Ep. 20 - Public Policy & Nonprofits

NonProfit Counsel Podcast

May Harris, Esq. is honored to have Geoff Green, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits, join us for the 20th episode of The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast! Geoff shares his insightful predictions for the future of nonprofits in California, shedding light on the opportunities and challenges ahead. He delves into the intricacies of Assembly Bill 590 and the crucial task of removing barriers that hinder the sector's growth and impact. Geoff points out that the collective voice of their extensive email list, comprising 60,000 passionate individuals, can drive legislative change. He provides valuable insights into the Johnson Amendment, elucidating its significance for nonprofits and the broader landscape of advocacy and activism.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:19 May introduces Geoff Green, the newly appointed CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits

• [3:23] Geoff’s background offers a 360-degree view of the nonprofit sector from various perspectives

• [7:03] May points out that the entire sector’s name is counterintuitive

• [10:03] Geoff predicts what he sees in the future for nonprofits in California. A discussion of assembly Bill 590 and removing other barriers

• [16:04] Geoff talks about minimum wages in California, and he discusses how their email list of 60,000 people can move legislation

• [21:30] Geoff explains the Johnson Amendment

• [25:27] Geoff leaves the listening audience with a final message and invites anyone to become a member of the California Association of Nonprofits

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [2:31] The California Association of Nonprofits was created 40 years ago because nonprofits faced challenges obtaining insurance coverage. It currently advocates for the sector, primarily at the state and occasionally at the federal level.

• [3:36] Geoff is uniquely qualified to serve as CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits because of his diversified background in the sector.

• [10:14] For the last 18 months, the focus has been improving the relationship between public agencies and governments to make the state a better partner to the nonprofit sector.

RESOURCES:

For Purpose Law Group - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram

Nonprofit Counsel - Linkedin

California Association of Nonprofits - Website

BIOGRAPHIES:

May Harris has been a pioneer of nonprofit law practice for over a decade, having founded For Purpose Law Group in April 2012. She serves the nation's nonprofit sector with unparalleled expertise, prioritizing her client's missions, visions, and values. She specializes in nonprofit & tax-exempt organizations, social enterprise & business law, and estate planning & charitable giving.

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Geoff Green has been the CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits) since January 1, 2024. He previously volunteered on the organization’s Policy Committee and Board of Directors.

For the prior nine years, Geoff led California’s largest community college foundation (the SBCC Foundation), where he created the SBCC Promise, one of the nation’s leading college promise initiatives. The SBCC Promise uses exclusively privately raised funds to cover two years of college expenses for all recent local high school graduates.

Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Geoff came to Santa Barbara in 1990 to attend UCSB. In 1997, he joined the Fund for Santa Barbara, serving as Executive Director from 2003 to 2015. As an activist-led community foundation, the Fund was a resource, convener, and funder for various innovative community organizations. It launched the Social Justice Award for Documentary Film and the Youth Making Change program.

Geoff’s previous experience includes ten years of public affairs radio programming, electoral campaign organizing, and as a National Park Ranger. He also consults professionally. As a volunteer auctioneer, he has raised over $6 million for more than 60 nonprofit organizations and frequently emcees events, moderates panels, and facilitates discussions on community issues.