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LISTENINGTOURREPORTJanuary2018

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TableofContentsIntroduction.......................................................................................................................3

ExecutiveSummary............................................................................................................6

Methodology......................................................................................................................7

StrengthsandWeaknesses................................................................................................8

CommunityPriorities.......................................................................................................10

LocalCommunityProfiles.................................................................................................14

AdvocacyPriorities...........................................................................................................17

Conclusion............................................................................................................................

AppendixA:ListofInterviewees.....................................................................................21

IntroductionWashingtonNonprofitsisthestateassociationforallnonprofits.Wehelpnonprofitslearn,increasetheirinfluence,andconnectwithpeopleandresources.Wemakesurenonprofitshavewhattheyneedtosucceed.WearecommittedtoongoinglearningfromandaboutnonprofitsincommunitiesacrossWashingtonState,acrossallfieldsofservicetoinformourprioritiesandpractices.ThisreportwasdevelopedtocapturelearningsfromourFall2017ListeningTour.TheListeningTourprovidedanopportunitytointroduceournewexecutivedirectorandtosolicitfeedbackandideasfromhundredsofnonprofitstaffmembers,boardmembersandvolunteersinmanycommunities.Thisinformationwillinformourstrategicplanningprocess,ourlearningagendaandmanyotheraspectsofourwork.Intheinterestofcommunitylearningandtransparency,wearesharingthereportwithourmembers,partnersandfunders.Welookforwardtotheresultingdialogueandadditionallearning.Wealsorealizethatthisinformationisincomplete,andthatlisteningandlearningneedtobeanintentional,ongoingeffort.Ourvisitstothesetwelvecommunitieswereinformative,andalsoremindedusofthevalueofface-to-faceconversationsand“beingthere.”Werecognizethatwehavemanymorevisitstomake.Wealsorecognizethatitiseasiertoconnectwithleadersfromestablishednonprofitswithcomparativelymoreresourcesandprivilege.Wewillcontinuetoseekoutandserveleadersfrommoremarginalizedcommunitiessuchascommunitiesofcolor,LGBTQcommunities,immigrantandrefugeecommunities,andruralcommunities.

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ExecutiveSummaryNonprofitsacrossthestateofWashingtonaredoingamazingworkacrossmanydifferentmissions.Itwaspowerfulforustovisitwithmanygreatleadersandlearnabouttheirefforts.ParticipantsintheListeningTourcalledoutourstrengthsandweaknessesandofferedsuggestionsforimprovingourservicetoourmembersandthenonprofitcommunityatlarge.WashingtonNonprofitsisayoungorganization(foundedin2010),butwehaveestablishedourselvesasaleaderinaccessible,action-orientedlearningaboutmanyfacetsofnonprofitmanagementandgovernance.WehaveastrongnetworkofmembersandpartnersinallpartsofWashingtonState.Westillhaveworktodotoestablishaclearbrandandincreaseourvisibilitybothinsideandoutsidethenonprofitsector,particularlyinthePugetSoundregion.Ourmemberswantmoreopportunitiestoconnectwithothers,includingnetworkingandadvancedlearningopportunitiesforexecutiveleadership.Theyarehungryforinformationabouthowtheycanengageinpublicpolicyadvocacy,bothwithusandonbehalfoftheirownmissions.TheyseearoleforWashingtonNonprofitstoplayinleadingthesectortowardtransformation,greaterimpactandinfluence,andequity.Keycommunityprioritiescanbegroupedintothefollowingthemes:• Learningandcapacitybuilding• Philanthropyandfundraising• Sectoradvocacy• Publicpolicyadvocacy• Diversity,equity,andinclusion• Immigration• Networkingandcollaboration• Newstructuresandfiscalsponsorship• Compensationandhumanresources• Healthinsurance• Volunteerandboarddevelopment• LeadershipLocalcommunitieshavebothcommonalitiesanddifferences.Commonchallengesincludehousingaffordability,accesstohealthcare,immigration,andbroadbandaccessinruralcommunities.Majordifferentiatorsincludedriversofthelocaleconomy(tech,agriculture,healthcare,tourism,etc.)andwhetherthecommunityisprimarilyurban,suburban,orrural.Advocacyisimportanttoourconstituents,andtheirtopfiveadvocacyissuesare:• Educatingthegeneralpublicaboutthevalueandimpactofnonprofits• Preservingorexpandingthecharitabletaxdeduction• ProtectingtheJohnsonAmendment(nonprofitnonpartisanship)• Healthcarereform• Protectingnonprofitsfromtaxationand/orexpandingtaxexemption

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Inaddition,ListeningTourparticipantswouldlikechangestocertaingovernmentregulationsandgovernmentcontractingreform,andtooffertheirideasforhowwecanbuildastrongadvocacyprogram.Finally,ourmembersseearoleforWashingtonNonprofitstoplayinadvocatingwithphilanthropicinstitutionstochangehowtheyfundourwork.

MethodologyAsapartofon-boardingournewExecutiveDirectorandinpreparationforstrategicplanningatWashingtonNonprofits,weheldtwelveregionalListeningTourmeetingsfromSeptembertoDecember2017.Wealsoheldanonlinewebinartosolicitinputfrommembers,andwedistributedasurveytoindividualswhoexpressedinterestbutwereunabletoattendameeting.Inaddition,Lauraconducted47additionalindividualmeetingswithnonprofitleadersduringthesameperiod,makinganefforttoincludeadditionalcommunitiesandtohearfromdiverseleaders.Overall,morethan385peopleprovidedinputtoinformthisreport.Aneffortwasmadetoaskthesamefourkeyquestionssothatwecouldaggregatethedata,reflectbackwhatweheard,anddetectpatternsandcommonalitiesaswellasregionaldifferences.ThisreportwaswrittenbyLauraPierceinDecember2017andJanuary2018.Laurahasexperiencewritingsimilarreportsforclientsformanyyearsaspartofherconsultingpractice.LocationofListeningTourGatheringsEachofourgatheringswasabitdifferentbasedonthelocallandscapeandadviceofpartners.Insomecases,wewereabletogettimeontheagendaofalocalnetworkmeeting.Inothercases,wehadadedicatedevent.Attendanceatmeetingsvariedfrom8peopleto60people.Turnoutstendedtobelargerinmoreruralareas.Gatheringswereheldin:

• Ellensburg,KittitasCounty• Yakima,YakimaCounty• Seattle,KingCounty• Renton,KingCounty• Olympia,ThurstonCounty• Sequim,ClallamCounty

• PortTownsend,JeffersonCounty• Spokane,SpokaneCounty• Bellingham,WhatcomCounty• Vancouver,ClarkCounty• Tacoma,PierceCounty• Freeland,IslandCounty

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AcknowledgementsThankyoutothemanypartnerswhohelpedmaketheListeningTourpossible.TheseincludedKittitasCountyNonprofitGroup,UnitedWayofWhatcomCounty,WhidbeyCommunityFoundation,CommunityFoundationofSouthPugetSound,SpokaneNonprofitNetwork,SpokaneCountyUnitedWay,YakimaNonprofitNetwork,YakimaGreenways,OlympicViewCommunityFoundation,JeffersonCommunityFoundation,NonprofitNetworkofSouthwestWashington,MurdockCharitableTrust,TheSeattleFoundation,RentonAreaNonprofitsUnited,VisionHouse.

