allies and people who are LGBTQ, education for ourselves and others about the unique issues and challenges facing people who are LGBTQ, advocacy in the communities to change attitudes and create policies and laws that achieve full equality for people who are LGBTQ.
http://www.pflagsantabarbara.org/
PUEBLO is a Latino online magazine that covers multi-issues ranging from Business economics, technology with environmental aspects as primary focus, and socially conscious issues that we feel should be raised and discussed.
http://www.sbpueblo.org/
Quail Springs Permaculture is dedicated to demonstrating and teaching holistic ways of designing human environments, and to facilitating deeper understandings of ourselves and one another through immersive experiences in nature.
http://www.quailsprings.org/
Rental Housing Roundtable is a coalition of community organizations and concerned individuals working toward social justice in our community to address the lack of legal protections for Santa Barbara renters in order to end unjust evictions and unfair treatment of tenants, increase the number of rental units available, and develop cooperative ownership.
https://sites.google.com/a/causenow.org/rhr/home-1
San Luis Obispo Mothers for Peace cares about peace, social justice, and a safe environment. The group takes on all of these issues, working to make the world safer and more humane for generations to come.
https://mothersforpeace.org/
Santa Barbara Channelkeeper is a grassroots non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and restore the Santa Barbara Channel and its watersheds through science-based advocacy, education, field work and enforcement.
http://www.sbck.org/
Santa Barbara County Action Network (SBCAN) is a countywide grassroots organization that works to promote social and economic justice, to preserve our environmental and agricultural resources, and to create sustainable communities.
http://www.sbcan.org/
Santa Barbara County Education Office provides services and leadership to 20 school districts, two community colleges, and more than 1,100 special needs students throughout Santa Barbara County.
http://sbceo.org/
Santa Barbara Education Foundation serves as the fiscal sponsor for a wide variety of important school district projects that address core educational issues and generate generous grant funding for programs.
http://sbefoundation.org/
Santa Barbara Mental Health Center works with thousands of people every year to improve and maintain mental wellness.
http://www.mentalwellnesscenter.org/
Santa Barbara Teen Legal Clinic (SBTLC) is a non-profit legal service organization serving the youth of the Santa Barbara Community.
https://www.sbteenlegal.org/
Santa Barbara Transgender Advocacy Network educates individuals and organizations on best practices for transgender & gender expansive clients, patients, students, congregants and families; creates and develops spaces, actions, and policies that advance the welfare of transgender and diverse gender non-conforming individuals, their families, and allies in California's Central Coast communities.
https://www.sbtan.org/
Santa Barbara Veterans for Peace, Chapter 54 works toward increasing public awareness of the costs of war, restrains our government from intervening, overtly and covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations; to end the arms race and to reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons, seeks justice for veterans and victims of war, and to abolish war as an instrument of national policy.
http://www.vfpsb.org/
Santa Maria / Lompoc NAACP ensures the political, educational, social and economic equality of minority citizens of the United States and eliminates race prejudice.
http://www.ca-naacp.org/
Santa Ynez Valley Alliance works collaboratively with individuals, groups and governments to protect the rural character of the Santa Ynez Valley and supports good stewardship of natural and agricultural resources through education, comprehensive planning and public participation. https://www.
Santa Ynez Valley Fruit and Vegetable Rescue redirects or “gleans” local produce from farms, farmers markets, home gardens, and orchards and delivers it to charitable organizations and school lunch programs in Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez and Santa Maria.
http://www.veggierescue.org/
SB Response Network offers psychological first aid and responses in the aftermath of critical and traumatic incidences.
http://www.sbresponsenetwork.org/
SBCEO Health Linkages Program improves the health outcomes for children in Santa Barbara County by increasing access to preventative health and social services.
http://healthlinkages.weebly.com/
Shelby Foothills Coalition is a gathering of community associations, environmental groups and private citizens, formed to develop and execute strategies to influence the views of City of Goleta officials. https://https://www.sbcan.org/sfc/
Spectrum Ministries Santa Barbara creates LGBTQ-Christian dialogue in the Santa Barbara area. https://www.facebook.com/SpectrumSB
Teachers for the Study of Educational Institutions ensures that education includes historical contributions made by LGBTQ Americans and persons with disabilities along with other marginalized ethnic and cultural groups to the economic, political and social development in California and the United States.
