News of Strengthening Philanthropy

Every organization’s performance is the sum of its people. As such, Blair Search Partner’s (BSP) mission is straightforward: source the highest caliber talent from across the nation for community-based organizations. BSP was founded to bring the same level of professional search and recruiting services engaged by Fortune 500 companies, tailored to the unique needs of nonprofit organizations and public agencies. We manage search engagements for clients across San Diego County, as well as state-wide and nationally. Our work represents almost every area of the nonprofit sector, including civic and philanthropic institutions, health and human services, education, and the arts.

The BSP team is passionate about San Diego and helping our region move forward together through cultivation of next-generation leadership that is representative of our diverse communities. We do this by 1) recruiting the highest caliber talent from across the nation for nonprofit organizations and public agencies, and 2) retaining talented individuals here in San Diego by connecting them with the right career opportunities at the right time. Since our founding in 2016, BSP has successfully placed over 220 candidates at mission-driven organizations. Of those placements, 2/3 have been filled by women, people of color, or candidates from other diverse communities and backgrounds.

BSP is built on recruitment and hiring practices based on human-centered design, and a commitment to equity and inclusivity. We don’t think of this as the business of recruiting; to us, this is the business of community building. Each BSP team member brings extensive professional experience from within the nonprofit community, with decades of experience within a wide range of roles, from executive assistant to program manager, fundraiser, director, executive director, volunteer, board member, and chair. We stand ready to support nonprofit organizations and public agencies with any recruiting need they may have at all position levels. We also offer complimentary monthly career transition seminars for individuals interested in advancing their careers within the nonprofit sector. For more information on Blair Search Partners or to view current opportunities, please visit: www.blairsearchpartners.com.

The Foundation for Developmental Disabilities (FDD) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation established in 1986. The Foundation’s mission is to generate and distribute funds to innovative programs that enhance the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) in San Diego and Imperial County. FDD’s four impact areas include employment, family support, housing, and self-advocacy. The family support category encompasses initiatives focused on health and wellness, resources, and social connections— assuring partnerships that drive high-impact results for the community.

Further, the Foundation supports affordable and permanent housing development, educational advancement through scholarship provisions, and job development and placement programs for individuals with IDDs in San Diego and Imperial County. Over the past five years, FDD has provided over $1.2 million in grants to support 96 nonprofit organizations throughout San Diego and Imperial County. This year, the Foundation disbursed over $350,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations serving the IDDs community­, two of which include Blissful Seeds and Merakey, who both received $100,000 each to support their job development programs; $46,000 in scholarships to 16 colleges and university students through the Raymond M. Peterson Scholarship Program; and over $330,000 in emergency Help Funds to over 370 individuals with IDDs and their families through the San Diego Regional Center.

As a leader in the community with 36 years of service, FDD is committed to assessing, empowering, and supporting nonprofit organizations and initiatives focused on serving individuals with IDDs and their families. Join FDD on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for its 13th annual Day at the Races fundraising event which benefits the Foundation’s emergency Help Fund Program. Learn more at www.foundationfordd.org/events.

The National Conflict Resolution Center is partnering with more than 50 nonprofits, four school districts and the juvenile justice system to make North San Diego County a national model for comprehensive programs to end the school-to-prison pipeline. This critical work is just one of the ways NCRC empowers people, organizations, and communities to address conflict, intolerance, and incivility more effectively. NCRC also delivers world-class training and mediation services for individuals and organizations.

Nonprofit, community, and workplace leaders may also be interested in NCRC’s Certificate in Culture, Communication and Conflict. The program provides a roadmap to help leaders looking to create a positive culture with greater impact, even as divisiveness escalates. Through interactive trainings, attendees build skills to:

• Revolutionize their conflict management strategy.
• Stand up to microaggressions; and
• Manage conversations in polarized environments.

Learn more about our work to end the School-to-Prison Pipeline or our various training programs, including the Culture, Communication Conflict Certificate, at https://ncrconline.com/

Mental health affects every aspect of our lives: how we feel about ourselves and the world; solve problems, cope with stress, and overcome challenges; build relationships and connect with others; and perform in school, at work, and throughout life. Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing, and is an essential component of overall health.

Palomar Family Counseling Service (PFCS) has administered programs and services identified to meet changing community mental health needs since its founding in 1956. PFCS provides client-centered and community-based interventions including counseling, case management, psychoeducation, and prevention and early intervention to residents of North San Diego County.