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WashingtonNonprofitsStrengthsandWeaknessesWeaskedparticipantstocommentonWashingtonNonprofits’strengthsandweaknesses.Bythis,wemeantourorganization,thestateassociationfornonprofits.StrengthsThefollowingstrengthswerementionedanumberoftimesinmultiplemeetings(presentedhereinorderofprioritybasedonthenumberoftimestheissuewasraised):• Learningworkshops–Ourtrainingworkshopsweremostoftenmentionedasastrength.

WashingtonNonprofitshasofferedworkshopsincommunitiesacrossthestateforthepastfouryears,andhasdevelopedareputationforofferingwell-organized,highqualityworkshops.Commentsmentionedthestrengthofthecurriculum,preparedpresenters,legaleducation,greatstaffingandorganization,andwillingnesstotraveltosmallercommunities.Affordabilitywasalsostressedasastrength.Wealsoreceivedconflictingcommentssuchas“Lovethebasics—simple,practicalsamplesaregreat.Offermoreofthebasics,”and“GetbeyondNonprofit101.”

• Webinarsandonlineresources–manypeoplecitedWashingtonNonprofits’webinars(availableliveandviaourVimeochannel)andappreciatedthatlearningresourcesareaccessibleinmultipleformats.Thetoolkitswerecalledoutaswellasourlearningconferencecallsandourwebsitegenerally.Onepersoncalledoutthegoodinformationweprovidedontheovertimeruleschangelastyear.Anothersaid,“OurboardwatchesalltheFUNvideosasapartoftheirtraining.”

• Conferences–Ourthreeconferences(heldinBellevue,YakimaandSpokane)alsoreceivedmanymentionsasastrength,especiallytheWashingtonStateNonprofitConference.“Thereispowerinbringpeopletogetherattheconference.”OnepersoninSpokanesaid,“It’sgoodthatthereisaconferencehere.Ican’tmakeittoSeattlewiththebudgetrequiredfortravelandlodging.”

• Statewidereach–Peopleappreciateourstatewidereachandconnectionsinmanycommunities.SeveralpeoplecalledoutoureffortstoreachEasternWashington,andothersexpressedappreciationforourpresenceintheircommunityonthedayoftheListeningTourevent.ItisimportanttoourconstituentsthatweworktoconnectnonprofitsfromdifferentcommunitiesacrossWashington.Awarenessofandservicetorural-basednonprofitswasalsomentionedseveraltimes,aswassupportforregionalleadersandsuccessfulpartnershipswithlocalpartnerstoofferlocallearningworkshops.

• Strongnetwork–Connectingcommunities,promotingpartnershipsandunity,supportforlocalnonprofitnetworks,pullingpeopletogethertohavealargervoice—thesewereamongthestrengthslistedrelatedtonetworking.

• PublicEducationandDataSharing–Participantsstressedthevalueofbeinganinformationclearinghouseandsharingdataaboutthenonprofitsector.Thisincludesprovidinginformationtononprofitsandinformationaboutthesectortopolicymakers,funders,themediaandothers.SeveralpeopleencouragedfurtherdevelopmentofdataandresearchonthenonprofitsectorinWashingtonState.

• Communications–Emailisgreatandconsistent.

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• PublicPolicyAdvocacy–Participantsmentionedadvocacyalerts,beingarepresentativeforumfornonprofitsinourstate,greatbeginningsinadvocacy,andservingasaresourceforthelegislature.SeveralpeoplealsocalledouttheNonprofitLegislativeReceptionattheGovernor’sMansioninFebruary.

WeaknessesThefollowingweaknesseshadmultiplementions(again,listedinorderofpriority):• Notwellknown/poorvisibilityandawarenessamongnonprofits–Anumberofpeople

indicatedthattheyjustlearnedaboutWashingtonNonprofitsanddidn’tknowmuchaboutusyet.

• Statewideknowledge–Weheardthatwestillneedtodeepenourunderstandingoflocalcommunitiesandstrengthenrelationships,particularlybyspendingmoretimeinEasternWashington,recruitingboardleadershipfromCentralWashington,andhavingamoreconsistentpresenceinruralcounties.

• Weakbrandandcommunications–Weareimproving,butweneedastrongbrandandabilitytocommunicateeffectivelyaboutthevalueofthenonprofitsector.Weneedtoeffectivelycommunicateaboutwhoweareandwhatweoffer,marketclassesbetter,andmakeouremailsmoreattention-grabbing.

• Unclearaboutwhatyoudo/roleconfusion–Arelatedissueisroleconfusion.Weneedtobettercommunicatehowwearearesourceandthevalueofmembership,aswellasdifferentiateourworkfrom501CommonsandAFP.Onepartnersaid,“Idon’talwaysunderstandwhentosendpeopletoyouvs.501Commons.Ineedclarity.”Anothercitedan“unclearmembervalueproposition.”

• Advocacy–“Advocacyisabigopportunity,butnotwell-executedoverthepastfewyears.”“Policyandadvocacyaremostimportanttome.Unfortunately,thisisnotaWashingtonNonprofitsstrength.”

• Engagement–Participantsunderscoredtheimportanceofbuildingastrongsenseofownershipbythenonprofitcommunityandinvolvingourmembers.Onesuggestedamorepersonalapproachtomakemembersfeelspecial,e.g.changingproformarenewalmessage.

• Trainingandconferences–Trainingseemsgearedto101level.Trainingandconferencecontentisrepetitive.“Pleasekeepitfreshandincludeadvancedcontent(201/301levels).Whatistherefortheseasonedleaders?”

• Technicaldifficulties–Afewpeoplementioneddifficultiesparticipatinginwebinars.• Name–Somefeltthatournameisconfusingandshouldbechanged.• Diversityofmembership–Itisachallengetoservesuchadiversegroupoforganizationsas

differentnonprofitsneeddifferentthings.Thefollowingcritiqueswereonlymentionedonce,butseemimportanttoconsideraswell:• Lackofinsuranceoptions:healthinsurance,liability,D&O• Coststructureforlargenonprofits• Prioritizingtheneedsofruralcommunities• Tendencytofocusonlarger,urbannonprofits

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• On-boardingfornewmembers• WouldlikemorenewcontentbeyondBoardsinGearandFinanceUnlockedforNonprofits• Wehaveneverbeeninvitedtobecomemembers• Learningworkshopsarenotcustomized• Weneedbetterevaluationandmeasurementofcapacitybuilding.Whatchangesforthe

organizationserved?Doesafundraisingworkshopactuallyleadtomoredollarsraisedbyparticipatingnonprofits?

