About - Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County

We help nonprofits throughout the county discover new ideas and resources, make vital connections, and promote the value of their mission and programs.

Connect nonprofits with news and resources, great ideas, and local leaders
Promote collaborations among Monterey County nonprofits as well as nonprofit through cross-sector collaborations and partnerships
Promote nonprofit impact and value with the general public and public officials

Frequent Bulletins featuring Grants, Loans, Services
Monthly E-Newsletter full of articles and announcements
Monthly Skill Development Trainings, Topical Forums or Mixers
Annual Socio-Economic Impact Reports
Annual Nonprofit Awards Celebration Breakfast

Our Story

JOE GRAINGER, Executive Director of Harden Foundation, and
founding member of the Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County (NAMC):

It seems like it was just yesterday… when a diverse group of community leaders and I decided to meet in 2004 to address the national economic crisis at that time. Our goal was to combine resources, collaborate, and advocate for the sustainability of services to our community, jeopardized by the economic cuts of the time. NAMC was born out of those meetings. Core leaders from a variety of nonprofits have been working ever since to maintain crucial safety nets and quality of life services for all Monterey County residents.

Today our motto is “Connect * Collaborate* Succeed!! Over the years, NAMC has held networking events and convened trainings and conferences on topics of immediate relevance for nonprofit leaders in Monterey County and the people we so passionately serve every day. We continue to offer these programs — with a deeper commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of our work — and a new emphasis on advocacy with public officials and the general public.

Our focus on effective advocacy emerged from an inclusive process: In 2019, NAMC leaders launched a strategic planning process — facilitated by Michelle Slade, C4 Consulting. We asked our members and partners for input and invited community leaders to share their perspectives. As a result of our findings, we trained our committee leaders in Bolder Advocacy practices, commissioned our “Economic and Social Impact and Insights 2020 Report” — which we published through a highly praised online presentation, and helped member agencies promote participation in The Census. We have also updated our e-newsletter, expanded our social media presence and launched this new website!

Photo of Joe Grainger — Photo: Michael Troutman/www.dmtimaging.com

One of our most inspiring programs has been the awards celebration – showcasing outstanding nonprofits and unsung staff heroes – now in our 10^th year! In 2020, responding to the challenging COVID environment, we moved every aspect of our program, including our Red Carpet, online with great participation and rave reviews – including a special message from Congressman Panetta for one of our unsung heroes! In 2021 we were able to create a covid-compliant with new program features highlighting the capacity of our nonprofits to be more resilient, creative and collaborative than ever throughout the pandemic.

Throughout the year, we train our members to be skilled, confident leaders that communicate effectively with decision-makers in our region. The rest of our story depends on EACH AND ALL of us planning, working and celebrating together. Join us!

Start

2003

The Day We Started

Community leaders Elsa Quezada, Ricky Mazzulo and Joe Grainger form Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County (NAMC) in response to financial and political upheavals that led to decreased funding, a loss of critical community services and a decline in the quality of life in local communities.

2004

The First Actions

Guided by a Core Leadership group of nonprofit leaders and local funders, NAMC conducts a survey to uncover the needs of local nonprofits. The developing group affiliates with the ACTION Council to provide fiscal 501(c)(3) sponsorship.

2005

The ACTION Council conducts an Economic Impact Survey, funded by the Harden Foundation and partnering with NAMC that shows the nonprofit sector to be a major employer in Monterey County. NAMC organizes events, including brown bag lunches, socials and conferences, and holds the first in a series of Cultural Competency conferences.

2007

With its first paid staff member on board, NAMC continues to provide educational workshops and legislative updates, networking nonprofit and public agencies and advocating in political circles on behalf of the nonprofit community.

2008

NAMC creates an initiative as a partnership between nonprofits and public agencies to improve service delivery across social, cultural and economic lines. A Blue Ribbon Panel of nonprofit and public agency leaders creates a mission statement and vision and provides guidance and input for a strategic plan.

2013

NAMC conducts a Nonprofit Impact Study, to update economic information from the 2005 report, and to collect data on social, political, environmental and technological impact of nonprofits.

2014

NAMC celebrates its 10th Anniversary, and institutes a recognition event to celebrate outstanding nonprofits and the Unsung Heroes that staff their programs.

TODAY

NAMC continues its work in helping maintain healthy communities through respectful and cooperative relationships among nonprofits, governments and businesses. Its current central projects are Diversity & Social Equity and Advocacy for Nonprofits.

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Edward Allen

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Lisa Griffin Burns

Community Homeless Solutions

Yadira Sandoval Hobby

Natividad Foundation

Charlotte A. Noyes M.P.H.

Retired consultant, researcher and evaluator

Deanna Pond

Coast & Country Real Estate Group Inc.

Danette Roberts

Coldwell Banker Del Monte Realty

Cecilia Romero

Rancho Cielo Youth Campus

Tish Sammon

Community Builders for Monterey County

Paulette Lynch

Executive Director

NAMC fills an important void by providing technical assistance and networking opportunities across a broad range of disciplines. Many unlikely partnerships and collaborations have developed through conversations at trainings or social events and not only those organizations — but the community has reaped the benefits.

Francine Rodd

Executive Director First 5 Monterey County

NAMC brings Monterey County’s community-based organizations together to encourage collaboration and promote the importance of nonprofits to the local community and economy. Their top quality trainings on legislation, government budgets, social justice, diversity and other important issues help us all stay abreast of the opportunities and challenges of managing successful organizations in today’s environment.

Robin McCrae
Executive Director, Community Human Services
NAMC brings the entire non-profit community together to discuss issues of common importance. As a result of their work, powerful community networks and collaborations have formed across the sector.

Colleen Bailey
Executive Director Monterey Jazz Festival
The Nonprofit Alliance for Monterey County is an amazing vehicle for helping each of us see the bigger picture, connect with other professionals and do our part to advance the whole sector.

Paulette Lynch
Executive Director Arts Council for Monterey County
As a member of NAMC, I have the opportunity to be part of the larger non-profit network in Monterey County. Being part of this larger group adds power to the voice and presence of individual organizations within our community.

NAMC offers regular legislative updates on issues that impact non-profits and other forums on topics that are of interest to our sector and at a discount to its members. Their membership socials are fun and great opportunities to meet old and new colleagues.

Teresa Sullivan
Executive Director Alliance on Aging

Our Mission

What does NAMC do?

NAMC Goals

NAMC Programs