Non-Profit Stories: Inspiring Tales from Silicon Valley Sharad Gupta | @NonProfitStories | Founder of TradeMyHome.com

In This Episode: In Silicon Valley, high venue costs often exceed $30,000, creating significant financial burdens for nonprofits. Additionally, frequent event invitations lead to donor fatigue, reducing gala attendance by 20%, and a 35% volunteer shortage critically affects the execution and staffing of these events.




Gala Fundraising Problems Of Silicon Valley High Venue Costs: High venue costs in Silicon Valley, often exceeding $30,000 due to demand, pose financial challenges for smaller nonprofits hosting galas. Donor Fatigue: Silicon Valley donors frequently experience donor fatigue due to many charity event invitations, leading to a 20% decrease in repeat attendance and reduced donation rates at galas. Volunteer Shortage: Silicon Valley faces a volunteer shortage, with a 35% gap in the needed volunteer base for events. This affects the execution and staffing of large-scale fundraising galas. About Anne Davis East:
Anne Davis East, with over 30 years in nonprofit management, is the CEO of Davis East Consulting. She specializes in nonprofit compliance, board development, ethics training, and strategic planning. She’s active on several boards, focusing on community development and assisting underserved youth. Her affiliations include notable organizations like the National Association of Business Women and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Anne earned a BS from William Woods University and an MS in Elementary Education from Lesley University.
Show Notes: Auction Considerations: Anne Davis East highlights the need to issue a 1099 form to auction winners at fundraising galas, as these winnings are considered income for tax purposes.  Raffle Regulations: Anne discusses the importance of obtaining a permit for raffle events from the attorney general and suggests securing a year-long permit for monthly raffles to ensure compliance and cost-effectiveness.  Online Raffle Ticket Sales: In some states, including California, selling raffle tickets online is prohibited. Anne stresses the need for transparency and careful management of raffle tickets to avoid legal issues.  Fair Market Value of Raffle Items: Organizations must determine the fair market value of raffle items, except for gift certificates, which are valued at the amount stated on them.  The Risks of 50-50 Raffles: Anne explains that 50-50 raffles are only legally permissible for professional sports teams in California, and engaging in such raffles can lead to significant legal consequences.  Alcohol Management at Galas: Handling alcohol at events requires careful consideration, including ensuring that volunteers serving alcohol are properly trained and certified. Anne discusses the implications of alcohol service and the importance of managing consumption responsibly.  Training for Alcohol Servers: Volunteers serving alcohol must be certified, and Anne mentions that training can be done online for a fee, and certification lasts several years.  Event Revenue Streams: Anne advises on collaborating with wineries or breweries for events, using a ticket system to track sales, and effectively managing financial transactions.

In This Episode: In Silicon Valley, Donor-Advised Funds soared to $78.6 billion, highlighting a trend toward delayed philanthropy. Nonprofits face significant fraud risks, prompting adopting protective measures like Positive Pay. Guidestar exemplifies financial health through revenue diversification, covering 90% of its costs via service fees, suggesting a sustainable model for nonprofits.




NonProfit Management Problems Of Silicon Valley Growth of Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Silicon Valley’s DAFs grew from $33.6 billion to $78.6 billion, showcasing a shift towards “parked” philanthropy, in which donors control when their gifts are distributed to nonprofits. Check and ACH Fraud Threats: Nonprofits facing $18 billion in U.S. check fraud losses must use advanced security, like Positive Pay, to reduce risk. Revenue Stream Development: Guidance for nonprofits to diversify income and earn revenue, as GuideStar did by funding 90% of its operations from fees, showcases a solid strategy for financial health. About Anne Davis East:
Anne Davis East, with over 30 years in nonprofit management, is the CEO of Davis East Consulting. She specializes in nonprofit compliance, board development, ethics training, and strategic planning. She’s active on several boards, focusing on community development and assisting underserved youth. Her affiliations include notable organizations like the National Association of Business Women and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Anne earned a BS from William Woods University and an MS in Elementary Education from Lesley University.
Show Notes: Introduction to Davis East Consulting—Learn about Davis East Consulting’s origins and what motivated Anne to focus on helping nonprofits regain their tax-exempt status.  The Impact of the Patriots Act on Nonprofits – Anne discusses how post-9/11 legislation affected thousands of nonprofits, leading to the loss of their tax-exempt status and how her consultancy responded.  Challenges of Nonprofit Management in Silicon Valley – Explore the unique management challenges that nonprofits face in the Silicon Valley area, including compliance with evolving regulations.  Common Compliance Issues – Anne highlights the most frequent noncompliance issues encountered by nonprofits, particularly the implications of not being properly registered.  Strategic Nonprofit Management – Learn about Anne’s strategic approach to managing nonprofits, from compliance checks to registration renewals and adjusting organizational processes.  Changes in Nonprofit Compliance – Discussion on how state and federal legislative changes affect nonprofit operations, particularly in California.  The Role of Professional Fundraisers – Understanding the critical role and legal considerations of professional fundraisers in nonprofit organizations.  Board Development and Management – Anne stresses the importance of board development and its critical financial role in nonprofit management.  Ethics and Compliance Training – The significance of ongoing ethics and compliance training for nonprofit boards and staff to avoid financial mismanagement.  Technology and Nonprofit Management – Insight into the role of technology in modern nonprofit management, including social media policies and the importance of keeping up-to-date with digital trends.