• Don’tputWashingtonNonprofitsoutfrontandexpectthecommunitytofollow• AccessnationalexpertsfortheconferenceSuggestionsListeningTourparticipantsalsoprovidedanumberofsuggestionstoimproveourimpact.Thesearegroupedbytheme.• Networking/Engagement/Coordination

o Establishforumsforconnectingwithpeerso Mentorshipopportunitieso Buildmembershipandinvolvementofmemberso Facilitatemorecommunicationbetweennonprofits,tapintoourcollective

knowledgeo Createlocal/regionalspecialeventcalendarsinadvanceofeachyearo Enhancememberconnectionsby:spotlightingdifferentregions,listing

volunteeropportunitiesandopportunitiesforpersonalengagemento Coordinatewithlocalpartners,e.g.sharecalendarswhenschedulingmajor

eventso Createresourcesandconversationspacesabout“advanced”issuessuchas

restructuringthenonprofitsector• Funderrelations

o Consideradvocatingforacommongrantapplicationo Assistinorganizingfunders’toursaroundthestate(coordinatedschedule,

rotating)o Beavoiceforunrestrictedgivingo Addresstheissueofoverheadandtheimportanceofunrestrictedgiftsand

investmentinstronginfrastructureo Helpusbuildrelationshipswithfundersandcorporations

• PublicPolicyAdvocacy/Researcho Coalescenonprofitadvocacybyissueo “Wehavelimitedbandwidthforadvocacy,sowekeepournarrowfocus.

However,weknowtheissuesareinterconnected,andwewanttoholdthebroaderviewaswell.”

o Centralizedadvocacydaywouldbehelpful.o Itwouldbehelpfultohaveanadvocacytoolkitwithsuitablesegmentsforin-

servicetrainingsatboardmeetings.o ConsiderhostingacalendarofadvocacydaysinOlympia

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o Domorewithdata.LookatCityClub’sCivicHealthIndex.• SectorPromotion

o Provideammunitiontodebunkmythsaboutthenonprofitsector.Asonepersonremarked,“Weneedtogetpastknee-jerkreactionsandstereotypes,e.g.‘Businessesaretheevilempire’and‘Nonprofitsareamateurs.’”

o Validatethevalueofthenonprofitsector/Givevoicetononprofitso “Pleasecontinuetomakeplaintheadvantagesofthenonprofitworldversusthe

businessworld.”o Identifyandcelebratenonprofitleaders

• Resources/Learningo Monthlyupdatesonnonprofittopicso Advancedtrainingcourseso Sharefundingopportunitieso Helpcommunitiesidentifygapsinserviceso Helporganizationsconsolidateandavoidduplicationo Facilitatesharedpurchasing,e.g.healthinsuranceo BringbackpeersupportcirclesthatExecutiveAllianceusedtorun(sixweeks

long,structuredwithafacilitator,cross-sector,trust-building)o Engagenonprofitconsultants.Createacommonspaceforprofessional

developmentaroundcontent.o Trainingforboardmembersandvolunteersoutsideofworkhours(eveningsand

weekends)o ProvidesupportforEDso Keepyourresourceslowbarrier.Don’taskforEIN,budgetinformationupfront.o Offeradditionalsupport,coaching,networkingalongsideworkshops

• Leadership/Equityo Helpoursectoradapttochange,e.g.discernappropriateresponsetotax

reform’simpactoncharitablegivingo Helpusgetbeyondtheoldleadershipmodelo Weneedanauthenticagendathatisnotcoloredbyfundingstrategyo Helpusmovefromthescarcitymodeltoabundanceo Talkaboutandinterrogatethenonprofitindustrialcomplex.Questionreliance

onthe501(c)(3)model.Supportfiscalsponsorship.o Mostnonprofitsaresmall.Don’tfocusonthe“nonprofit1%.”o Supportdiversityandrepresentationattheboardandstafflevelso Createleaderfulnetworkso Integrateequityintoallyourworko Asyouthinkaboutthis,reachoutandvisitwithsmalleragencieswhowon’t

showupformeetings(duetolowcapacity).Ifyoucan,fundthemtoshowup.Similarly,affinitygroupsfornonprofitssoundgood,butthosewhomostneeditmaybeunabletoattend.Thesetypesofmeetingsarealuxury.Theybecomewhitemalespacesandarenotaswelcoming.

o Keepworkingoninequitablefundingdistribution,e.g.philanthropyreceptioninYakima

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Whatdolargernonprofitswantfromtheirstateassociation?Whenspeakingwithahandfuloflarger,moreestablishednonprofits,IspecificallyaskedforinputaboutwhatwouldmakemembershipinWashingtonNonprofitsmoredesirableforthem(themajorityofourcurrentmembershipissmallernonprofits).Theyhighlightedthefollowingasvaluablepotentialbenefitsormessages:• HR/benefitsassistance• Grouppurchasing/buyingpower• Advocacy• Strengtheningthesectorgenerally/joinbecauseitisagoodthingtodo• Informationonexecutivetenureandcompensation• Opportunitytoparticipateinhigh-levelforumsonkeyissues/trends• Convening,training,representingthesector• VisibilityeventsliketheNonprofitLegislativeReception• Accesstoaffordablehealthbenefits• Recognitionforpositionalleaders(alaExecutiveAlliance)• Utilizeleadersasexpertsandmentors• Speaktotheneedtocombineeffortsforgreaterimpact• Reduceinsularityinfieldsofservice• Talkwithusabouthowthesectoristransforming(data-drivendecision-making,social

entrepreneurship,innovation)• Askyourself,“Wherecanweachieveeconomiesofscalebyworkingtogether?”• “Youcanaddvalueforhospitals,becausetheyhavetoshowcommunitybenefit.Because

ofACA,thereisalackofuninsuredpatients,sotheyareeagertoserveinotherways.Themaybeplayersinbraidedfundingschemes.”

LauraPiercetalkingtononprofitleadersinOlympia,Dec.5,2017.

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CommunityIssues/PrioritiesWeaskedparticipantstocommentoncurrentprioritiesfornonprofits,andindicatethemostimportantthingsthatWashingtonNonprofitscandotostrengthennonprofitsintheircommunityandstatewide.Anumberofissueswereraisedaswellassomespecificstrategiestoaddressthem.LearningWashingtonNonprofitsiscurrentlybestknownforourlearningprograms.EducationalopportunitiesareclearlyapriorityforListeningTourparticipants,andwerementionedoften.Inadditionaltogeneralcommentsaboutwantingeducationandprofessionaldevelopmentopportunities,participantscalledoutanumberofspecifictrainingtopicsthattheyfeelareimportant.Requestedtrainingtopics• Advocacy• Governance• Finance• Legalissues• Legalcompliance:L&I,employment

security,IRS• Volunteerengagement/coordination• Businesspractices• Recruitments&maintenanceofboards• Moretrainingsforlinestaff• Howtolaunchnewnonprofit• Howtorunanonprofit• Strategicplanning• Workingw/millennials• Storytelling• Marketing• Data-drivendecision-makingand

evaluation• Datacollection• Leadershipsuccessionplanning• Mergersandacquisitions• Emergencypreparedness

