This week Laurel Hennen Vigil of the East Bay Express highlighted some of the challenges that Oakland-based nonprofit organizations (npos) are dealing with. While the article focuses on Oakland specifically, the topics discussed are similar to obstacles that nonprofits in other major metropolitan areas face.
As rents increase, npos are forced to move further out from city centers to affordable locations. This is especially challenging for organizations that provide direct services to individuals. Downtown Oakland is accessible by BART and many major AC Transit bus lines. It is the hub for public transit in Oakland. These transportation access points are critical to individuals who do not have access to a car. Additionally, being located near public transit makes job and in-office volunteer positions more enticing for potential candidates.
We hope that the City of Oakland and other cities explore creative ways to support the nonprofits that support their city.
Below are a few other articles that caught our eye:
- Randy Hawthorne on Nonprofit Hub outlined a few basics on how startup nonprofits can begin the grant process in the article, “How Startup Nonprofits Can Get the Grant of Their Dreams”
- Cyndi Suarez of NPG shared information from a recent report that found significant anti-LGBTQ bias in the nonprofit sector.
- Alex Daniels and Megan O’Neil of the Chronicle of Philanthropy discuss a meeting that nonprofit and foundation leaders had with Vice President Mike Pence urging Republican to expand charitable deductions when reviewing changes to the tax code.
- Meanwhile, the National Council of Nonprofits has opposed a measure to weaken the Johnson Amendment that was attached as a rider to the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act. To learn more and get sample language to call your house member, please visit Independent Sector’s website for information.
Justin (he, him) is a Principal and Co-Founder of Social Change Consulting. He has over fifteen years of nonprofit experience, with expertise in online fundraising, digital communications, and data management. Justin helps organizations connect their communication strategy to their income development needs. When he’s not on the clock, Justin is exploring Berlin, running, listening to too many podcasts, and drinking too much coffee.