Strengthening health and human service nonprofits in the San Fernando Valley: A feasibility and needs assessment study

Abstract

This one-year feasibility study was designed to: (1) obtain more detailed needs assessment data about current operating challenges of nonprofits (emphasizing health and human service agencies) in the Valley, and the potential for improving their services and outcomes, by building capacity of these nonprofits to meet such challenges; (2) address strategy issues related to accessibility, regional focus and peer networking for enhanced capacity building services that could be provided to these nonprofits; (3) examine how existing nonprofit capacity-building resources, in Southern California and nationally, can help meet identified regional needs; (4) explore how to integrate all these approaches to capacity building so they can better meet the needs of Valley-based nonprofits - and also of foundations in the Valley region; (5) develop a strategic plan for offering enhanced capacity-building services to nonprofits in the San Fernando Valley, as well as to foundations in the area; (6) examine alternative revenue models, leading to a business plan for supporting such a programmatic effort; and (7) disseminate study results, including these two plans, to nonprofit leaders and other stakeholders in the Valley, so that they can consider taking further action. The study was conducted by the nonprofit Human Interaction Research Institute (HIRI), in collaboration with California State University Northridge (CSUN), Volunteer Center of Los Angeles (VCLA), and MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity). An advisory committee of Valley leaders in nonprofit health and human services provided uidance and oversight throughout the study, including active support of a final dissemination phase -- hopefully leading to action that will address the challenges and potential solutions identified.