In This Episode: In Silicon Valley, adults with disabilities face challenges, including lower educational attainment (16.4% hold a bachelor's degree or higher compared to 34.6% of non-disabled individuals), leading to a stark employment gap (17.9% vs. 61.8%), magnified by the competitive tech market. Additionally, less than 1% of housing units are wheelchair accessible.




Adults with Autism Problems In Silicon Valley Educational Opportunities: Lower educational attainment among adults with disabilities, with only 16.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to 34.6% for those without disabilities.  Employment Gap: The employment rate for individuals with disabilities is significantly lower (17.9%) than for those without (61.8%), exacerbated by Silicon Valley's competitive tech market.  Limited Accessible Housing: Less than 1% of Silicon Valley housing units are wheelchair accessible, impacting adults with mobility disabilities. About DeAnna Pursai:
DeAnna Pursai is a special education teacher and the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the College of Adaptive Arts. She has also been named an “Architect of Change” by Maria Shriver and co-awarded the Delta Kappa Gamma State Distinguished Career/Professional Service Award with CAA Co-Founder and Dean of Instruction Dr. Pamela Lindsay. Deanna grew up with her sister Angel, who has Down Syndrome. This experience taught her how important it is for everyone to have the same chances and to be included.
Show Notes: Inspiration Behind College of Adaptive Arts (CAA): DeAnna Pursai shares the story of her sister Angel, who could not access college education due to her disabilities, inspiring the creation of CAA – a lifelong learning community for adults of all abilities. Unique Approach to Education: Unlike traditional educational institutions, CAA does not require its students to read, write, or take tests, making education accessible to adults historically marginalized from higher education. Innovative Startup Culture: Situated in Silicon Valley, CAA is described as a startup disrupting the traditional education model for adults with special needs, with hopes of expanding globally. Angel’s Perspective: Angel expresses pride and admiration for her sister's initiative, highlighting the personal impact and broader recognition she has gained through CAA. Curriculum and Programs: The podcast delves into the origins and evolution of CAA’s curriculum, which started with arts and has expanded to include a wide range of subjects, catering to the diverse interests of its students. Community and Partnerships: The importance of community support and partnerships is emphasized, highlighting collaborations with local businesses, arts organizations, and educational institutions that have been instrumental in CAA’s growth. Impact on Students and Community: The remarkable growth from 12 to over 229 students across 10 states and internationally underscores CAA's significant impact on filling an educational gap for adults with disabilities. Scaling and Measuring Success: The challenges of scaling CAA’s impact are discussed, along with the strategies for measuring success, including student enrollment, engagement, and development of workforce skills. Vision for the Future: The future of adaptive education is envisioned as a global initiative, with CAA planning to replicate its model to serve more adults with disabilities around the world. How to Support CAA: The podcast concludes with ways the community can support CAA, including attending events, engaging with social media, and contributing to fundraising efforts to sustain and expand its programs.

In This Episode: Silicon Valley's wealth disparity is stark, with a top 10% earning $398,000 versus a bottom 20% at less than $35,000. Despite high median incomes, over 7,000 face homelessness, and educational divides are evident, as seen in reading levels between East Palo Alto and Palo Alto students.




