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United Way tells Stockton council nonprofit capacity program has helped 52 local organizations secure financing and scale services
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Summary
United Way and city staff told council that a city‑funded nonprofit capacity building program has graduated 52 organizations, with 93% reporting continued use of program tools and many securing new grants and staff hires; United Way seeks continued city support for year‑four activities.
Stockton — United Way of San Joaquin County told the City Council on Nov. 4 that an ongoing city‑funded nonprofit capacity‑building program has strengthened dozens of local organizations and helped many secure new funding.
United Way CEO Kristen Birtwhistle and COO Jose Serrano said the program — launched after the pandemic and selected through an RFP — has graduated more than 52 local nonprofits since 2023. Participants completed a nine‑month curriculum emphasizing governance, fiscal management and operations. United Way reported 93% of alumni continued to apply the program’s lessons and that 60% of early alumni had secured more than $100,000 in new grants since completing the training.
Serrano and alumni described measurable outcomes: hires to expand programming, added staff to support services and improved financial and governance systems. United Way also previewed year‑four plans (an expanded cohort, alumni learning circles, mentorship and a nonprofit leadership conference planned for 2026) and said the city’s stable funding has been foundational to the program’s success.
Council members praised the program’s outcomes and asked how the city could further support nonprofits beyond funding — for example by amplifying outreach, encouraging partnerships and pointing organizations to NOFA guidance. An alumni speaker, Monica Stelmack of White Horizons, described concrete benefits to her organization’s ability to serve adults with disabilities.
The briefing was informational; council did not take formal action but several members signaled support for continued partnership and promotion of the program.
