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News of Strengthening Philanthropy

Diana Aaron, Charitable Fund Director, Datron World Communications

Diana Aaron’s affiliation with North County Philanthropy Council began more than a decade ago when she was Executive Director of Carlsbad Educational Foundation. In addition to being an NCPC member, she received the Spirit of Carol Sigelman Award at the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon in 2007 and served on NCPC’s Board of Directors from 2008 – 2013.

Diana currently holds the position of Charitable Fund Director for Datron World Communications, a privately held international radio communications company and leader in tactical military and public safety radio equipment. “I have the honor of overseeing the company’s unique charitable giving program which supports an array of causes throughout the world,“ said Diana.

Each quarter Datron’s founders, Art and Lori Barter, place 10% of the company’s profits into a Donor Advised Fund. The distribution of these funds is directed by Datron employees. Last year alone, Datron made 110 grants to local and international nonprofit organizations. One of these grants was to Vista Teen Outreach who provides food to hungry teens through on-campus pantries. Diana learned about Vista Teen Outreach when she met Debbie Medrano, their Founder and President, at an NCPC evening mixer. After doing our due-diligence to learn more about Vista Teen Outreach, Datron granted Vista Teen Outreach funds to provide Thanksgiving Dinners for homeless and hungry students.

“Coffee Connectors, high quality educational programs, and the awe-inspiring celebration of our community’s volunteers are just a few of the ways NCPC is connecting people and organizations in our community, “said Diana. “It’s so rewarding to see how NCPC has expanded and evolved over the last 15 years. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.”

Meet Our Member: VetCTAP

Did you know that every month over 2,000 men and women are released from active military service in San Diego County? And, their county has one of the highest veteran unemployment rates in the nation?

To address this problem, the Veteran Career Transition Assistance Program (VetCTAP) was created. Through this innovative 8-module workshop series, they are “preparing their heroes for today’s workplace”.

Their free, job search skills workshop series assists veterans, transitioning military, and spouses. Topics include: resume development, networking techniques, interviewing skills and much more! The workshops assist participants in successfully translating their military skills for application in the civilian job market and, they’re happy to say, they have a 95% success rate – meaning their graduates obtain employment of their choice.

They credit much of this success to their volunteers, HR and business professionals who share their time and knowledge to teach and coach participants as they transition into new careers. And, they can’t forget their donors, who share in their passion and commitment to support transitioning veterans and spouses.

Due to increased demand, and the generous support of National University, they now offer the workshops at two locations, in Rancho Bernardo, National University location, and their original location, at the VANC building, Oceanside.

Here are a few reasons for the program’s continued success:

  • Most of their 55 dedicated volunteers are working human resources professionals.
  • Each graduate is paired with a virtual coach to assist them until they obtain a job.
  • They keep class size small (20 or less) to ensure individualized attention.
  • Their workshops are held in the evenings to accommodate active military personnel.
  • They specialize in a uniquely underserved population: Sr. Enlisted and Officers who are leaving the military after 10+ years.

The VetCTAP program concept grew out of the personal military-to-civilian transition experience of Sandra Fichter, (US Army Officer) who is a Human Resources (HR) professional and President of JBS Transition Experts*. In her role in HR, Sandra reviewed resumes from transitioning veterans. It pained her to see resumes that did not reflect the talent and experience she knew her fellow veterans possessed. She was even more frustrated to know they would not be selected for the jobs they qualified for because they were not able to communicate their strengths and skills in their resume. With help from fellow professionals, the VetCTAP workshop series (formally CTAP) launched in 2012 successfully assisting military, veterans, and spouses through their career transition.

Over the past 5 years, Janis Whitaker, Executive Director, Betsy Sheets, Program Manager, donors and over 55 volunteers have served hundreds of military men and women through this workshops program. And, with continued support, their goal is to continue serving many more transitioning military, veterans and spouse for years to come.

*VetCTAP is a program of JBS Transition Experts, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving military members and their families. Their motto: “Preparing Their Heroes for Today’s Workplace” All Board members of JBS are either former military or spouses.

For more information about VetCTAP visit us at www.vetctap.org

Meet Our Member: Kitchens for Good

Kitchens for Good (KFG) is a social enterprise 501(c)(3) that uses kitchens as a tool to nourish bodies, empower the marginalized, and create economically vibrant communities. The mission of KFG is to break the cycles of food waste, poverty and hunger through innovative programs in workforce training, healthy food production and social enterprise. In its kitchens, KFG bridges the gap between wasted food and hunger by rescuing surplus and cosmetically imperfect food from wholesalers and farmers and engaging students in a culinary apprenticeship program to transform these ingredients into nutritious meals for hungry families. Since 2015, KFG has rescued over 86,000 pounds of surplus food, distributed over 121,000 meals, and has trained 162 individuals, previously seen as “unemployable,” for careers in the culinary industry. This approach not only feeds the food lines but shortens the line itself by offering pathways out of poverty for individuals transitioning out of incarceration, homelessness and foster care. KFG ensures its sustainability through a catering and food service enterprise that offers on-the-job training opportunities for its culinary students while generating revenue to support the organization’s programs.