We are entering our next fiscal year with new opportunities, new partnerships, new strategic priorities, and an unwavering commitment to offer our community access to professional, affordable, culturally competent, mental health services.

This year we will:

1. Pilot a project to strengthen the capacity of early childhood education centers to offer high quality programs that include evidence-based preventive mental health interventions to children and their families.
2. Expand and strengthen our efforts to reach at-risk youth who are unengaged, isolated, and withdrawn from school, activities, and peer relationships. Our goal is to help youth move from hopelessness to hope, isolation to community.
3. Improve access to culturally and linguistically competent mental health services for individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, or lack financial resources through strategic initiatives to attract and retain a diverse behavioral health workforce.

Stay tuned!

For more information on our services and ways to join us in our efforts, visit www.palomarfamilycounseling.com or call our Director of Development at (760) 466.8887.

Everyone should look forward to tomorrow.

Mission Federal Credit Union (Mission Fed) is proud to be an NCPC member and honored to serve as the largest member-owned, not-for-profit, full-service financial institution exclusively serving San Diego County. Success is measured by results. We measure our success based on a double bottom line of both financial performance and social purpose, in service of our member-owners, teammates and community partners.

 

Mission Fed is committed to enhancing the lives of all our stakeholders including our nearly 300,000 member owners, 600+ employees, and our larger extended community throughout the county, by focusing intentionally on delivering financial education and ensuring financial inclusion to help every San Diegan experience financial wellbeing, particularly in these uncertain times.

 

In 2023 we were humbled to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in San Diego and the USA, but what we’re most proud of is that just simply by banking with Mission Fed you are automagically doing good for San Diego. In the last year we have earned the trust and grown to $6 Billion in assets while continuing to support our community with over $1MM to care for our brothers and sisters, furthest from opportunity in San Diego despite current economic uncertainties and challenging times.

 

Mission Fed’s focus remains hyperlocal and purposefully supports our diverse communities throughout San Diego County by investing time, treasure, and talent to help drive social impact for local nonprofits and critical causes in our region. We build deep relationships with our valued community partners to maximize impact and change lives for the better. You can see some of our collaborations and impact at www.missionfed.com/community-relations.

 

We are keenly focused on three key areas:

• Health and Well Being: Food Scarcity and Feeding People, Health Related Causes, Homelessness, as well as Pet & Animal Needs.
• Serving the Underserved: Including our large local Hispanic Community but also extending deeper into Diverse Communities throughout the county.
• Values-Based Community Organizations: Local Emerging Nonprofits, and Values-Aligned and Capacity-Building companies/organizations that are making a difference of consequence locally.

 

Financial Literacy and Financial Inclusion are a throughline in all that we do, while we also remain attentive to preserving and protecting our cherished San Diego environment and activate volunteer opportunities to support this effort.

 

If you’re looking for a like-spirited partner, or have an upcoming event that aligns with our vision and values, don’t hesitate to contact any member of the Mission Fed team including:

• Neville Billimoria, SVP, Marketing and Membership, who is also an NCPC board member, nevilleb@missionfed.com.
• Courtney Pendleton, PR & Community Manager, courtneyp@missionfed.com.
• Catalina Duarte, PR & Community Officer, catalinad@missionfed.com.

 

To learn more about our organization, please visit www.MissionFed.com. We are federally insured by NCUA and are an Equal Housing Lender.

Davis Farr LLP is a trusted regional public accounting firm that provides tailored audit and tax services to local nonprofit organizations. We understand the intricate financial landscape nonprofits navigate and are dedicated to supporting their growth and success. Beyond our professional expertise, we actively engage with the nonprofit sector through community involvement and board participation, fostering a deep understanding of their goals and challenges. This involvement allows us to develop holistic solutions and share best practices, enabling nonprofits to thrive and make a lasting impact.

 

As a proud member of the North County Philanthropy Council (NCPC), we have connected with like-minded individuals, professionals, and organizations who share a passion for philanthropy and social impact. These connections have led to fruitful collaborations, valuable partnerships, and enriched knowledge sharing opportunities. We highly appreciate the learning and professional growth opportunities NCPC offers, including workshops, webinars, and guest speaker events that keep us at the forefront of the ever-evolving philanthropic landscape.

