Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits

A grant to sustain a peer network for executive directors and leaders of color from nonprofit organizations.

The Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits (SVCN) seeks to magnify the influence and contribution of health and human service nonprofit businesses in Santa Clara County. In 2007, SVCN developed an “Ethnic Specific Service Providers Network” that has included more than 40 organizations. The Network’s goal is to nurture respect for ethnic leaders so that they are invited as a voice to represent communities of color in decision-making bodies.

Counties Served:

Bay Area: Santa Clara and northern San Benito

Total Award: $150,000

Program Details:
SVCN will implement two cycles of an 18-month training program for executive directors or senior managers of color, serving 24 nonprofit organizations in total. Nonprofits will participate in monthly meetings augmented by four to six training sessions on best leadership practices in serving ethnic communities. Session topics could include using culturally competent design in impact evaluation, board recruitment and development, long-term fundraising strategies and public policy and advocacy. SVCN will also provide mini-grants of up to $2,500 for participants to pursue customized organizational training.

Selection Process:
Participants will be selected in an open and competitive application process targeting ethnically-led nonprofits working in health and human services serving underrepresented and low-income communities. Applicants must be already or willing to become SVCN members.

Target Launch Date: Early spring 2010

Website: http://www.svcn.org

Project Contact:
Patricia Gardener
patriciag@svcn.org
(408) 260-3915