Learn more about Kitchens for Good here.

Meet Our Member: KPBS

KPBS serves San Diego and Imperial counties with trusted news and programs that inspire, respect and educate. KPBS delivers this content to more than one million audience members weekly via multiple outlets, including television, radio, and digital media. As a public service of San Diego State University, education is a core value – from children’s programming to local news coverage. Located on the San Diego State University campus – in addition to our North County News Bureau on the California State University, San Marcos campus – KPBS is committed to being a reliable source for in-depth, thoughtful, and high-quality content.

Recent News:

KPBS launched a new social media video series, “Where I Come From,” exploring the neighborhoods of San Diego County and the Imperial Valley. KPBS set out to hear and document the stories of those from a diverse spectrum of cultures, ages and economic status. We asked them to explain the cultural makeup of their community, what they worry about, what they wished city council folks would worry about, what was overlooked and what they wanted others to know.

The video series: “Where I Come From” is a reflection of their responses. The project (a total of 20 videos) focuses on the areas of Southeast San Diego Oceanside, Escondido, the South Bay and the Imperial Valley. The project launched May 11 on KPBS’ social media accounts and on KPBS-TV’s Evening Edition, with videos coming weekly over the course of the summer. You can join the conversation here – https://www.facebook.com/KPBSSanDiego/

KPBS Television:
Over-the-Air Channels
KPBS-TV: Channel 15.1
KPBS 2: Channel 15.2
KPBS Create: Channel 15.3
KPBS Kids: Channel 15.4

KPBS on Cox
KPBS-TV: Channel 1011
KPBS 2: Channel 811
KPBS Create: Channel 816
KPBS Kids: Channel 809

KPBS on Spectrum
KPBS-TV: Channel 1221
KPBS 2: Channel 1227
KPBS Create:Channel 1275
KPBS Kids: Channel 1276

KPBS Radio:
KPBS San Diego 89.5 (also in HD)
KPBS KQVO Calexico 97.7
K206AC 89.1 La Jolla
KPBS Classical San Diego: livestream from www.kpbs.org and HD radio

The Sanford Institute of Philanthropy (SIP) at National University

The Sanford Institute of Philanthropy (SIP) at National University is dedicated to strengthening the nonprofit sector by equipping fundraisers with the tools they need to advance their cause, feel more connected to their organization, and make a significant impact in their communities.

Save the date for a free workshop and open house on Tuesday, August 14, 2018! You will hear from Francisco Martinez, a leading social media and marketing strategist, who will share the top seven ways to refresh your nonprofit’s social media strategy for 2018. Further, you will have the opportunity to learn about Fundraising Academy and meet instructors and past participants. Lunch will be provided. Click here to reserve your spot today!

Their flagship program, Fundraising Academy, is a six-month CFRE-accredited fundraising certificate program designed to give development professionals the training they need to be successful. Through a peer-to-peer, cohort-based learning approach with interactive, engaging, and practical application, Fundraising Academy provides essential strategies that fundraisers can add to their development toolkits. You will learn how to acquire new donors, retain existing donors, increase revenue, and more.

SIP also hosts free monthly webinars presented by top leaders in the sector. Click here to register for their next webinar.

Story of Strengthening Philanthropy: Mitchell Medrano, Community Engagement Coordinator, United Way

Mitchell Medrano’s relationship with North County Philanthropy Council began three years ago, shortly after he graduated from University of Redlands.

“I was interested in working in the nonprofit sector but didn’t know very much about what opportunities were available to me. My mother, a long-time member of NCPC, invited me to attend an upcoming luncheon as her guest. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.”

At the luncheon, Mitchell met Angel Mason Broadus, President of Puzzle Pieces Marketing (and current NCPC Board Member). “During our conversation, I mentioned that I had an interview scheduled with United Way San Diego in a few days.  As it turned out, Angel was familiar with the United Way organization, having served as a volunteer for many years. Across the room, she spotted Taylor, an NCPC member who was employed with United Way. Angel introduced me to Taylor who graciously shared information about the culture and inner workings of the organization. She answered all my questions and even offered to put in a good word for me with the hiring manager.”

Mitchell aced the interview and was extended an offer to join United Way as a Purchasing Assistant. Within one year, he was promoted to his current position as Community Engagement Coordinator.

“In addition to providing opportunities to network with interesting people, NCPC offers valuable educational programs. I was very fortunate to attend the NCPC Luncheon when Dr. Nick Ladany, Dean of the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, University of San Diego, presented The State of Nonprofits and Philanthropy in San Diego. These research findings highlighted key trends and challenges in the nonprofit space and provided an overview of our community. What a great initiation into North County philanthropy!

We’d love to share your NCPC Story of Inspired Philanthropy in an upcoming issue of our newsletter. Please contact Sandra Alston at info@ncphilanthropy.org.

