The State of Our Union
The Community Foundation of Nevada County and Center for Nonprofit Leadership Join Forces to Better Support Local Nonprofits
Grass Valley, California, March 17, 2025 – The Community Foundation of Nevada County (COFONC) and the Center for Nonprofit Leadership (CNL) are pleased to announce a merger that will combine their resources and expertise to strengthen and support the nonprofit sector in Nevada County and the Sierra Nevada region.
Founded in 2003, CNL has served as the go-to resource for nonprofit organizations in Nevada
County, offering best practice workshops, executive leadership seminars, networking opportunities, and mentoring to local nonprofits. This merger allows CNL to continue its mission under the auspices of COFONC, helping nonprofit organizations in the area be as sustainable, efficient and effective as possible.
COFONC supports nonprofits by attracting additional funding and raising awareness about the larger issues local nonprofits address. As an intermediary organization, COFONC can access multiple philanthropic funding sources that may not be available to single nonprofits such as donor advised funds, investment services for endowments and legacy funds, and larger grants. COFONC also advocates for the nonprofit sector by amplifying their messaging and positioning local nonprofit organizations as part of a bigger public/private ecosystem.
Cristine Kelly, Interim CEO of COFONC, expressed enthusiasm about the merger: "By integrating CNL's robust capacity-building programs with the Community Foundation’s ability to address big picture challenges and draw down additional funding sources, we are poised to amplify our collective impact at a critical time for our community."
Wendy Willoughby will continue her role as Program Director of CNL, bringing her extensive experience and leadership to the merged entity. “I have witnessed firsthand how CNL’s partnership with the Placer Community Foundation has benefitted Placer County nonprofits, by providing them with workshops and training,” she said. “I look forward to COFO’s support in expanding our reach in Nevada County, and bringing more resources to nonprofits here in our community.”
The merger aims to enhance collaboration, streamline resources, and provide comprehensive support to nonprofits, ultimately benefiting the broader community. The public is invited to a Discovery Salon that will provide more information about the merger and share how COFONC is already supporting local nonprofits on Thursday, March 27 from 5:30-7:00pm in the Bright Futures event room at 200 Litton Drive, Suite 308 in Grass Valley.
For more information about this event, the merger, and other initiatives, please visit www.nevcofoundation.org or contact Cristine Kelly at info@nevcofoundation.org.
About The Community Foundation of Nevada County:
The Community Foundation of Nevada County connects people, resources, and ideas to build a healthy and vibrant Nevada County.
About The Center for Nonprofit Leadership:
The Center for Nonprofit Leadership is a resource center for organizations and individuals in Nevada County and the Sierra Nevada region, focusing on strengthening and sustaining local nonprofit organizations.