CALIFORNIA Talent Justice Initiative


“California's nonprofit sector represents 15% of our GDP and produces more jobs than construction.”

– Kathleen Kelly Janus, Former Senior Advisor on Social Innovation, Office of the Governor of California


“So many nonprofit professionals, across all levels, are burning out and leaving. This is a serious problem. And, with a few exceptions, the response from funders has been ‘Meh.’”

– Vu Le, Nonprofit AF Blog

Nonprofits are struggling to serve communities - even as communities and the nonprofits themselves face new and chronic challenges. In this era of burnout and crisis, the top problem facing nonprofits is the ability to adequately support their staff. 

This is an issue of racial and gender equity. This is an issue of economic justice. This is an issue of effectiveness - for grantee and grantor alike. This is an existential threat.

It's time for funders to listen and respond with urgency.

Toward that end, we will partner with colleagues across California to convene conversations throughout 2024. These California Convenings will be designed to spark new levels of investment in the Golden State's nonprofit workforce.

We invite you to join the conversation.


The Events

Statewide Summit

Three previously-held convenings will culminate with a statewide conference December 9-11, 2024, in Berkeley, California. This unique Summit will bring together key stakeholder groups, including government, foundations, nonprofits, social sector infrastructure groups, unions, academia, and more.


The conference will feature cutting-edge ideas, and approaches to investing in the nonprofit workforce, including resources from Fund the People, All Due Respect, and others. It will offer facilitated spaces for small-group sharing. And it will provide space to enjoy being in community, great food, art, wellness activities, and fun.


Summit Details:

Downtown Berkeley

Monday, December 9 - Wednesday, December 11, 2024


View the agenda here


Regional Gatherings

We started with a series of three Regional Gatherings across California. Held in partnership with local leaders and organizations, these vital conversations will brought together stakeholders for dialogue and strategizing about investing in the local nonprofit workforce, and to inform the content of the Statewide Conference.


Regional Gathering Details:

Bay Area - Tuesday, September 10, 2024

LOS ANGELES - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

San Diego - Wednesday, September 25, 2024


Our Sponsors

We graciously thank the following sponsors and grant-giving organizations whose financial contributions have made the Summit possible.


Transformational Sponsors:

Visionary Sponsor:

Presenting Sponsor:

Silo-Busting Sponsors:

California Dreamer Sponsor:

Supporting Sponsor:

Partnerships

We will seek to partner with colleague organizations at the local and statewide level throughout California. And we will draw upon resources and expertise from groups working in other regions of the country, nationally, and around the world.


To hear why funders need to discuss investing in quality nonprofit jobs and the nonprofit workforce, read the blog post from our partners at Walter and Elise Haas Fund, San Francisco Foundation's ReWork the Bay, and James Irvine Foundation.

National Impact

While the conference will focus on California's nonprofit workforce, we know that the nonprofit workforce faces challenges across the U.S. and around the world. We will welcome colleagues from beyond California who want to learn and share their experiences investing in the nonprofit workforce. We will also make content available to interested colleagues everywhere.

Stay Up-To-Date

Want to stay informed about event information as this initiative develops?

Get Involved

Interested in participating in the regional or statewide gatherings? Have ideas for partnership, content, or funding?

Get In Touch

© 2024 Fund The People