• OMBregulations• Intellectualpropertyissues• PublicDisclosureCommissionrules,

includingruleswithregardtostateinitiatives

• Riskmanagement• Compliancewithstaterules(OSOS

charitableregistration,liquorrules,raffles,lobbying,healthdepartment)

• Generationaldifferences• ContinuousQualityImprovement• Dealingwithrapidgrowth:setting

culture,codifyingpoliciesandpractices,howtoestablishmorestructureasyougrow

• Fundraisingo Developingastrongcasefor

supporto Writinggrantso Donorrelations/marketingo Howtorunasuccessful

fundraisingevent

CapacityBuildingInadditiontotraining,anumberofpeoplementionedothertypesofcapacitybuildingandconsultingasapriority.Hereisalistofresourcesthatparticipantswereinterestedin:

• Legalresources(mentionedmultipletimes)• Systemssupportsharingofresources(IT/legalaspects/donordatabases/web/CRM)• Officespace

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• Clericalorfinancialmanagementsupport• Individualsupportandtrainingtospecificnonprofits• Grantwritingassistance• Taxadvice• Humanresourcesadvising

Onenotehere:manyoftheseservicesarecurrentlyprovidedbyourcapacitybuildingpartners,atleastinpartsofWashingtonState.Onefundercommentedthattherewasgreaterinterestamongfundersincapacitybuilding,butthatfundersandgranteeshavedifferentperspectivesandlackacommonunderstanding.FundersfromseveraldifferentcommunitiesexpressedappreciationfortheworkoftheRuralDevelopmentInitiative,whichofferscohortleadershiptrainingprogramsandhasbeenactiveinWallaWallaandYakima,andwillbeexpandingintoMasonCountyandotherpartsofWashingtonin2018.Oneintervieweealsoobservedthat“Consultantsareplayingabiggerandbiggerrole.Nonprofitsneedtoknowhowandwhentoutilizeconsultants,andfigureout,willyoureallyhavemorecapacityintheend.”Philanthropy&FundraisingFundingisnaturallyamajorconcernfornonprofits.Ournonprofitmembersarelookingtousforassistanceingainingfundraisingandgrantwritingskillsandlearninghowtobuildrelationshipswithfunders.Theywouldalsolikeustoadvocateforthemwithfunders,particularlyaroundtheissuesofoperatingfunding,capacitybuildingfunding,onerousapplicationprocessesandreportingrequirements,thesustainabilitymyth,theoverheadmyth,andequitableaccesstofunding.Inaddition,ourmemberswouldappreciateitifwecanhelpmatchnonprofitsandfoundationswithalignedinterests,and/orconvenefundersandgranteesfordialogueandconnection.Onefunderadmitted,“Wehaven’tembracedgeneraloperatingsupportyet.Weliketofundprojectswithclearoutcomes.”Anotherreflected,“Philanthropyischangingrapidly.Therearefewergeneralfunders.Theyaretakingtheshortnotthelongview.Thisaffectscontinuityinthesector.”ThedecliningcentralityandchangingroleofUnitedWayswasmentioned.Anotherparticipantraisedtheissueoffundingsilos,andhowtheinflexibilityofsomefundingsourcesdiscouragescollaborativeorcross-sectorsolutions.Animportantpointraisedbymanycommunitiesisthatphilanthropyresourcesarenotequallyavailableacrossthestate.Somecommunitieshavemanymorefoundationsthanothers,andthereare“fundingdeserts”inmoreruralpartsofWashingtonstate.PeoplefromtheseareasaskedWashingtonNonprofitstoremindSeattle-basedfundersofotherregionsthatneedtheirsupport.Communityfoundationsplayaninfluentialroleintheirlocalcommunities.Weheardbothpraiseandcritiquesofcommunityfoundations,whichareverydiverseintermsofhowtheyoperateandwheretheyplacetheiremphasis.Onethingthatwascommunicatedwasthatnonprofitswhoarereceivingfundingfromtheirlocalcommunityfoundationdonotfeelabletoprovidehonestfeedbackabouttheirconcernstofoundationleadership.

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Individualsexpressedconcernabouttoomanynonprofitsaskingthesamedonorsformoney,donorfatigue,andpittingofhumanservicesagainstothernonprofitcauses.Inaddition,thequestionwasasked,“WhatifwehaveanaturaldisasterinWashingtonState?Howwouldwesetupatrustedconduitforgiving?”SectorAdvocacyAdvocatingforoursectorandraisingawarenessofthevalueofnonprofitorganizations’workandcontributionstosocietyisatopissue,secondonlytoeducationandcapacitybuilding.Participantssharedstoriesaboutpersistentmythsandnegativestereotypesaboutthenonprofitsectorexpressedbythegeneralpublic,publicofficialsandfunders.ParticipantsseearoleforWashingtonNonprofitstoplayinchangingattitudesanddispellingnegativemessagesaboutnonprofits.Wecancelebratethegoodworkbeingaccomplished.Positivemessagesshouldincludesuccessstories,highlightingimpact,andmakingprivateandpublic-sectorleadersawareoftheeconomicimpactofthenonprofitsector.WashingtonNonprofitsshouldfocusonstrengths-basedmessagingandhelpthenonprofitsectormovefromacultureofscarcitytoacultureofabundance.ParticipantsindicatedthatWashingtonNonprofitsshouldhelpthenonprofitsectorevolve,andchallengenonprofitpracticesthatmaybehurtingthesector,suchasperpetuatingtheoverheadmythbytoutinglowadministrativeandfundraisingexpenses.Inaddition,nonprofitleaderswouldliketrainingtobettertelltheirownimpactstories.Onepersonstated,“WashingtonNonprofitscanmodelandembraceself-calmingandreflection,andgiveoutadifferentenergy.Weneedtonormalizeanddestigmatizeself-care—itisnotaprivilege.Let’scounterthemartyrmythinnonprofitcircles.”Finally,participantswouldliketoseeuseducatethepublicanddonorsaboutwhatnonprofitsneedtogettheirworkdone,particularlyunrestrictedsupport.Educationcanalsoextendtootherprofessions,e.g.“Pressureaccountingfirmstoknowaboutnonprofitsandservethemwell.”PublicPolicyAdvocacyManypeopleexpresseddesireforWashingtonNonprofitstoprovideleadershiparoundadvocacy,andtofacilitateourmembersengaginginadvocacy.Intermsofourrole,participantsrequestedthatweengageinadvocacyatthestateandfederallevels.WashingtonNonprofitsshouldeducatelegislators,withaneyetowardchangingattitudestowardnonprofits.WashingtonNonprofitscanchampionabroadadvocacyagendaforthenonprofitsector,andalsohelpnonprofitsconnecttoissue-specificcoalitionstoadvocateontheissuestheycareabout.Onepersoncommented,“Duetocapacitylimitations,wearefocusedinournarrowadvocacyagendas,andthereisnocomprehensivenonprofitadvocacyagenda.Howcandifferentnonprofitsdoingadvocacycommunicatewitheachother?Howcanweamplifyeachother’swork?”Specifically,ourmembersrequestedthefollowingtypesofsupport:

• Educationaboutlobbyingrules• TravelfundingtogettoOlympia• Messagingadviceforadvocacy• Contactlistforlegislators• Publicpolicyadvocacytraining

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• DisseminationofinformationthatWashingtonNonprofitsgathersatthestatelegislature(smallnonprofitsdonothavetheresourcesorstafftofollowthis,sotheycountonthisserviceandappreciateit.)

