News of Strengthening Philanthropy

 

At Cal State San Marcos our mission is student success. CSUSM is focused on closing educational equity gaps and providing social mobility for the most underserved populations in the region. As an engine of transformative knowledge, our community of dedicated teachers, scholars, and staff holistically advance the academic, social, professional, and personal development of students across the student life cycle through education, innovation, and community partnerships. CSUSM strives to be the first-choice university for first-generation students and future generations.

This mission drives our vision: to support all aspects of success for our students before, during, and after their time with us. We are redefining what it means to be a leader in social mobility. In fact, CSUSM is in the top 1% nationally out of more than 1,400 schools measured in the ninth annual Social Mobility Index (SMI) by the online publication CollegeNET. The SMI rates four-year U.S. colleges and universities “according to how they hold the line on tuition, enroll students from low-income backgrounds, graduate those students into good jobs, and apply their promotional messaging to solve our nation’s social mobility problem.” A high ranking in the report indicates that the university is a sound investment for donors seeking to support institutions that promote social mobility; it represents evidence of results, reputation and transparency and projects future impact.

In concert with social mobility, CSUSM has received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award for ten years in a row, a national honor that recognizes the institution’s outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. CSUSM is recognized as a Carnegie Foundation community engaged institution because of its outward facing programs that provide access to and success through college and into the workforce.

Thursday, April 4, is One CSUSM, a 24-hour social media driven campaign to raise funds for scholarships at Cal State San Marcos.

One CSUSM is an important fundraising event because for many students, financial support from family is not an option as nearly 70% of our students receive financial aid. Scholarships are a vital component to student success, encouraging them to persist to graduation and experience the sense of pride that comes from earning a degree. Our work to fill the gap of unmet need continues as we believe financial need should not derail a determined student from earning their degree.

With more than 100 scholarships to choose from, help us carry the flag for our students on Thursday, April 4, with a gift to your favorite scholarship.

Visit our website: http://www.csusm.edu/onecsusm

NCPC provides a range of professional development and networking opportunities for our University Advancement team. Over the years, our team members have been involved with board and committee leadership and our staff, faculty, and donors have served as featured speakers and panelists at events that bring the community together around important topics and initiatives.

Cal State San Marcos was founded in 1989 and first opened its doors to students in 1990. Today, the university offers more than 70 bachelor’s program offerings, more than 20 master’s programs, 5 credential programs, and a joint doctoral program with UC San Diego. With over 16,000 students, CSUSM is a high-demand, first-choice institution in this region and beyond. We continue to strengthen our partnerships with the community and prepare our students to be the talented workforce needed by local companies.

The university encourages community spectators for our 13 NCAA Division II athletic teams, along with various art and culture events that take place throughout the year. We are committed to building a stronger and more vibrant region by connecting the University to surrounding communities in mutually beneficial ways. CSUSM reaches out to all communities it serves to help address the region’s most critical issues.

 

Puzzle Pieces Marketing (PPM) is a creative and colorful Black-owned, women-owned, LGBTQ+ owned, and veteran-owned marketing agency specializing in nonprofits and mission-driven businesses.

Owned and operated by NCPC Board Member and Past President Angel Mason Broadus, and her wife, Kristine Mason Broadus, Puzzle Pieces Marketing offers Branding, Website Design & Development, Graphic Design, and Copywriting & Messaging services.

Since their founding in 2009, the agency has long been dedicated to amplifying the voice and reach of mission-driven, cause-based, and nonprofit organizations that contribute tangible positive change to the community.

With roots firmly planted in San Diego, it’s their passion to support community growth. From Board President to Board Member to Committee Chair and Volunteer, the positions they represent in our community are as diverse as their team and the organizations they take pride in serving. They offer the advantage of their community involvement experience and perspective as a minority owned small business. Their unique perspectives help build brands that speak to their audiences in a more impactful way.

They’re proud to have worked and are currently working with incredible people on projects with other NCPC members including:

• Junior Achievement of San Diego County – Website Redesign & Development
• Community Resource Center – Fundraising Campaigns
• Casa Cornelia Law Center – Website Redesign & Development
• Resounding Joy – Website Redesign & Development
• Accessity – Website Redesign & Development
• NCAAWA – Branding & Marketing

Current Projects with NCPC Members

• MAAC
• San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum

To see more of their work visit https://puzzlepiecesmarketing.com/our-work/

In the spirit of giving back and uplifting the lives of people in our community, they offer four annual scholarships to financially assist minority and LGBTQ+ graduating high school seniors. As a women and LGBTQ+ owned business, providing opportunities and supporting BIPOC female and LGBTQ+ youth is important for them.

https://puzzlepiecesmarketing.com/scholarships/

Visit their website to learn more about Puzzle Pieces Marketing.

