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By Kristen Brown, Executive Director, Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce The Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce was proud to partner with the Santa Cruz County Community Foundation for a recent Business After Hours Mixer designed to connect nonprofit organizations with community members interested in volunteering or serving on nonprofit boards. The event drew nearly 100 attendees and featured over 40 local nonprofits, making it an inspiring evening of networking and community building. During the event, Kevin Heuer, Director of Engagement & Impact at the Community Foundation, shared insights into the value of board service and the qualities that make an effective board member. Strong boards are vital to a nonprofit’s success, guiding strategy, supporting leadership, and ensuring organizations use their resources wisely to serve their mission. Santa Cruz County is home to more than 1,000 nonprofit organizations, and about a quarter of Chamber members are nonprofits themselves. These organizations are an essential part of our community, providing everything from arts and cultural programming to environmental protection, health and human services, and youth development. Their work strengthens the fabric of our region and relies heavily on the generosity and leadership of volunteers, donors, and board members. The importance of these organizations cannot be overstated. Nonprofits often fill gaps in services, advocate for vulnerable populations, and respond quickly to emerging needs in ways that complement the work of government and business. They bring people together to solve problems and create opportunities, playing a vital role in shaping the character of Santa Cruz County. Supporting their efforts helps create a stronger, more connected community for all. For nonprofits seeking guidance and support, the Santa Cruz County Community Foundation offers a wealth of resources. From grantmaking opportunities to training and capacity-building support, they provide tools to help organizations increase their impact. Their programs are designed to strengthen leadership and ensure nonprofits have what they need to thrive, making them an invaluable partner for local organizations. You can learn more on their website at cfscc.org. The Chamber is proud to work alongside the Community Foundation to create more opportunities for connection between businesses, nonprofits, and community members. Whether you are looking for ways to get involved, exploring board service, or interested in supporting nonprofit initiatives, there are many paths to making a difference. By building stronger partnerships, we can continue fostering a vibrant, resilient, and compassionate Santa Cruz County.
By Kristen Brown, Executive Director, Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce
The Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce was proud to partner with the Santa Cruz County Community Foundation for a recent Business After Hours Mixer designed to connect nonprofit organizations with community members interested in volunteering or serving on nonprofit boards. The event drew nearly 100 attendees and featured over 40 local nonprofits, making it an inspiring evening of networking and community building.
During the event, Kevin Heuer, Director of Engagement & Impact at the Community Foundation, shared insights into the value of board service and the qualities that make an effective board member. Strong boards are vital to a nonprofit’s success, guiding strategy, supporting leadership, and ensuring organizations use their resources wisely to serve their mission.
Santa Cruz County is home to more than 1,000 nonprofit organizations, and about a quarter of Chamber members are nonprofits themselves. These organizations are an essential part of our community, providing everything from arts and cultural programming to environmental protection, health and human services, and youth development. Their work strengthens the fabric of our region and relies heavily on the generosity and leadership of volunteers, donors, and board members.
The importance of these organizations cannot be overstated. Nonprofits often fill gaps in services, advocate for vulnerable populations, and respond quickly to emerging needs in ways that complement the work of government and business. They bring people together to solve problems and create opportunities, playing a vital role in shaping the character of Santa Cruz County. Supporting their efforts helps create a stronger, more connected community for all.
For nonprofits seeking guidance and support, the Santa Cruz County Community Foundation offers a wealth of resources. From grantmaking opportunities to training and capacity-building support, they provide tools to help organizations increase their impact. Their programs are designed to strengthen leadership and ensure nonprofits have what they need to thrive, making them an invaluable partner for local organizations. You can learn more on their website at cfscc.org.
The Chamber is proud to work alongside the Community Foundation to create more opportunities for connection between businesses, nonprofits, and community members. Whether you are looking for ways to get involved, exploring board service, or interested in supporting nonprofit initiatives, there are many paths to making a difference. By building stronger partnerships, we can continue fostering a vibrant, resilient, and compassionate Santa Cruz County.