Poverty and Inequality Problems Of Silicon Valley Widening Income Gap: A vast income disparity exists: the top 10% earn an average of $398,000, while the bottom 20% earn under $35,000, highlighting extreme wealth differences in a wealthy area. Housing Insecurity: Despite a $120,000 median income, Silicon Valley's housing crisis leaves over 7,000 homeless nightly, underscoring severe affordability and displacement issues. Educational Achievement Gap: In East Palo Alto, only 25% of third graders read at grade level, compared to 75% in wealthier Palo Alto, highlighting sharp educational inequalities tied to wealth. About Evelyne Keomian:
Evelyne Keomian's Karat School Project (KSP) aims to combat poverty by educating those in need. Locally, in the Bay Area, KSP aids individuals facing housing insecurity, including those in RVs and transient situations. Internationally, in Cote d'Ivoire, KSP focuses on rescuing children from labor, early marriage, and trafficking, prioritizing girls' education and training mothers to enhance their livelihoods. With a global impact, KSP has positively affected over 30,000 lives locally and worldwide.
Show Notes: Introduction to Evelyne Keomian and the Karat School Project: Dee Dee Kiesow introduces Evelyne Keomian, founder and executive director of the Karat School Project, which aims to use education to break the cycle of poverty in both the Bay Area and West Africa.  Origins of the Karat School Project: Evelyne shares her journey and motivation for starting KSP, emphasizing the importance of education and community support in breaking the cycle of poverty.  KSP's Role in Silicon Valley: The conversation shifts to how KSP advocates for housing security and educational equity, focusing on the needs of children and families living in transient situations.  Challenges in Operating a Nonprofit in Silicon Valley: Evelyne discusses the unique challenges faced by KSP in Silicon Valley, including community misconceptions and the importance of a personalized approach to philanthropy.  Impact and Outreach: Details on the scope of KSP's impact, including the number of families served and the organization's hands-on approach to tracking and supporting the growth of children and families.  Funding and Sustainability: Strategies for ensuring KSP's financial sustainability, emphasizing the importance of community investment and the startup culture within the nonprofit sector.  Combating Child Labor and Trafficking: Evelyne highlights KSP's efforts in West Africa to rescue children from labor and trafficking, focusing on education as a sustainable solution.  Cultural Challenges and Building Allyship: The conversation explores the resistance to educating girls and mothers in specific communities and how KSP works to build allyship and inclusion.  Leveraging Tech for Education: Evelyne discusses how KSP utilizes technology to enhance education and training, especially in remote and underprivileged areas.  Community Building and Success Stories: The episode wraps up with inspiring success stories from KSP's work and a call to action for individuals and organizations in Silicon Valley to support their mission.

In This Episode: Annually, Happy Hollow Foundation awards over $60,000 in conservation grants worldwide, alongside funding science-based education for more than 4,000 students in under-resourced schools. Since 2014, they have also been dedicated to improving the mental and physical health of thousands of older adults through accessible programs.




Happy Hollow Foundation Impacts and Outcomes Around Conservation, Education, and Play Conservation Grants: Awarding over $60,000 in local and global conservation grants every year. Education Funding: Funding science-based education for under-resourced schools serves over 4,000 students annually. Access for Older Adults: Providing access for thousands of older adults to promote mental and physical health since 2014. About Rhonda Nourse:
Rhonda Nourse, a trailblazer for women in television at KSBW-TV, KNTV, and KTVU-Fox 2, transitioned from news to philanthropy, setting fundraising records for causes like Sacred Heart Nativity Schools and Via Services. Now, as the Executive Director of Happy Hollow Foundation, she swaps the newsroom for red pandas and capybaras, continuing her impactful journey. A former Bay Area television news director turned philanthropy leader.
Show Notes: Introduction to Rhonda Nourse and the Happy Hollow Foundation: Rhonda shares her background in philanthropy, inspired by her family’s dedication to giving back to the community. Her journey into fundraising began through volunteering at her children’s school. The Role of Media Experience in Fundraising: Rhonda discusses how her background in television news and newspapers influences her approach to philanthropy, emphasizing the power of storytelling in engaging potential donors. Happy Hollow Foundation’s Impact on Silicon Valley: Exploring the foundation’s mission to maintain Happy Hollow as a cherished community asset, Rhonda highlights the foundation’s focus on accessibility and support for underserved populations.  Innovative Fundraising Strategies Post-COVID-19: Rhonda talks about reintroducing in-person events to engage the community and donors, sharing the success of the “Hooray for Happy Hollow” event that celebrated the foundation’s 65th anniversary.  The Importance of Red Pandas, Capybaras, and Other Animals at Happy Hollow: This is a discussion on the educational and emotional impact of Happy Hollow’s animals, emphasizing conservation and the unique experiences offered to visitors.  Community Engagement through Capital Projects: Rhonda details the Monarch Meadow project, a conservation effort that transformed a third acre into a pollinator-friendly garden, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project.  Measuring the Impact of Philanthropy through Stories: The significance of storytelling in evaluating the foundation’s work, with Rhonda sharing how personal stories from visitors illustrate the profound impact of their experiences.  Leadership and Vision for Happy Hollow Foundation: Rhonda reflects on her role as the executive director, her fundraising successes, and her aspirations for the foundation’s future.  Rhonda’s Personal Connection and Memories of Happy Hollow: Sharing her own memorable moments and the nostalgia associated with Happy Hollow, Rhonda underscores the park’s role in fostering family connections and community joy.  The Foundation’s Board of Directors and Education’s Role: Rhonda praises the supportive board of directors and discusses the critical role of education in the foundation’s mission, aiming to make Happy Hollow accessible and educational for all.