 

https://puzzlepiecesmarketing.com.

 

MP Consulting services encompass strategic planning, retreat facilitation, comprehensive campaign consulting and strengthening Board engagement. At MP Consulting, our purpose is to be your trusted advisor and help build a strong nonprofit Board and staff to master the art of Philanthropy.

Our promise is to creatively inspire your Board to develop and implement strategies to increase resources and ensure your organization’s leadership and investors are working together.

MP Consulting will listen to what is important to you – assess and apply your strengths – recommend achievable approaches – and be with you through implementation.

As President of MP Consulting, Marianne Pekala, CFRE has more than 20 plus years as a development professional, consultant, educator, and implementer.

Marianne is a BoardSource Certified Board Trainer and a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE). Since 1999, she has proudly served on the Board of Directors of North County Philanthropy Council (NCPC) and is currently chairing its Strategic Planning Committee. Marianne has also served on the Boards of the Pat Tillman Foundation, HD South, and Gilbert Leadership.

MP Consulting has worked with local and national nonprofits with all size budgets to help them become stronger, resilient sustainable organizations. Marianne cares about your philanthropy and how it impacts your nonprofit. You can reach Marianne at https://www.mpekalaconsulting.com/.

 

As a premier member of the North County Philanthropy Council (NCPC), Community Resource Center is thrilled to share news about its latest updates that reflect our shared commitment with NCPC to uplift our community.

Our Ongoing Mission:

For 45 years, CRC has been serving our North County neighbors in need, providing food, shelter and housing assistance, counseling, and vital services to those at risk of homelessness, including survivors of domestic violence. Reaching more than 6,400 individuals every year, our mission is to help our neighbors create paths to healthy food, stable homes and safe relationships.

What’s New at CRC:

• Capital Campaign for Expansion: Our $10.5 million capital campaign aims to create a healing-centered campus, enhancing our capacity to serve those experiencing hunger, homelessness or trauma in a setting that upholds their dignity. Discover more about our plans in the recent San Diego Union-Tribune article and stay tuned for how you can contribute to building One Community • One Heart.
• New Trauma Recovery Center: Thanks to grants from the Lucky Duck Foundation, Greathouse Family Foundation and the State of California, we established a Trauma Recovery Center in Carlsbad. This center will provide holistic care to a diverse clientele, including domestic violence survivors and individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.
• New Food & Nutrition Programs: As part of our commitment to expanding our Food & Nutrition Program’s reach and accessibility, we are excited to introduce two new food program initiatives to bring sustenance to where it’s most needed in the community.
  • Mobile Food Distribution Truck: This year, we’re planning to launch a mobile food delivery truck, enabling us to distribute fresh, nutritious food directly to various locations.
  • Project Dash Food Deliveries: In collaboration with DoorDash, we started a specialized home delivery program to help make sure that everyone, regardless of mobility or transportation barriers, has access to the food resources they need.

To learn more, watch our interview on CBS8 Working for Our Community series. Thank you to our partners at SDG&E for making it possible for us to find effective, inclusive ways to serve and support our community’s nutritional needs.

Get Involved with CRC:

We invite you to participate in our upcoming events and initiatives:

• CRC Tour: Join us for a tour of our Food & Nutrition Center, the next one is on Thursday, February 15, at 4:00 p.m. at our Encinitas location. Register here for this free tour
• Raising Awareness this February: A staggering 1 in 3 teens face dating abuse in the U.S. Help educate and empower youth about teen dating abuse this month during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Learn more
• CRC Tea Fundraiser: Join us for our 29^th Annual CRC Tea on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club. Details about tickets and how you can contribute to our silent auction or raffle are available at org/Tea.
• Partnerships: Our annual partnerships are a wonderful opportunity for sustained visibility and engagement with our North County community. Partners are recognized year-round in CRC’s communications and events. Learn more

For more information about our initiatives, capital campaign, and how you can get involved with Community Resource Center, please visit our website at www.crcncc.org.

For 75 years, San Diego Audubon has been defending our region’s birds, unique biodiversity, and threatened habitats through advocacy, education, and restoration.

With the help of their members, volunteers, donors, and community partners, they are working to protect endangered species like the California Least Tern and the Light-Footed Ridgway’s Rail; restore the natural wetlands of Mission Bay to ensure cleaner water, greater climate resiliency, and improved public access along the bayfront; preserve natural spaces at their two wildlife preserves for the plants and wildlife who call them home, and the people who love to visit; and inspire and educate the next generation of environmental stewards.

