how to create a nonprofit organization in california

YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR MISSION

The Center for Nonprofit Management works at the epicenter of the social impact sector in Southern California. We provide purpose-driven leaders with the skills, tools and connections they need to drive change in their communities.

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Featured News & Updates

Take the Survey: Equitable Nonprofit Workplace Report

Center for Nonprofit Management and Envision Consulting have teamed up to redesign the biennial Compensation & Benefits Report and take things to the next level. Through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion, the 2021 Equitable Nonprofit Workplace Report for Southern California (ENWR) will serve as the premier guide for innovating benefits and workplace practices that attract, retain and invest in the people who fuel social impact.

What You Need To Know About Los Angeles Redistricting

On Friday, July 30 we hosted a conversation about redistricting – the once-a-decade effort to make sure each district has a similar number of residents represented. We heard from representatives of the LA City Council and LA County Redistricting Commissions as well as California Common Cause who explained how the process works, what's at stake and how nonprofit leaders can get involved. Below you will find a host of resources that were shared during the session as well as a recording of the entire session.

Announcing Our 2021 Summer Training Series

This summer, as you reflect and refuel, we invite you to join CNM for a new virtual seminar series focused on caring for your community, your team, and yourself. We know our sector is stretched and stressed, from navigating hybrid and return-to-work plans and adapting to the latest developments in grantwriting and fundraising; and from re-balancing power and increasing equity to preventing your team's burnout — CNM is providing opportunities for you to both grow professionally and respond effectively to the complex and difficult needs of the communities you serve. And with discounted summer rates on these special program offerings, it's a great time to learn new approaches and skills to help you tackle these challenges.

A Conversation about Returning to the Workplace

On Friday, June 18th we were joined by experts from Cal/OSHA, Bolton Co. and over 200 local nonprofit leaders to discuss how organizations should be thinking about returning to physical workspace, complying with changing regulations and keeping employees safe.

Recapping the 2021 501(c)onference

Last week, more than 300 Southern California nonprofit sector professionals gathered, virtually, for CNM's 501(c)onference, RENEWAL: Looking Forward, Looking Back.

This tenth edition of CNM's annual sector conference drew participants from across Southern California and featured more than 15 panels and breakout sessions across two content-packed days. Advancing equity, new ways of collaborating with philanthropy, and wisdom and lessons from a tumultuous year were all among topics addressed by panelists and presenters.

One year after the onset of the deadly virus, and the economic devastation that forced many nonprofit organizations to quickly change course in response, it seems that overall our sector may have weathered the crisis better than some might have been expected. Thanks to PPP loans, and millions in private and philanthropic support that was focused on meeting urgent needs, many concerns about what comes next remain in 2021.

Rolling out Measure J to Support Nonprofits

Measure J, which allocates at least 10% of the County's locally generated, unrestricted funds, allows the County to empower the recommendations of the Nonprofit/Philanthropy Economic Resiliency Working Group into action given its focus on equitable access to contracts for community-based organizations. Through this funding, we are hopeful that a more transparent, user friendly contracting system and a reimbursement rate that covers actual costs allows services funded through those public dollars to reach those who need them.

Debunking Myths about COVID-19 Vaccines

One way to fight the pandemic is with accurate information. Many of LA's most vulnerable communities may be misinformed about vaccines due to a lack of information from trustworthy sources. Community based organizations play a unique role in spreading information that is reliable.

Arts In Action Community Forum Resources & Recording

Thanks to everyone who joined our Arts In Action Community Forum with DCA yesterday celebrating the vital role of the creative economy in healing and recovery as we look ahead. View the recording of the event and access application info for each of the funding opportunities discussed.

Introduction to Power Mapping

In late January, CNM hosted a well-attended 'Food for Thought' session on Power Mapping, a helpful tool nonprofits can use to build strategy and assess progress while driving change for our communities. Expertly led by CMN's Carlos Cazares, the session focused on techniques for identifying influence and cultivating connections in order to transform policy.

Year-In-Review: Crisis, Opportunity and Adaptation

This year we have been right there with you as an unexpected and deadly virus changed everything in a matter of weeks. We quickly learned about zoom, social distancing, PPE and PPP while urging citizens to complete the census and vote. Like all of you, we know this year also surfaced facts we can no longer ignore about injustice, access to care, nonprofit sustainability, and systems that need to be changed.