• Pullingnonprofitstogethertosupportspecificpolicyefforts.• Updatesaboutstatebudgetdevelopment,andsharingspecificactionstepstotaketoprotect

nonprofitinterests.Onepersonsummarized,“Nonprofitsneedtoknowwhattheycanandcannotdowithregardtoadvocacy.Wealsoneedtohelpnonprofitsunderstandwhyadvocacyisofvalue.Youcanespeciallyoffervaluetononprofitswhocan’tdoadvocacyontheirown(becauseofcapacitylimitations).”Anothersaid,“Thereisnotasharedunderstandingaboutwhat501(c)(3)nonprofitscandointheadvocacyarena.Weneedclarity.”Diversity,EquityandInclusionManypeopleencouragedustopromoteequityinthenonprofitsector.Equityissuesthatwerecalledoutspecificallyincludeachievingdiverserepresentationinboardcompositionandstaffleadership,encouragingequitablepoliciesandpractices,supportingequitabledevelopmentandequitableaccesstophilanthropicresources,andhighlightingalternativestructuresthatareequitable.Inaddition,anumberofpeoplespokeofthedifficultyofrecruitingandretainingpeopleofcolorandothersfrommarginalizedgroupsatlowsalarylevelsthatareprevalentinthenonprofitsector.Statecontractsalsoperpetuateinequalityinsomecaseswherespecificstaffqualificationsruleoutmanycandidates.Ingeneral,itwasnotedthatmoreprivilegedpeoplecanbetteraffordtoworkforlowersalariesandthusestablishthemselvesinnonprofitcareers.“Thechallengeisfindingcommongoalsandlisteningtothevoicesofthosewhoaren'talwaysheard(low-incomefolks,nonprofits,thosewithlimitedresources).”

“Thesamepeopleareatthesametablehavingthesameconversationsaboutwhoisnotatthetable.Decision-makingremainsfarremovedfromtheaffectedpeople.Itisimportantforourleaderstoembracediscomfort.”“AsaLatinaExecutiveDirector,whenIamoutinthecommunityandintroducemyself,peopleassumeIhavealessseniorpositionatmyorganization.TheydoadoubletakewhentheyfindoutIamtheED.”“Weneedshiftfrom‘I’mgoingtohelpyou”to“Whatarewegoingtodotogether.”Oneequitychallengeisliftingupruralvoices.Onepersonasked,“Howdowetellthestoryofruralcommunities?Howdowechangetheconversation?Weneedbroadermeasuresofeffectivenessandequity.”

Anotherisensuringthatcapacitybuildingtrainingservescommunitiesofcolorwell.Oneleaderofcolorobservedthatsomepeopleofcolormayself-selectoutoftrainingopportunitiesbecauseaftermanyexperiencesofbias,theyarehesitanttoputthemselvesinsituationswheretheymaybetreatedaslessthanothers.Thisunderscorestheimportanceofpartnershipswithpeopleofcolor-ledcapacitybuildingorganizations.

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Anothersetofequityissueswasraisedbyafunder:“Grassrootsgroupsoftenhavenon-traditionalstructures.Asafunder,wheredoyoucutthemslack?Thisisanequityissue.The‘triedandtrue’organizationsdon’thaveleadershipfromtheaffectedcommunities.Weneedtoturnoversomecontrol.”ImmigrationNonprofitleadersacrossthestatereportedthatnationalpoliticalclimatehascreatedgreatfearanduncertaintyamongimmigrants.Somepeopleareafraidtoleavetheirhomes,andmanymoreareafraidtoaccesssocialservicesorparticipateintheirchildren’sschoolactivitiesforfearofbeingroundedupanywheretheycongregate.OnepersonreportedthatLatinosarewithdrawingfromfoodbankparticipationandkidsafter-schoolprograms,andnotsigningupforpublicbenefitslikefoodstamps,eveniftheyarelegalresidents.Hecontinued,“Wecollectivelyhaveworktodotofigureouthowtoworkwithandsupportimmigrantcommunities.WeareWhite-ledandneedtopartnerwithLatino-ledorganizations.Weneedtothinkdifferently,butweareresourceconstrained.”OtherswithintheLatinocommunityreporthighlevelsofuncertainty,anxietyandtraumaleadingtochronichealthproblems,withgreatercrisisahead.LeadersintheLatinocommunityreportthattheyhavebecomego-topeoplefortheircommunities,andnothavingclearanswersisaheavyburden.Onepersonreported,“Immigrantorganizations,eventhosewithunrelatedmissions,arehavingtodoextratriageandworkthataddstothescopeoftheorganization.Forexample,organizingKnowYourRightsorfamilyemergencyplanningworkshops.”Shealsosharedthatsheseesasilverliningtothiscurrentcrisis.“Iseemorepeoplecomingasalliesandsaying,‘Whatcanwedo?’”Shecontinued,“Ihavetothinkhardabouthowtoidentifyopportunitiesforthemtohelpthatactuallyaddvalueforthecommunity(asopposedtojusthelpingthevolunteersfeelgood).”NetworkingandcollaborationBuildingastrongnetworkandfosteringcollaborationwasmentionedfrequentlyatListeningTourgatherings.Peopleareinterestedinnetworkingandsharinginformationattheregionalandstatewidelevel,expressedvariouslyasnetworking,improvingconnectionsamongleaderswithsimilarchallenges,experiencesharing,peerlearning,mutualsupport,andaffinitygroups.Inaddition,manyseearoleforWashingtonNonprofitstoplayinencouragingcollaboration,includingfosteringmorecollaborationandlesscompetitionamongnonprofits,matchingpotentialcollaborators,facilitatingresourcesharing,andconveningnonprofitstoaddressoverarchingissues,particularlyacrosssilos.Onepersonshared,“Collaborationisagrowingemphasisandwillbeanexpectationofnonprofits.Weneedtoaddresstheneedsofthewholeperson/family.”NewstructuresandfiscalsponsorshipParticipantsexpressedinterestinneworganizationalformsandsolutionsbeyondthetraditional501(c)(3)organizationalstructure.Theylistedpublic-privatepartnerships,blendedorganizations,socialenterprise,variedfundingmodels,andsocialbenefitcorporations.Mergersandconsolidationalsoreceivedafewmentions,asdidovercomingtraditionalideasabouttheimportanceoflowoverhead.Inaddition,anumberofpeopleexpressedsupportforfiscalsponsorshipandrequestedthatWashingtonNonprofitsspeakoutinsupportofthisapproach.Supportforfiscalsponsorshipcould