There are many ways for you to get involved with San Diego Audubon! Visit them at Anstine-Audubon Nature Preserve in Vista or at Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary in Lakeside. Sign up for their email list. Become a member (there are some great perks!). Learn more at sandiegoaudubon.org.

February 21 – 25 is the 2024 San Diego Bird Festival, an opportunity for bird lovers from all backgrounds to celebrate these special animals. The San Diego Bird Festival will feature keynote speakers Christian Cooper, Julia Zarankin, and Tiana Williams-Claussen along with hands-on workshops, interactive art displays, bilingual programming, and, of course, more opportunities for birdwatching than we can count! Learn more HERE.

MyPoint Credit Union proudly stands as a member of the North County Philanthropy Council and is dedicated to making a positive impact in our communities. Guided by the principles of knowledge, support, and inclusivity, MyPoint believes in the transformative power of education.

With an unwavering dedication to financial literacy, MyPoint has conducted over 800 workshops, imparting essential skills in budgeting, credit management, and savings. The credit union’s bilingual workshops break language barriers, ensuring that everyone has access to crucial financial understanding.

In addition to these workshops, MyPoint extends its support to more than 50 organizations whose missions align with its values. This collaborative effort reflects the essence of the Credit Union motto, “people helping people.” MyPoint’s significant contributions to community well-being are evident in its active involvement and support.

As a proud member of the North County Philanthropy Council and the recipient of the 2023 Corporate Philanthropy Award, MyPoint’s commitment to positive change is recognized. However, the credit union acknowledges this as a renewed call to continue efforts with humility, hand in hand with the communities served.

We’re proud to be a part of San Diego, full of one-of-a-kind communities and diverse and passionate doers. At MyPoint Credit Union, we want to help these doers – individuals, families, local businesses, and everyone in-between – do more of the things they love in the city they call home. For over 75 years, we’ve been helping our members make the most out of their finances so they can live life on their own terms. Life may be short, but it should be awesome, and that’s why we’re focused on helping our members get the most out of their lives.

Connect with MyPoint Credit Union:

mypointcu.com

Adriana Brunner, VP of Community and BD.
abrunner@mypointcu.com

Cox offers affordable internet and Wi-Fi program for eligible K-12 households

Low-income households with children in grades K-12 that need help getting connected to the internet at home can take advantage of an affordable internet program through Cox Communications.

Cox’s Connect2Compete program helps families get and stay connected by offering home Wi-Fi for $9.95 a month so their children have the technology tools they need for their education.

Access to technology at home is critical to the quality of a student’s education, yet many students in America lack internet access. That’s why Cox Communications is working to provide opportunities for families and students by offering low-cost internet to qualified households through its Connect2Compete program.

• 1/3 of households with children ages 6 to 17 do not have a high-speed internet connection at home.
• 25% of teens are often unable to complete homework assignments due to unreliable computer or internet access.
• 91% of Cox Connect2Compete enrolled parents agree low-cost internet service at home gives children a leg up for high school graduation.
• 95% of parents enrolled in Cox Connect2Compete reported that the internet has improved their communication with their child’s school.

To learn more about Cox’s Connect2Compete options, visit cox.com/digitalequity.

 

What is your Mission?

Leichtag Foundation honors the legacy of Lee and Toni Leichtag through igniting and inspiring vibrant Jewish life, advancing self-sufficiency and stimulating social entrepreneurship in coastal North San Diego County and Jerusalem.

Since its inception in 1991, the Leichtag Foundation has granted over $145 million to 496 different organizations. Of this amount, over $130 million has been granted since becoming independent in late 2007. About 21% have stayed in Encinitas.

What do you offer to the community?

Leichtag Foundation makes a positive impact in both North San Diego County and Jerusalem by advocating for systemic change, convening partners, strengthening grantee capacity, developing talent, leveraging resources, and forging connections between strategic areas.

The center of the Foundation’s physical operations is Leichtag Commons, a 67.5-acre agricultural property in Encinitas that is also home to The Hive, a nonprofit co-working and professional development hub, with currently over 30 Jewish, environmental, agricultural, and social justice nonprofits and social enterprises working together under one roof. Leichtag Commons is also home to Coastal Roots Farm (CRF), a nonprofit Jewish community farm and education center that provides organic produce for vulnerable communities in addition to hosting camps, educational programs, and events that celebrate farming, Jewish holidays, social justice, and Jewish wisdom. Last year, CRF grew nearly 80,000 pounds of organic food for more than 45,000 people using regenerative agriculture that reverses the impacts of climate change.

In 2018, Leichtag Foundation launched Jerusalem Philanthropic Initiatives (JPI), whose mission is to advance civil society and philanthropy in Jerusalem. Through efforts such as the Jerusalem Model, JPI works with civil society organizations, partner funders and other stakeholders to magnify impact in the realms of social cohesion, diversity and inclusion and transformational change.