NCPC Stories of Inspired Philanthropy, Debra Sallaz

Debra Sallaz, Development Officer, Solutions for Change

“North County Philanthropy Council is an organization that makes it possible for me to be face-to-face with other philanthropy-driven people,” said Debra Sallaz of Solutions for Change. “Even though I’ve been a member for only one year, my association with NCPC has paid off already through the connections I’ve made with like-minded people.

Based in Vista, Solutions for Change is a nonprofit organization committed to solving family homelessness by equipping people with the skills, knowledge and resources needed to transform their life. In her role as Development Officer, Debra utilizes a servant leadership style, one that put the needs of others first and help them develop and perform to their highest level.

“You can imagine how thrilled I was to learn that NCPC had invited Garry Ridge, President and CEO of WD-40 Company to speak about servant leadership at the NCPC Corporate Funders Luncheon last Fall,” said Debra. “After he concluded his remarks, I introduced myself to Garry and told him how much I enjoyed his presentation. I invited him to visit Solutions for Change and was excited when he agreed to take a tour. Garry was so impressed with the people he met during the tour that he offered a Solutions for Change graduate, now our Solutions Farm Manager, a spot in their 4-month Leadership Lab program.

“Out of all the networking opportunities out there, I make time to attend the programs NCPC offers. The events are professionally run, well-attended, and the perfect mix of information sharing and networking. I know I’m always going to learn something valuable and meet interesting people.”

We’d love to share your NCPC Story of Inspired Philanthropy in an upcoming issue of our newsletter. Please contact Sandra Alston at info@ncphilanthropy.org.

Featured Premier Member North County Insurance (NCI)

NCPC Premier Member Highlight  

North County Insurance (NCI) has been protecting nonprofits in San Diego for over 78 years! Their expertise and product offering allows them to help any nonprofit secure the necessary insurance at the most competitive pricing. Having worked with so many different types of nonprofits through the years they are able to partner with their clients to help them navigate all aspects of insurance and risk management.

North County Insurance partners with the top insurance carriers who specialize in nonprofits. These carriers include Philadelphia, Great American, Berkshire Hathaway, Charity First, Nonprofit Insurance Alliance (NIAC) and many others. NCI works with the client and their insurance carrier to develop risk management programs for things like unemployment insurance, driver’s safety, abuse protection and so much more. These programs are offered through the insurance carriers at no charge or drastically reduced fees.

North County Insurance’s President Joseph Giamanco commits his time and resources to support the very nonprofits he works with. Joseph currently sits on the board and finance committee of the Greater San Diego Boys & Girls Club, is a board member of the Escondido Rotary Foundation, the Community Service Director and board member of the Escondido Rotary Club and also the Under 40 Chair and board member of the Escondido Charitable Foundation.

For more information contact Joseph Giamanco at North County Insurance
jgiamanco@northcountyinsurance.com  
(760) 745-9511 x.101

 

Featured Member, Alison Aragon, Pro Kids | The First Tee of San Diego

Alison Aragon, Grants & Communications Specialist 

Alison Aragon became a member of North County Philanthropy Council shortly after she joined Pro Kids| The First Tee of San Diego, a nonprofit organization that helps underserved youth excel in life by promoting character development, life skills and values through education and the game of golf.

With its origins in City Heights, Pro Kids has built a strong positive reputation among funders and donors in Central San Diego. Five years ago, they added an additional facility in Oceanside, complete with a 6- hole course for the kids. As Grants & Communications Specialist, Alison was charged with growing the organization’s philanthropic network in North San Diego County.

“North County Philanthropy Council is really good at bringing people together,” said Alison. “It’s a professional organization that truly understands the importance of networking. I’m learning about the people who are doing important work in North County by attending events that are fun and interesting. And their Board Members are welcoming, actively engaging attendees in conversation.”

“My favorite events are the Coffee Connectors. Not only are they a great way to meet other nonprofit professionals, but they provide an opportunity to tour other organizations’ space. They’ve really helped me grow my network since I became an NCPC member.”

“Thanks to the valuable connection I made at the Corporate Funders’ Luncheon, Pro Kids is the proud recipient of funding from the Nordson Corporation Foundation. If there was an award for ‘Best AllAround Networking Organization,’

NCPC would be the hands-down winner!” We’d love to share your NCPC Story of Inspired Philanthropy in an upcoming issue of our newsletter. Please contact Sandra Alston at info@ncphilanthropy.org.

NCPC collaborates with San Diego Grantmakers

On Tuesday, January 12th,  NCPC and San Diego Grantmakers along with University of San Diego Caster Family Center for Nonprofit and Philanthropic Research presented a special opportunity for their members.This program brought leading social change strategist, grantmaker, author, and CEO of GuideStar Jacob Harold to San Diego to share his thoughts on ways nonprofits and grantmakers can contribute to a more transparent and effective social sector.