Transitions--Mental Health Association is dedicated to eliminating stigma and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness through work, housing, community and family support services.
https://www.t-mha.org/
Vandenberg Village Park & Playground Coalition works to bring a centrally located park and playground that provides a safe, educational and enjoyable destination.
https://www.vvppc.org/about
Wilderness Youth Project fosters confidence, health, and a life-long love of learning for young people and families through active outdoor experiences and mentoring.
http://wyp.org/
William James Association promotes work service in the arts, environment, education, and community development.
http://williamjamesassociation.org/
ySTRIVE for Youth, Inc engages and addresses the fundamental causes of gang-risk behavior of youth in our community. https://greatnonprofits.org/
More to be updated...
Out-of-Area and Online Resources
The California Association of Nonprofits (aka CalNonprofits) provides a step-by-step guide to starting a nonprofit including steps such as determining the name of the organization, drafting and filing the articles of incorporation, appointing the board of directors, drafting bylaws and policies, obtaining an EIN, filing with the State Attorney General's office and the Secretary of State's office, applying for tax exempt status with the IRS and the State of California. View their guide.
The Sustainable Economies Law Center (aka SELC) provides legal education, research, advice, and advocacy for just and resilient economies.
Candid (formerly the Foundation Center) maintains step-by-step guides on starting a nonprofit organization.
Alliance for Justice's Bolder Advocacy Program equips nonprofits with the knowledge they need to be confident and powerful advocates. Their staff attorneys conduct workshops and trainings around the country and one-on-one technical assistance by phone and email. We regularly host educational workshops with their California Director Nona Randois.
Alliance for Justice is a national association of environmental, civil mental health, women’s, children’s and consumer advocacy organizations working to advance justice for all Americans. Offers free resources and information on how nonprofits can lobby.
www.afj.org
California Legislative Information is a website with the most up-to-date information on bills working their way through the California Legislature.
CalNonprofits Causes Count is a report on the economic impact of California's nonprofit sector including the relationship between government and nonprofits, disparities within the sector, nonprofits as an economic driver and major employer.
DataCenter unlocks the power of knowledge for social change. They support grassroots organizing for justice and sustainability through strategic research, training, and collaborations. We use research to help move the knowledge and solutions of communities of color and the poor from the margins to the center of decision-making.
Highlander Research & Education Center develops leadership and helps create and support strong, democratic organizations that work for justice, equality and sustainability in their own communities and that join with others to build broad movements for social, economic and restorative environmental change.
The Ruckus Society provides environmental, human rights, and social justice organizers with the tools, training, and support needed to achieve their goals through the strategic use of creative, nonviolent direct action.
Western States Center is building a progressive movement for social, economic, racial and environmental justice in the western states.
Contact us to learn more about a number of educational workshops we've hosted on the topic of direct action, nonprofit lobbying & advocacy.
Board Source (formerly National Center for Nonprofit Boards) is dedicated to increasing the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations by strengthening their boards of directors. Provides topic papers, books, and other publications.
BlueAvocado is an online newsletter full of practical, provocative and fun food-for-thought for nonprofits.
The Center for Third World Organizing (CTWO, pronounced "C-2") is a racial-justice organization dedicated to building a social justice movement led by people of color. Established in 1980, CTWO is a training and resource center that promotes and sustains direct-action organizing in communities of color in the United States.
Highlander Research & Education Center develops leadership and helps create and support strong, democratic organizations that work for justice, equality and sustainability in their own communities and that join with others to build broad movements for social, economic and restorative environmental change.
Midwest Academy is a national training institute committed to advancing the struggle for social, economic, and racial justice. From local neighborhood groups to statewide and national organizations, Midwest Academy has trained over twenty-five thousand grassroots activists from hundreds of organizations and coalitions. Midwest Academy teaches an organizing philosophy, methods and skills that enable ordinary people to actively participate in the democratic process.
Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Policy Education (SCOPE) builds grassroots power to create social and economic justice for low-income, female, immigrant, black, and brown communities in Los Angeles. To do this, SCOPE organizes communities, develops leaders, collaborates through strategic alliances, builds capacity through training programs, and educates South L.A.’s residents to have an active role in shaping policies that affect the quality of life in our region. Core values are justice, respect, responsibility, integrity, and voice.
Western States Center is building a progressive movement for social, economic, racial and environmental justice in the western states.
Contact us to learn more about a number of educational workshops we've hosted on the topic of community organizing.
Bolder Advocacy is a project of Alliance for Justice, a national association of environmental, civil mental health, women’s, children’s and consumer advocacy organizations working to advance justice for all Americans. Offers free resources and information on how nonprofits can lobby. The Bolder Advocacy offers these core components of Community Organizing evaluation.
Compensation and Benefits Report
The Center for Nonprofit Management surveys and produces a report of compensation and benefits in the nonprofit sector every year. A copy of this report is available to read on-site at our office.
Fiscal Sponsorship Greg Colvin of Adler & Colvin is an attorney and expert in tax law for nonprofits including best practices for fiscal sponsorships.
Nonprofit Finance Fund provide financial resources, in the form of loans, grants, and asset-building programs, in concert with management advice. NFF works directly and with funders to strengthen these organizations and the system by which they are funded.
Public Counsel Law Center is the nation's largest not-for-profit law firm specializing in delivering pro bono legal services. Public Counsel annually assists more than 30,000 families, children, immigrants, veterans, and nonprofit organizations and addresses systemic poverty and civil rights issues through impact litigation and policy advocacy.
Nolo LAW for ALL helps consumers and small businesses find answers to their everyday legal and business questions.
IRS Compliance Guide for 501(c)(3) Public Charities
In this publication, the IRS addresses activities that could jeopardize a public charity's tax-exempt status. It identifies general compliance requirements on recordkeeping, reporting, and disclosure for exempt organizations (EOs) described in section 501(c)(3) of the Code that are classified as public charities.
CalNonprofits Nonprofit Compliance Checklist
CalNonprofits has compiled this handy comprehensive checklist to help nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations -- charities -- keep up-to-date with annual filing requirements. All in one place, with links to the resources you need if you have questions.
The Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training (GIFT) is a multiracial organization that promotes the connection between fundraising, social justice and movement-building. We believe that how groups are funded is as important to achieving their goals as how the money is spent, and that building community support is central to long-term social change. We provide training, resources and analysis to strengthen organizations, with an emphasis on those focused on social justice and based in communities of color.
Klein And Roth Consulting helps organizations build strong fundraising programs that are mission-driven. We provide practical, hands-on advice, grounded in social justice values.
Association of Fundraising Professionals represents 26,000 members in four countries working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, education, and certification programs. AFP offers professional development resources for fund development personnel.
Generosity makes it as easy as possible for anyone to champion a personal or social cause, whether it’s around the corner or across the globe.
Network for Good is a tool for nonprofits in the areas of fundraising, volunteers, and advocacy which provides online registration of nonprofits in order to receive donations through the site.
Contact us to learn more about a number of educational workshops we've hosted on the topic of fundraising.
Nonprofit AF is a humorous and insightful blog by Vu Le promoting social justice in the nonprofit sector on a broad array of topics.
California Association of Nonprofits is a statewide organization of 2,000 nonprofit organizations with a mission to strengthen and expand the professionalism, governance, influence, and effectiveness of California nonprofit organizations.
CompassPoint intensifies the impact of fellow nonprofit leaders, organizations and networks as we achieve social equiety together.
The Center for Nonprofit Management fosters thriving communities in Southern California by ensuring that nonprofit leaders and organizations have the knowledge, skills, and resources to fulfill their mission.
National Council on Nonprofits serve as a central coordinator and mobilizer to help nonprofits achieve greater collective impact in local communities across the country.
