Los Angeles Nonprofit Leaders Academy

Income inequality

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

LA County faces significant challenges in areas such as income inequality, K-12 STEAM education, and support for foster and systems-impacted youth. Income inequality has left many communities underserved, with limited access to opportunities for economic mobility, perpetuating cycles of systemic disadvantage. In education, a lack of equitable funding for STEAM programs has stifled opportunities for students in underserved areas to pursue innovative and competitive careers, contributing to a growing skills gap which can lead to reduced career prospects, further compounding economic inequality. Foster youth and systems-impacted youth, are among the most vulnerable populations in LA County. They often face significant barriers, including disruptions in education and limited pathways to personal and professional growth. Nonprofits and community organizations play a pivotal role in addressing these issues, yet many lack the operational knowledge to secure the funding needed to scale.

This grant will support the expansion of the Grant Me Success - Los Angeles Nonprofit Leaders Academy, a capacity-building initiative designed to equip Los Angeles County nonprofits with the skills and tools to effectively compete for and properly manage grant funding, donations (of all sizes, small, mid-size, and major), sponsorships, and generated program revenue. By offering a combination of weekly virtual classes and monthly in-person workshops, our program will teach organizations how to write compelling grant proposals, improve program designs, and streamline administrative operations.
This training specifically targets nonprofits that work to address systemic challenges focusing on income inequality, K-12 STEAM education, and foster and system-impacted youth. With a focus on practical skills and sustainability, the program will cover topics such as, the Mindset of a Nonprofit Leader, Program Development and Design, Board Member Development, Accounting and Budgeting, Branding and Marketing, Fundraising, Grant Writing and Management, and Program Evaluation. This curriculum is specifically designed with health and human service nonprofits in mind, to empower organizations to enhance their impact and create lasting change in underserved communities across Los Angeles.

Upon completion of the Nonprofit Leaders Academy, nonprofit Leaders will be better prepared to implement programs in LA County from a stronger and more resilient. Leaders will be better equipped to address pressing challenges and will leave the Academy with a viable Strategic Plan and comprehensive Funding Plan. Nonprofits will have the knowledge and tools to secure sustainable funding, enabling them to expand their programs, improve administrative efficiency, and deliver impactful services to the communities they serve.
By building the capacity of nonprofit, we aim to create a ripple effect that strengthens community networks, fosters collaboration, and ensures that LA youth have the opportunity to thrive. This will result in tangible improvements, such as increased access to high-quality education, a wider range of career paths for youth, programs that create safe environments for youth to explore and grow, and overall more equitable opportunities for economic growth.