 

In today’s challenging landscape, nonprofits face numerous financial complexities while striving to fulfill their missions. At Davis Farr, we recognize the unique needs of the nonprofit community, and our team is committed to providing tailored support that goes beyond standard accounting services. We understand that the success of nonprofits goes hand in hand with the communities they serve, and we actively seek opportunities to give back and make a positive impact.

 

Over the past year, we have been thrilled to participate in several outreach events. For instance, we collected over 150 new books for the Children’s Hospital of Orange County Family Resource Center, supporting their efforts to provide educational resources to children in need. Additionally, we proudly hosted North County Philanthropy Council’s May Coffee Connector, facilitating meaningful connections among scholarship recipient organizations, and furthering their important work.

 

Looking ahead, we are excited to continue our community involvement. In October, we are planning to participate in a large community event that will bring together members from the community, corporate entities, and nonprofit organizations. This event aims to encourage community involvement and employee engagement, fostering a spirit of collaboration and collective impact.

 

At Davis Farr LLP, we are more than just an accounting firm – we are your trusted partner and advocate for nonprofit financial excellence. With our extensive experience, active engagement in the nonprofit sector, and dedication to making a difference, we are here to support your organization in achieving its mission and creating lasting positive change in our community.

What do you benefit most from being a member of NCPC?

Swinerton Management & Consulting is a part of the Swinerton family of companies. Established in 1888, and expanding across the country, one of our core tenets is to serve clients in our communities. SMC is proud to partner with community members and non-profits in the communities where our Team members live and work, and partner to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors and residents.

What is your Mission?

Swinerton Management & Consulting’s mission is to be our client’s trusted partner in every market we serve – proudly leading with integrity, passion, and excellence. Relationships and communication are critical to the success of every project. We do not pursue projects – we pursue relationships.

What do you offer to the community?

A trusted partner, advisor, and advocate for our clients when they have a physical asset, design or construction program or project. In addition, as a member of the Swinerton family of companies, we bring the added depth of resources and experience of a national company but focused on our local communities.

What was your organization/company’s biggest accomplishment in the past six months – one year?

Our biggest accomplishment over the past year was to be recognized in December 2021 as the Construction Management Firm of the Year by the San Diego Chapter of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA).  This recognition is especially endearing as it recognizes one of our Team members who has provided services on the Hotel del Coronado for nearly 20 years, and his commitment to mentoring and preparing professionals for their Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credentials.

What changes/opportunities have occurred due to COVID-19?

When COVID was first detected, Swinerton formed a COVID Task Force led by our Executive Team and our Safety Division. Swinerton was one of the first companies that developed a COVID Safety Plan, shared it with our clients and made it available on the Swinerton website for anyone to use: Swinerton COVID-19 Plan – Swinerton. The COVID Task Force continues to meet regularly and issue updates to the safety plan as new variants emerge, and new guidance is developed by health officials.

Have you made a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within your organization/company and if so, how are you demonstrating it?

In 2020, Swinerton signed AGC’s Culture of Care pledge, which affirms our commitment to a work environment that is free of harassment, hazing, and bullying. We commit to hire and pay based on skill and experience, regardless of ethnicity, gender identity, nationality, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We retain high-performing employees by identifying and removing barriers to advancement. And we empower every individual to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion.

Commit to hire and pay based on skill and experience regardless of ability, age, ethnicity, gender identity, nationality, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Attract prospective employees by creating inclusive workplaces that are free from harassment, hazing and bullying.

Retain high-performing employees by identifying and removing barriers to advancement.

Empower every employee to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion.

In addition to the commitment to CARE, Swinerton has established an Equity Inclusion Council (EIC). The mission of the EIC is to educate our employees and encourage a more culturally inclusive environment. The EIC reports directly to the Executive Team.

To reinforce this work, Swinerton currently has four Business Resource Groups:

• Black Community Resource Group
• Women Business Resource Group
• Working Parents Business Resource Group
• LatinX Business Resource Group

Taken together, the goals are to:

• Set clear diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and strategic actions
• Recommend modifications to policies and practices
• Accomplish organization objectives and remove barriers in recruiting, retaining, and developing the best talent
• Ensure internal learning and teaching opportunities
• Act as change agents and disrupt the status quo
• Hold our organization accountable

What event/program or campaign do you have coming up that you would like to share with our readers?

During each fall, Swinerton creates a Fall Giving program/competition. Each business unit and/or office compete against each other in various categories of participation, including volunteer hours, participation, and other aspects of giving.