Foundation Center maintains the most comprehensive database on U.S. and, increasingly, global grantmakers and their grants — a robust, accessible knowledge bank for the sector. It also operates research, education, and training programs designed to advance knowledge of philanthropy at every level.
GuideStar offers a searchable database of all IRS-recognized agencies, including foundations. Includes information from IRS tax form 990.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy connects the nonprofit world with news, jobs and ideas.
The National Center for Responsive Philanthropy promotes philanthropy that serves the public good, is responsive to people and communities with the least wealth and opportunity, and is held accountable to the highest standards of integrity and openness.
Independent Sector strengthens and mobilizes the nonprofit and philanthropic community in order to fulfill the vision of a just and inclusive society and a healthy democracy of active citizens, effective institutions, and vibrant communities.
About Nonprofit Charitable Orgs is a large and up-to-date source of information about and for nonprofit organizations.
Foundation Center maintains the most comprehensive database on U.S. and, increasingly, global grantmakers and their grants — a robust, accessible knowledge bank for the sector. It also operates research, education, and training programs designed to advance knowledge of philanthropy at every level.
The Grantsmanship Center offers training and publications to help organizations plan solid programs, write logical, compelling grant proposals and create earned income opportunities.
U.S. Census Bureau offers various online census tools to find the data grant-writers need to build effective cases for project funding. Calendar of webinars. Contact the U.S. Census Bureau at: www.census.gov L.A. Regional Website - https://www.census.gov/about/
Partnership & Data Services Program - 888-806-6389
The Racial Dot Map is an interesting racial map of the United States with one dot for every person (generated with 2010 Census data)
CalNonprofits Insurance Services is the one-stop insurance solution for California nonprofits. They provide high quality, cost-saving products delivered by an expert staff with a commitment to the highest level of integrity and service.
Nonprofits’ Insurance Alliance of California’s mission is to be a stable source of reasonably priced liability insurance coverages tailored to the specialized needs of the nonprofit sector and to assist these organizations to develop and implement effective loss control and risk management programs.
Rockwood Leadership Institute
Since 2000, Rockwood Leadership Institute has provided thousands of social change leaders across the globe with tools and skills to help change themselves, their communities, and the world.
Leading From Within
Leading From Within fosters a dynamic network of public-minded leaders who know each other, trust each other, and are better able to work together to improve our communities. This investment better ensures that leaders can address some of society’s more persistent challenges.
LightBox Collaborative holds good ideas up to the light, helping nonprofits, philanthropies, and other do-gooders do better. They jump-start creative thinking, build strategic clarity, and spark action to advance causes that matter.
Beth Kanter is the author of Beth’s Blog: How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media, one of the longest running and most popular blogs for nonprofits. She co-authored the book titled The Networked Nonprofit with Allison Fine.
The Communications Toolkit from Cause Communications is a comprehensive resource offering practical information in virtually every area of communications based on findings from national qualitative and quantitative surveys of what nonprofits want in the area of communications.
Community Organizer 2.0 is a forum for discussion and opinions about the intersection of social media, technology, and non-profits. This blog considers social communities, tools and communication in the websphere. Debra Askanase is an experienced digital strategist, non-profit executive, and community organizer.
Allison Fine is the co-author of the bestselling The Networked Nonprofit, and author of the award-winning Momentum: Igniting Social Change in the Connected Age. She is a Senior Fellow on the Democracy Team at Demos, a New York-based think tank.
Frogloop is a blog offering practical tips for online fundraising, advocacy and social media.
Katya’s Nonprofit Marketing Blog on nonprofit marketing, fundraising, social media and doing good in the world better and faster.
Kivi’s Nonprofit Marketing Guide is a blog on making a big impression with smart, savvy marketing and communications.
Mission Minded is marketing and communications firm for nonprofits and foundations that offers free online guides on everything from messaging to annual reports.
Nancy Schwartz’s “Getting Attention” blog is a constant source of ideas, tactics, and tips for nonprofit communicators focused on helping their organizations succeed through effective marketing.
http://gettingattention.org/
Stanford Social Innovation Review is an award-winning magazine and website that covers cross-sector solutions to global problems. SSIR is written for and by social change leaders in the nonprofit, business, and government sectors who view collaboration as key to solving environmental, social, and economic justice issues.