In This Episode: In Silicon Valley, 40% of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community reports higher substance use rates compared to 28% generally, with 50% also facing mental health challenges, stressing the need for integrated treatments. However, only 15% of addiction treatment centers offer 2SLGBTQIA+ specific programs, highlighting a critical gap in specialized care for this community.




Drug Addiction Problems Of Silicon Valley Increased Substance Use Rates: Research shows 40% of Silicon Valley's 2SLGBTQIA+ community report higher substance use than the 28% general rate, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Correlation: Studies reveal that 50% of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals with drug abuse in Silicon Valley also face mental health issues, emphasizing the need for integrated treatment. Lack of Specialized Treatment Facilities: Only 15% of Silicon Valley's addiction centers have 2SLGBTQIA+ specific programs, underscoring a significant gap in specialized care. About Tessa Reynolds:
Tessa Reynolds, a certified substance use counselor with over 10 years of experience, leads the Harm ReduQion Project in Santa Clara County, focusing on trauma-informed harm reduction for LGBTQIA+ individuals using substances. Specializing in client-centered approaches, Tessa is skilled in Compassionate Inquiry, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Motivational Interviewing. Her work supports those involved in the criminal justice system, the LGBTQIA+ community, and the unhoused, emphasizing a trauma-sensitive and harm-reduction methodology.
Show Notes: Introduction to the Crisis in Silicon Valley: The episode opens with an introduction to Tessa from the Behavioral Health Department of Santa Clara County, who shares insights on the fentanyl crisis affecting communities across Silicon Valley, emphasizing its impact beyond the disenfranchised to include affluent areas and young people.  Understanding Fentanyl's Reach: Tessa explains how fentanyl has become sensationalized due to its potency and prevalence in the drug supply, leading to a high rate of overdoses and poisonings. The discussion covers the diverse ways fentanyl is mixed into the drug supply, including intentional and accidental contamination.  Addressing the Epidemic with Urgency: The conversation shifts to how the rise in fentanyl-related incidents has created a different urgency within the Behavioral Health Department, leading to the development of the Harm Reduction Project aimed at naloxone distribution and education on safe drug use practices. Challenges in Harm Reduction: Tessa delves into the critical challenges faced in addressing the fentanyl crisis from a harm reduction perspective, highlighting the stigma and criminalization of drug use as major barriers to effective response and support.  Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community: The episode explores whether the LGBTQ+ community is more susceptible to fentanyl overdose, with Tessa clarifying the role of trauma, discrimination, and lack of accessible support spaces in influencing substance use. Educational Initiatives and Narcan Distribution: Tessa discusses Santa Clara County's efforts to increase awareness and access to Narcan (naloxone) as a life-saving measure against opioid and fentanyl overdoses, including distribution programs and training events. Success Stories and the Power of Narcan: Highlighting the effectiveness of Narcan, Tessa shares success stories from the community where Narcan has played a crucial role in saving lives and offering individuals a second chance. Addressing Myths Around Fentanyl and Narcan: The episode addresses common myths and misconceptions surrounding fentanyl exposure and the use of Narcan, aiming to correct misinformation and promote informed responses to overdoses. Collaboration with Law Enforcement and Healthcare Workers: Tessa talks about the challenges and opportunities in collaborating with law enforcement and healthcare profession