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includesharingbestpractices,developingstandards,sharinginformationaboutoptionsandroles,andeducatingfundersthatfiscalsponsorshipcanbeavalidongoingpartnershipstrategy.Asonepersonsaid,“Fiscalsponsorshipshouldn’tbethoughtofasonlyatemporarysteppingstone.Fiscalsponsorsandtheirparentagenciesshouldnotbepreventedfromapplyingtothesamefundingsources.”Anotherobservedthatfiscalsponsorshipcanbeanimportantdevelopmentstepforsmallorganizationsservingcommunitiesofcolor,givingthemtheopportunitytofocusonmissionandnothavealltheadministrativeburdensofanewindependentorganization.Anotherpersoncommented,““Itisachallengetofieldboards—Howmanymorenonprofitscanwehaveandfieldcompetentboards?WeshouldconsidertheCanadianmodel—anumbrellaorganizationwithoneboardovermanyprojects.”Otherssimplycommentedthattheycouldsensethatnewmodelswerecoming,andthatWashingtonNonprofitscouldplayaroleininformationsharing,evolvingoursectorand“thinkingoutsideoftheboxaboutnonprofitsgoingforward.”Onepersonadded,“Let’shavetheconversationaboutinstitutionalizationvs.puttingourselvesoutofbusiness.”Compensation/humanresourcesLowwagesandsalariesareaperennialissueinthenonprofitsector,thoughtheissueisworseinsomefieldsofservicethanothers.Manypeopleexpressedconcernaboutcompensation,includingthecommentthat“Ourstaffshouldnotneedpublicsubsidies.”Anotherremarked,“Sustainabilityofstaffingisachallenge.Weneedtofindandretaingoodqualitypeopleandcompensatethemfairly.”Workforcedevelopmentandstaffretentionareparticularlychallenginginsomefields.Forexample,oneintervieweesharedthatitisabigissueinbehavioralhealth,where“Startingpayforamastersleveltherapistis$38,000,andworkingconditionsarechallengingaswellwhenyouareworkingwiththemostdifficultcases.”Interestinawageandbenefitsurveywasmixed.Someindicatedthatastatewidesurveywouldbevaluable(thisissomethingmanyotherstateassociationsdo),whileothersindicatedthatsalariesvarysomuchindifferentareasofthestateandacrossdifferentfieldsofservicethatthedatamightnotbemeaningfulfortheirorganization.InsuranceItisverychallengingforsmallernonprofitstogetaffordableinsurance,particularlyhealthinsuranceforstaffmembers.ManyexpressedinterestinaccessinganaffordablehealthinsuranceplanandthewishthatWashingtonNonprofitscouldprovideasharedsolution.TherewasalsointerestinaffordableD&Oinsurance.VolunteerandBoardDevelopmentManycommunitieshighlightedthechallengeandimportanceofboarddevelopment—recruitingqualifiedboardmembers,supportingboards,andstrengtheningboardsthroughboardeducation.Participantsalsotalkedabouttheimportanceofbuildingnonprofits’capacitytorecruitandutilizevolunteers.Leadership

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Severalpeopleunderscoredtheimportanceofgoodleadershiptononprofitorganizations.“Onewrongfitinanexecutivepositioncancauseyearsofdamagetoanagency.”Alsomentionedwereadesiredtolearnmoreaboutinterimstaffing,thechallengeofgatekeeperspreventingbroaderparticipationinleadership,andsuccessionplanning.

ListeningTourpresentationinEllensburg,Sept.29,2017.

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LocalCommunityProfiles

Inadditiontothegeneralissuescoveredabove,weaskedcommunitiesthatwevisitedtosharespecificsabouttheirlocalcommunity—bothstrengthsandchallenges.Therewereseveralcommunitychallengessharedacrossmostoralloftheareaswevisited.Thesearelisted,followedbybriefprofileshighlightingwhatwastopofmindforeachlocalcommunity.Ofcourse,thesearepartial,anecdotalprofiles.WeviewthemasaveryfirststepindeepeningourknowledgeofspecificcommunityconcernsthroughoutWashingtonState.CommonChallenges• Housingaffordability–EveryListeningTourcommunityexpressedconcernabouthousingprices,

especiallyVancouver,Bellingham,SpokaneandJeffersonCounty.Severalunderscoredthatthecostofhousingintheircommunitymakesitdifficulttoattractemployees.Homelessnesswasalsocalledoutbymanycommunitiesasasignificantissue.

• Accesstohealthcare–Manycommunitiesreportedchallengesrelatedtoaccessingbothphysicalandmentalhealthcare,includingprovidershortagesandrapidchangeinthehealthcareindustry.

• Immigration–Immigrationandrelatedissueswereoftenmentionedwhenparticipantswereaskedtoshareregardingtheirlocalcommunity(seediscussionaboveundercommunitypriorities).

• East/Westdivide–AnumberofpeoplecommentedonthedifferencesbetweenEasternandWesternWashington,andexpressedconcernedthatSeattle/WesternWashingtonispoliticallydominant.Issuesmentionedincludedroadconstruction,jobs,environmentalregulations.SeveralWesternWashingtoncommunitiesalsoexpressedfrustrationthattheircommunitiesaredisregardedorlackpoliticalinfluenceincomparisontoSeattle.

• Broadbandaccess–Anumberofcommunitiesindicatedthatbroadbandaccessisaconcerninpartsoftheirregion.Onepersoncommented,“Yakima’sLowerValleyhasconnectivityissues.Internetserviceisoverpriced,somanypeopledependonaccessingtheinternetthroughtheirphones,nottheircomputers.”

• Otherruralchallengeso Lackofjobs/importanceofeconomicdevelopmento Lossofbusinessesinsmalltownso Shrinkingcommunitieso Lowcivicengagement,especiallyfromnewcomerso Lackofmajorcorporationstoprovidelivingwagejobsandphilanthropicsupporto Ruralcommunitiescanoftenlackefficienciesofscale—itismoreexpensivetoprovidebasic

serviceso Greaternumberofunemployedpeople/peopleondisabilityandpeopleexperiencing

addiction,possiblyattractedtotheseareasduetothelowcostofliving,andofteninneedofservicesforthemselvesandtheirchildren.

o OnepersonreportedthatStevensCountyisamongthepoorestinthenation.o Thereisabigruralwealthtransfercoming.Peopleareassetrichandcashpoor.Howcan

thisworktothebenefitofcommunities?