Certified B Corporations are certified by the nonprofit B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Today, there is a growing community of more than 600 Certified B Corps from 15 countries and 60 industries working together toward 1 unifying goal: to redefine success in business.
Social Movement Technologies provides online organizing strategy, training & staffing to help progressive social change groups engage members and win campaigns.
Tech Soup connects your nonprofit, charity, or public library with technology products, plus the learning resources you need to make informed decisions about technology.
Idealware, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides thoroughly researched, impartial and accessible resources about software to help nonprofits make smart software decisions.
Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN) facilitates the exchange of knowledge and information within our community. We connect our members to each other, provide professional development opportunities, educate our constituency on issues of technology use in nonprofits, and spearhead groundbreaking research, advocacy, and education on technology issues affecting our entire community.
Nonprofit Tech for Good is a leading technology resource for nonprofit professionals focused on providing valuable, easy-to-understand information, news, and resources related to nonprofit technology, online communication, and mobile and social fundraising.
Taproot Foundation’s mission is to lead, mobilize and engage professionals in pro bono service that drives social change.
Your Nerdy Best Friend Beth Z is a technology expert who speaks to 60-plus groups a year all over the country about the best free and bargain apps and online resources that will help you Release YOUR Inner Nerd to become more organized, efficient and awesome at work and home. Check out her Quick Reference Guide to free online tools here. Beth has also recently published her 2016 TechTools Yearbook.
Idealist.org maintains a huge directory of nonprofit and volunteering resources.
VolunteerMatch assists individuals nationwide find volunteer opportunities posted by local nonprofit and public sector organizations.
California Volunteers is a resource provided by the State of California Governor’s office to help California’s nonprofit and human service providers find volunteers.
Other Social Justice Funders
Andrus Family Fund – www.affund.org/grantseekers
Arcus Foundation – www.arcusfoundation.org/socialjustice
Astraea Lesbian Foundation For Justice – www.astraeafoundation.org
Ben & Jerry's Foundation – www.benandjerrysfoundation.org
Common Council Foundation – www.commoncounsel.org
Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund – www.haasjr.org
Ford Foundation – www.fordfoundation.org/work/our-grants/
Gill Foundation – www.gillfoundation.org
Hidden Leaf Foundation – www.hiddenleaf.org
Horizons Foundation – www.horizonsfoundation.org
Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment - www.rosefdn.org
Tides Foundation – www.tides.org
Torchlight Prize (Nominations due by June 30th) - www.torchlightprize.org
Weingart Foundation – www.weingartfnd.org
Ventura, CA – Social Justice Fund for Ventura County - www.socialjusticefundvc.org/
Los Angeles, CA – Liberty Hill Foundation – www.libertyhill.org/
San Diego, CA – Foundation for Change – www.foundation4change.org/
Knoxville, TN – Appalachian Community Fund – www.appalachiancommunityfund.org/
Philadelphia, PA – Bread & Roses Community Fund – www.breadrosesfund.org/
Denver, CO – Chinook Fund – www.chinookfund.org/
Chicago, IL – Crossroads Fund – www.crossroadsfund.org/
Boise, ID – Fund for Idaho – www.fundforidaho.org/
Decatur, GA – Fund for Southern Communities – www.fundforsouth.org
Honolulu, HI – Hawai’I People’s Fund – www.hawaiipeoplesfund.org/
Boston, MA – Haymarket People’s Fund – www.haymarket.org/
Minneapolis, MN – Headwaters Foundation for Justice – www.headwatersfoundation.org/
Portland, OR – McKenzie River Gathering – www.mrgfoundation.org/
New York City, NY – North Star Fund – www.northstarfund.org/
Pittsburgh, PA – Three Rivers Community Foundation – www.trcfwpa.org/
Madison, WI – Forward Community Investments – http://www.forwardci.org/
Seattle, WA – Social Justice Fund Northwest – www.socialjusticefund.org/