As 2025 continues to unfold with shifting federal policies and uncertainty about the budgetary impacts on local nonprofits, Santa Cruz County’s executive directors and fundraisers gathered at the Community Foundation for a conversation with CEO Susan True facilitated by Sharon Papo from Indigo Skies Consulting. Here are the top five takeaways: Mindset Matters: Worrying rarely serves us. Instead, focus on preparation, nurturing collaborations, and practicing kindness. Donor Relationships: Foster genuine connections with donors and invite them to experience the impact of your nonprofit firsthand. Check in with them about their feelings and concerns, not just their giving potential, and never forget the power of a heartfelt "thank you!" Legacy Planning: Planned giving conversations can transform our supporters into generous legacy donors, especially when their assets are primarily in retirement accounts or homes. Foundation Resources: The Community Foundation is here to support nonprofit partners by promoting your work through impact profiles and providing planned giving resources. Mission Connection: Stay deeply connected to your missions as a source of energy and inspiration—it’s a powerful antidote to the burnout that threatens our sector. This event was co-sponsored by Indigo Skies Consulting, The Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, the Executive Director's Roundtable and the Development Director's Roundtable. 📷: 1)Susan True and Sharon Papo 2) Lis DuBois, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County and Angela Farley, Executive Director of Teen Kitchen Project. 3) CFSCC Director of Engagement and Impact Kevin Heuer and Sara French, Development Manager at "Food, What?!"​ 4) County Park Friends Executive Director Mariah Roberts and Community Mobilization Leader Yadira Flores. 5) Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer Support Services Development and Communications Director Paola Montes, Executive Director Heidi Boynton, and Development and Communications Manager Eli Garnica. 6) Susan True and Reid Norris, Director for Center for Nonprofit Excellence at Community Foundation for Monterey County. (fb)

📣 The Community Foundation is #hiring! Join our fantastic team as the new Operations Manager. It's a unique role that leads the internal team and contractors that support the Foundation’s tools, tech, and building. The Ops Manager keeps us working in service to Santa Cruz County! (fb)