What is currently your biggest focus?

In October, Leichtag Foundation’s partner Impact Cubed launched the Israel Emergency Grassroots Response Initiative. Through networks and trust built with leaders on the ground, Impact Cubed has special expertise in making change happen and getting services to those who need it most in trusted, effective, culturally competent ways. On October 7th, grassroots changemakers of all sectors in Israel became first responders in the face of catastrophe and devastation. Because of our 10+ years of experience working in the field of bottom-up change, Leichtag Foundation and Impact Cubed can quickly leverage resources for trusted, on-the-ground first responders where it is needed the most. Leichtag Foundation has supported the Initiative and our longstanding grassroots partners since October 7. Impact Cubed has provided regular updates on the shifting priority needs of leaders on the ground so that community members can stay informed and pivot their support through the Initiative accordingly.

What are your upcoming programs?

The Hive hosts monthly professional development workshops online and in-person. The Hive’s Fundraising Fridays offers an informal, virtual (and very popular!) hour for local colleagues in philanthropy to share advice on fundraising matters in partnership with NCPC and AFP San Diego. Find all upcoming events here.

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

Each of us at Leichtag Foundation appreciates the capacity building opportunities for our region’s social impact professionals and organizations that lead to a stronger field. We are also grateful for the collaborations and partnerships that enhance the work we do and the outcomes we achieve.

Learn more at https://leichtag.org

The Catalent San Diego’s Mission and Vision:

At Catalent San Diego, we are dedicated to two things:

Catalent San Diego’s mission is to develop, manufacture, and supply products that help people live better healthier lives. We work closely with innovative biotech (worldwide) that have life-changing small molecules or peptides. In the San Diego facility, we help biotech turn these molecules into capsules, tablets or injectables to be used in ‘first in human’ clinical trials.

What do you offer to the community?

We have a long tradition at Catalent San Diego of volunteerism with our employees through our ‘Catalent Cares’ program to the donation of grants for non-profits that have heavy, positive impacts in our community. We willingly give our time and treasure to ensure that our community knows that we could not be here without them. We not only help construct lifesaving treatments (with our partner biotech) for those in need, but we also give back in a more immediate and direct way.

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

At Catalent, we foster an environment where individuals are welcomed, appreciated, heard, and respected, where differences and similarities are valued. We aim to create a collaborative and engaging workplace that drives innovation and excellence. From our experience, employees with different backgrounds and experiences working together can yield better decisions, driving innovation and excellence in everything we do. Our diversity and inclusion (D&I) council break down silos where people feel they can share their ideas freely and take considered risks, often leading to higher contributions. We frequently have in-depth discussions about the direction of the D&I strategy, priority areas, and the groundwork that needs to be done across the organization. Our D&I program creates a working environment that provides more innovation, better access to talent, and additional opportunities for continued career advancement. Collaboration through trust, respect, and empathy are key elements for success. The uniqueness of every employee makes Catalent an inclusive place where we not only realize our dreams, but also the dreams of our customers and the patients we serve.

Learn more at https://www.catalent.com/our-locations/north-america/san-diego-usa/

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD, Oceanside’s Mission and Vision:

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD, Oceanside provides confidential, high-quality therapy, and local referral support services to post-9/11 veterans, service members*National Guard and Reserves, and their family members, including spouse or partner, children, parents, siblings, caregivers, and others. Care is available regardless of discharge status, role while in uniform, or combat experience. Insurance or ability to pay will never be a barrier to care. *TRICARE referral needed for active duty.

Who We Serve

• Veterans: Veterans who have served in the United States Armed Services, including the National Guard and Reserves, with a focus on post-9/11 veterans. Care is available regardless of discharge status, role while in uniform, combat experience, ability to pay or insurance.
• Military Families: Family members of post-9/11 veterans and service members, including spouse or partner, children, parents, siblings, caregivers, and others.
• Service members: Service members of the United States Armed Services and National Guard and Reserves, regardless of activation status. Active duty service members require a TRICARE referral. Referral is required prior to being seen for individual therapy or medication management, but no referral is necessary for couples or family therapy. Service members can obtain this referral from their military treatment facility (primary care clinic or mental health clinic). Our clinicians will not communicate with commanders/supervisors.

Case Management

We also focus on meeting the needs of our clients to improve the quality of their life with brief case management and local resource connection, including information about VA benefits, as well as Transition Services, Caregiver Support, Childcare, Education, Employment, Legal Assistance, Personal Finances and more.

For more information, visit vvsd.net/cohenclinicoceanside.