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What if education could be the key to breaking the cycle of generational poverty? Join me as I explore this concept with our insightful guests, Macey Amissah McKinney and Josefina Avena Garcia from City Year. We uncover how City Year strategically places young adults as Student Success Coaches in Sacramento's under-resourced schools, where they serve as full-time tutors and mentors. Josefina, who has risen from an AmeriCorps member to a team leader, shares her inspiring journey toward earning teaching credentials, illustrating the profound impact that dedicated mentors can have on student success.

We'll discuss the vital role of English Language Arts education and community partnerships in fostering a welcoming and dynamic school environment. Discover the unique ways City Year builds trust and supports the holistic development of students, working alongside organizations like the Boys and Girls Club and Improve Your Tomorrow. Together, they significantly enhance student success by improving graduation rates and attendance, while transforming schools into more inviting spaces for learning and growth. Through their steadfast commitment, City Year members become reliable figures in students' lives, sometimes even more consistent than family due to the hectic pace of everyday life.

We also touch on the challenges City Year faces, particularly potential funding cuts, and how they've adapted to these realities. Macey and Josefina offer their perspectives on the resilience and dedication required to make a lasting impact in breaking generational poverty through education. Join us for this compelling conversation about the power of perseverance, community, and education in shaping brighter futures.

For more information on City Year, visit the website HERE

To reach Macey Amissah-McKinney directly, her email is: mmckinney@cityear.org

(00:00) City Year
City Year recruits young adults as tutors and mentors to improve students' attendance, social-emotional learning, and academic performance.

(12:54) Improving Education Through Community Support
City Year program improves ELA education, graduation rates, attendance, and school culture through trust and growth mindset.

(16:08) Building Trust Through Community Partnerships
City Year members build trust and relationships in schools, collaborate with community organizations, and participate in beautification projects.

(25:13) Enhancing Support Systems for AmeriCorps
Adapting to funding cuts, AmeriCorps reflects on resilience and prioritizes core member support and mental health.

(35:54) Breaking Generational Poverty Through Education
City Year breaks generational poverty through education in underserved communities, expanding to 8 schools in Sacramento.

Thank you so much for listening! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

What if your nonprofit could tap into a wealth of resources and support to enhance your community impact? Join us as we explore the incredible power of the SMUD Shine Awards with Kevin Burdick, the Sustainable Community Partnership Specialist at Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). Since 2017, this remarkable initiative has brought over $4 million in funding to local nonprofits focused on clean energy projects and infrastructure improvements, aligning seamlessly with SMUD's ambitious goal of achieving zero carbon by 2030. Kevin shares invaluable insights into the application process and the numerous benefits that come with being a Shine Award recipient, from funding opportunities to networking advantages.

Kevin offers an in-depth look at the geographical focus and funding criteria of the Shine Awards, emphasizing the importance of supporting nonprofits within Sacramento County. With grants ranging from under $5,000 to $100,000 and matching requirements to ensure organizational investment, the program is designed to drive impactful projects while aligning with SMUD's broader zero carbon plan. We also discuss the support available to applicants through technical assistance, webinars, and in-person sessions, ensuring nonprofits have the tools they need to craft compelling applications.

Language accommodation and energy savings are crucial elements of the Shine Awards, as Kevin explains how SMUD's diverse language offerings and energy assessments remove barriers and reduce operational costs for nonprofits. We conclude with a celebration of the collaborative spirit between SMUD and the community, highlighting the shared commitment to enhancing community benefits and encouraging participation in the Shine program. Don't miss this chance to learn how your nonprofit can become part of this inspiring initiative that champions sustainability and community support.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SMUD SHINE AWARDS VISIT THE WEBSITE HERE. The application window closes 7-31-25

Thank you so much for listening! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

What transformative power can philanthropy hold in addressing community health challenges? Explore this fascinating question as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Sierra Health Foundation with President & CEO, Chet Hewitt. From its origins as a pioneering health conversion foundation to its role as a national model for over 350 similar organizations, Sierra Health Foundation has redefined community support through innovative partnerships and strategic initiatives. With a focus on empowering communities to identify and prioritize their needs, we unpack the foundation's impactful initiatives, such as the Black Child Legacy Campaign, which tackles the disproportionate mortality rates among African-American children in Sacramento.

Discover the profound impact of collaboration and timing in philanthropy. Chet shares the foundation's journey through various crises, including the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it adapted to continue supporting community health. We discuss how partnerships with state agencies, private entities, and community groups have enabled the foundation to address pressing issues like food insecurity, healthcare access, and the opioid crisis. Through targeted universalism and public-private collaborations, Sierra Health Foundation has demonstrated resilience with a model for sustainable community outcomes.

Join me for an insightful exploration into the foundation's commitment to capacity building and philanthropic innovation. With a business mindset, the foundation has managed philanthropic investments to ensure accountability and success. From supporting smaller community-focused groups to leveraging technological advancements for operational efficiency, the foundation's approach is both strategic and compassionate. Reflecting on the past four decades, we celebrate the visionary efforts and thoughtful risk-taking that have solidified Sierra Health Foundation's role as a vital partner in promoting health equity and well-being across Northern California and the San Joaquin Valley.

To learn more about Sierra Health Foundation or The Center at Sierra Health Foundation, visit the website HERE

Chapter Summaries

(00:00) Sierra Health Foundation's Impact and Legacy
Sierra Health Foundation's 40-year journey, structure, and innovative approaches to community health and well-being in Northern California and the San Joaquin Valley.

(06:56) Community Impact and Collaboration
Timing, community awareness, and targeted universalism are key in philanthropy, exemplified by the Black Child Legacy Campaign.

(15:03) Enhancing Community Impact Through Partnerships
Partnerships between state agencies, Sierra Health Foundation, and organizations address community challenges and promote equity and resilience.

(19:22) Funding and Partnership for Public Good
Partnerships between public bureaucracies, community groups, and philanthropy use grants to achieve common public goods, with a focus on capacity building and financial responsibility.

(24:34) The Power of Collaboration and Impact
Colla

Thank you so much for listening! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.