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SpecificCommunityProfiles

ClallamCounty–ClallamCountyisprimarilyruralandextendsfromtheSequimareaintheEasttothePacificCoast.CitiesincludeSequim,PortAngelesandForks.Sequimisaretirementdestinationwith60%ofthepopulationover65,comparedwith12%statewide.Seniorneedsincludefood,isolation,legalissues,dementiaandhospicecare.Accesstoprimary,specializedandmentalhealthcareisalsoachallenge.ClallamCountynonprofitleadersalsoreportthattheircommunitiesfacechallengesaroundhomelessness,drugaddiction,limitedafterschoolcare,adequateworkforcehousing,foodinsecurity,lackoflivingwagejobsandhomelessyouth.JeffersonCounty–JeffersonCountyisalsopredominantlyrural,andisdividedintoeasternandwesternpartsbyOlympicNationalPark.ThelargestcityisPortTownsend.JeffersonCountynonprofitleadersperceivestrengthsinthenonprofitcommunity:goodconnectivityamongnonprofitorganizations,easeinfindingvolunteers,andaveryinvolvedandwillingcommunity.Onepersoncommented,“Weareapproachingourissuesdiligently.”Theyalsoreportagreyingdonorandvolunteercommunity,andconcernsaboutaginginplace,homelessness,broadbandaccess,ashortageofhealthcareprovidersandconcernabouttheroleofcivilsociety.GraysHarborCounty–GraysHarborCountyisontheSouthernOlympicPeninsula,andincludestheAberdeen/Hoquiamareaandanumberofsmallercommunities.GraysHarborisaresilient,tightcommunity,andeveryonesupportsoneanotherwhenitcomestononprofitcommunity.HomelessnessisavisiblechallengeinAberdeen/Hoquiam.Theareaisexperiencinganeconomicupswingasexistingmillsandhospitalsarecomplementedbythearrivalofnewcompanies.

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ClarkCounty–ClarkCountyincludesthegreaterVancouverareaaswellasanumberofmoreruraloutlyingcommunities.TheyhaveauniquesituationbeingsoclosetoPortland,Oregon.NonprofitleadersreportedthatmostmediaareOregon-focused,andmanynonprofitsserveconstituentsinbothstates.VancouverattractsmanyresidentswhoworkinPortland,andisperceivedasahavenfortaxevadersbecauseWashingtonStatehasnoincometax.ItismoredifficulttomaintaincertainservicessuchasavibrantartscommunityassomepeopleareaccustomedtotravelingtoPortlandratherthanpatronizinglocalvenues.However,asonepersoncommented,“We’reacommunityonthecuspofchange.Portlandhasbecomesocrowdedthatlocalpeoplearelookingforentertainmentandartsopportunitiesclosertohome.”Communitycollaborationwithinthenonprofitsectorisstrongwithmanyinnovativeprojectsunderway.Onepersonstated,“Wecometogethertosolvecomplexissues.”Themajorchallengeparticipantshighlightedisacrisisaroundaffordablehousingandhomelessness.Rentshaveincreaseddramaticallyinrecentyears.ClarkCountyhasgrowingracialandethnicdiversity,andthenonprofitcommunityisincreasinglytalkingaboutandaddressingequityconcerns.FeelingisolatedseemstobeapartofClarkCounty’snarrative.Asonepersonputit,“Wehereinthe‘islandofClarkCounty’haveachiponourshoulder.Thatweareforgottenisingrainedinourculture.”ThurstonCounty–ThurstonCountyishometoourstatecapitol,Olympia.Localnonprofitleadersreportastrongnonprofitcommunity,agreatlocation,ahighconcentrationofnonprofitsandahighconcentrationofstategovernmentworkers.Onesurveyrespondentcommentedthatthediversityofsectorshousedhere(legislative,stateworkers,students,nonprofits)isastrength.ThereisanunusualfundingcollaborationhappeninginThurstonCountybetweenthecounty,threecities,andUnitedWaytopoolfunding(includingCommunityDevelopmentBlockGrants)andreducegrantpaperworkfornonprofits.Challengesincludethelackofaffordablehousing,increasingpovertyandhomelessness.Recognitionofdiversityandlessoverallwealthwerealsomentioned.Onepersonobserved,“Olympia-basednonprofitsareforcedtostepupforadvocacy.Olympia-basedstaffareverybusyduringthelegislativesession.”Thisexpectationtoleadontheadvocacyfrontbasedonproximityisnotaccompaniedbyadditionalresources.PierceCounty–PierceCountyincludesboththeurbanTacomametroareaandtheruralMt.Rainierfoothills.OneparticipantdescribedPierceCountyas“afriendlyplacefullofauthenticpeoplemakinggoodthingshappen.”PierceCountynonprofitleadersreportthathavingfewerresourcesthanKingCountyforcesthemtoworktogether,andcollaborationisveryhigh.Theyfeelfreetoinnovate,whiletheybelievethat“peopleinKingCountyareunderpressuretodothingsacertainway.”TheartsareverystronginTacomaaswell.PierceCountyhasalotofcorporationsthathaveleftorareleaving,affectingtheeconomy.TheyalsohaveaninfluxofworkerswhoworkatmajortechfirmsinKingCountybuthavechosentoliveinPierceCounty.AlthoughthesemajorcorporationshaveasignificantnumberofemployeesinPierceCounty,theydon’tfundthecommunityatthesamelevelasSeattle.Inaddition,thisisdrivingincreasedrentsandtraffic.ThepresenceofJointBaseLewisMcChordalsoinfluencesthecommunity(includingmanymilitaryfamiliesseekinghealthandhumanservicesoff-base)andtherearealargernumberofveteransinPierceCountythanmanyothercommunities.Leadershereareinterestedinimprovingrelationswithlocalgovernmentandincreasingpublicofficials’understandingoftherealitiesofnonprofitserviceproviders.Theyalsoacknowledgethe

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importanceofaddressingdiversity,equity,andinclusionissuesheadon,andexpressedthataone-offtrainingworkshopisnotenough.KingCounty–KingCountyisalargelyurban/suburbancountythatincludesmuchoftheSeattlemetroarea.However,thecountyincludesVashonIslandalsoextendseastandbecomesmorerural.WevisitedSeattleandRentonontheListeningTour.Seattleparticipantsreportedanumberofstrengthsandchallenges.Strengthsincludelike-mindedcommunitiesororganizations,theexistenceofothercapacitybuildingorganizationslike501Commons,diversedemographicsanddensity(listedasastrengthandaweakness).Challengesincludehighrealestatecosts,commutingandtrafficproblems,competingagenciesvyingforresources,stricteremploymentregulationsandhigherminimumwage(inSeattle),insufficientsupportfromthecorporatesector,highhousingcostsforemployeesanddifficultyofrecruitingAmericorpsmembersgiventhehighcostofliving.Onesurveyrespondentcommented,“Thereisalotofcompetitioninthisareaforfunding.It'sadenseareawithmanyneeds,manygoodresourcesandnotalotoftimetocollaborate.”Anotherleaderinterviewedcommented,“WehaveauniqueopportunitywiththeconcentrationofnonprofitsinKingCounty.Wearelackingcollaboration,trustingrelationships,high-touch.Weneedtocreatetherightcontextforcollaboration,e.g.cohortswithconfidentiality.”Ofcourse,thecommunityislargeanddiverse,andperceptionsabouthowcollaborativetheenvironmentisvaryconsiderably.