Meet the Next Generation of LA Community Leaders

This year we're launching the Community Leadership Development Program with cohorts of emerging nonprofit leaders of color in South Los Angeles and the Antelope Valley. Over the course of 7 months they will learn new skills, build peer networks and work together on common goals with other local organizations to address issues that matter most to the people in South LA and the Antelope Valley. We're incredibly excited to introduce you to the 33 members of the Community Leadership Development Program.

LA County Indirect Cost Determination Survey

Over the past few months we on the Economic Resiliency Working Group have been meeting with representatives from the LA County CEO's office to explore contracting and reimbursement policies and practices.

Free Technical Assistance for Riverside Organizations

If you are a nonprofit organization in Riverside or provide services in Riverside County you are eligible for FREE capacity building and technical assistance to help strengthen your organizations and boards trough support from the RAP Foundation. The Center for Nonprofit Management is pleased to offer the following services.

Free Technical Assistance for Organizations Serving Best Start Regions

The Center for Nonprofit Management in partnership with The Nonprofit Partnership are offering free short-term capacity building and technical assistance to nonprofit organizations through support from First 5 LA COVID 19 Rapid Response Funds.

Nonprofit Financial Snapshot

Six months into the pandemic and historic job losses, the financial picture for community based organizations keeps changing; canceled galas, Rapid Response grants, Payroll Protection government loans, online programming and new donors interested in supporting basic needs.

Voting Information & Social Media Graphics for Nonprofits

As we get closer to election day the nonprofit sector is an important voice and there is still time to register to vote. There are several efforts underway so please help spread the word that it is not enough to march- they need to vote. We need people in power who share your values and you can help spread the word to those who support your cause and those you serve.

Summer Update - 2020 Sector Snapshot

The new summer update to our 2020 Sector Snapshot reveals the extent to which effects of COVID-19, the economic downturn and the anti-racism movement is continuing to alter the Southern California nonprofit sector.

The Impacts of COVID on LA County Nonprofits

Over the past 100 days the #nonprofit sector across Southern California has been challenged at levels far greater than during the recession. The virus, the job losses, the movement against racism, and the growing burden to respond to emerging needs required leaders to improvise and respond. In that time, over 6,000 organizations have turned to CNM for guidance by calling our helpline, scheduling office hours with our consultants, and attending our 501(c)onference, webinars, seminars and certificate programs. Our team put our heads together so that we could share some trends and patterns that we're seeing.

2020 Sector Snapshot

Entering 2020 already fragile, community based organizations across Southern California are now confronted with the growing social, economic and public health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. As unemployment rates reach double the levels of the 2009 recession, we've seen nonprofit organizations of all budget sizes and fields of service respond to the crisis with creativity and flexibility in a rapidly changing environment. In response to exploding demand to cover basic needs, many organizations have ramped up service delivery and developed new programs. Others have stopped operations completely.

Speak with an Expert

Nonprofit organizations face unique challenges and solving them requires sector-specific knowledge and experience. Schedule a free, 15-minute appointment to discuss anything from strategic planning to digital fundraising. We'll match you with an in-house expert and get you the best advice.

"Thank you for being a champion to the sector. Much appreciated."

— Roberto Roque, Program Officer, First5LA

"Thank you for a successful Training. I believe everyone really liked it and it brought genuine good information. Looking forward to the next one."

— Theresa Don Lucas, VP, CRA Officer, City National Bank

"We have been so impressed and grateful for CNM's responsiveness, clarity and depth of expertise."

— Claire Peeps, Executive Director, Durfee Foundation

"Thank you for your stories and honesty. This is an important conversation. You gave me a lot think about and resources to take advantage of soon."

"CNM has been an inspiration and asks great questions that get me to step out of myself and move forward to plan."

— Patricia Franks, ED, Annointed Vessel

"CNM's thorough process development, pre-work and interviews allowed a thorough understanding of our organization and resulted in a process that was highly effective, and a visionary and useful plan."

— Natalie Samarjian, President & CEO, CORO LA