KingCountyhasasignificantnumberofvocalandvisibleorganizationsledbypeopleofcolorandothermarginalizedcommunities.ThereisalsoagooddealofdiscussionofandactionforDiversity,Equity,andInclusion(DEI).

RentonleadersdescribedRentonasacommunityofgivingthatisexperiencingmanychallengesassociatedwithrapidgrowthandchange.Challengesincludealocalcommunitythatispolarizedpolitically,aculturallydiverseareawhichleadstochallengeswithcommunicationandgettingparticipationincommunityevents,growththathaspresentedidentitychallenges,unclearcommunicationavenues,andnewcomerstothecommunitywhoaren’tasinvestedbutareaskingforservices.AsurveyrespondentfromVashonIslandcommentedthattheVashonIslandcommunityboastsaprogressiveattitude,goodcommunicationandastrongworkethic.Vashon’schallengesincludelackofaccessandeconomicpower.ArespondentfromEastKingCountycommentedthattheyhavedistinctiveissuesbutarealwaysgroupedinwiththeWestside.

SnohomishCounty–Snohomishhasadiversegroupofrural,suburbanandurbancommunities,includinganumberofindependenttownswithstrongprideandtraditions.“Youhavetoshowuptobeapartofthosecommunities.”Affordablehousingisachallenge.Marysvilleisarapidlygrowingcommunity.Challengesincludeanopioidepidemic,increasingseniorpopulationincludingmanylow-incomeseniors,mentalhealthandhomelessness.Diversity,EquityandInclusion(DEI)isemergingasanimportantconversation.IslandCounty–IslandCountyencompassesWhidbeyandCamanoIslands.OurListeningToureventtookplaceinFreeland,onthesouthendofWhidbeyIsland,butwasattendedbypeoplefrombothendsofWhidbeyIslandaswellasMt.Vernon.Theislandisprimarilyruralwithadifferentcharactertothenorthandsouthendoftheisland,withtheOakHarborareainfluencedbythepresenceofNavalAirStationWhidbeyIsland.Therecanbesomedividesbetweenthesouth,centralandnorthpartsof

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theisland.Currently,thereisnotaregularopportunityfornonprofitleaderstonetworkandbuildcommunity,butthefledglingWhidbeyCommunityFoundationhopestohelpwiththis.Nonprofitleadersreportagenerous,innovativeandamazingcommunity,butalsoonethatissufferingfromempathyfatigue,toomanycompetingnonprofitsandalimitedvolunteerbase.Localbusinessesareaskedoftentosupportnonprofitevents.Communitychallengesincludetransportationissues,scarcesocialservices,andthefactthat62%ofworkersgoofftheislandfortheirjobs.Thecostoflivingandhousingmakeitdifficulttoattractgoodemployees.ManywealthypeopleownsecondhomesonWhidbeyIsland,butsomearenotengagedingivingandvolunteeringontheisland.Atthesametime,nonprofitleadersreportthatthereisagrowingretiredpopulationwhichincludesbothpeopleinneedofsupportandmanyhighlyqualifiedretiredvolunteers.Onepersonalsoreportedthatyoungfamiliesaremovingback.WhatcomCounty–BellinghamisthelargestcityinthispredominantlyruralcountyontheCanadianborder.Localnonprofitleadersreportaveryvibrantcommunitywithstrongsupportandamazingcollaboration,mutualrespectandsharingamongnonprofits.Therearestrongnonprofitcollaborationsthatfocusonissues,notorganizations,aswellasastrongandinvesteddonorandvolunteernetwork.WhatcomCountyhasanumberofstrongenvironmentalorganizations.Co-locationofseveralfundersintheWhatcomCenterforPhilanthropyisastrength.Havingalargeuniversitythattrainsfuturenonprofitleadersandprovidesasteadystreamofinternsandvolunteersisamajorstrengthaswell.Acommunitychallengeisasignificantnumberof“asset-limited,income-constrained,employed(ALICE)”peopleinWhatcomCounty.Thisisagrowinggroupof“in-between”low-incomeworkingpeopleandfamiliesthatdon’tqualifyforservices,butcan’taffordtolivehere.Itwasacknowledgedthatthecostoflivingisabigchallengefornonprofitemployeesaswell.AdditionalchallengesarechangestohealthcareandMedicaidandacountythatismedicallyunderserved.Lackofchildcareoptionswasalsocalledoutbyseveralpeople.Fornonprofitsspecifically,challengesincludethelackofaffordableofficespace,toomanynonprofitsdoingsimilarworkanddifficultyattractingandretainingstaff.KittitasCounty–KittitasCounty,locatedinCentralWashington,isarural,agriculturalcountyincludingthecitiesofEllensburgandCleElum.OurListeningToureventalsoservedasthelaunchoftheKittitasCountyNonprofitGroup,andhadover60peopleinattendance.Communitystrengthsincludecommunitysupport,passionforcommunity,andavariedandincreasinglydiversepopulation.Challengesincludefiniteresourcesandlimitedpoolofpeopleandmoney(includingashortageofworkers),homelessnessandlackofaffordablehousing,lackoflivingwagejobs,transportation,racism,limitedLGBTsafespaces,lackofchildcare(especiallyinuppercounty)andresourcesforendoflife,povertyandyouthatrisk.Onepersoncommented,“Thenonprofitsinourcommunityneedtolearnhowtoworktogetherandshareresourcesaswellaseducatethecommunityonwhatnonprofitsdolocally.”Yakima–YakimaCountyisalargeanddiversecountythatcontainstheCityofYakimaandanumberofothercommunitiesspreadthroughouttheYakimaValley.OurListeningTourstopwasintheCityofYakima,whichmeanswestillneedtooutreachtotheMidandLowerValleycommunitiesinthefuture,recognizingthatthereareconsiderabledifferences.YakimaCountyisamajorityminoritycommunity

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with55%peopleofcolor.Yakimaisfairlysegregated,withLatinosEastof16thAvenue.Severalpeoplementionedan“usvs.them”mentalityplayingoutinthecommunityandevenontheCityCouncil.Yakimaislocatedinanagriculturalareadominatedbyfruitgrowers.Onepersoncommented,“InYakima,agricultureisking.Muchoftheothereconomicactivityissupportingandrelatedindustries.”Agriculturelendssomestabilitytotheeconomy.Thecommunityincludesalargenumberoffarmlaborers,mostlyimmigrantswithlowerincomes.TheYakimaSchoolDistrictis63%Hispanic,andsomecommunitiessuchasMabtonare100%Hispanic.Anotherpersonsaid,“Immigrationisthenumber1issuehere.Itimpactseverything—education,jobs,health,mentalhealth.”Thenonprofitcommunity’sstrengthsincludecollaborationandtheabilitytoadaptquickly,andmanypeopleworkinginnonprofits.Atthesametime,participantsreportedthattherearefewdonorstomeetsignificantneeds,competitionforresources(grants,eventsandcapitalprojects),andlackofinvestmentinnonprofitcapacitybuilding.Participantsreportedthattherearelanguagebarrierstoaccessingservices,andtherearesomenonprofitswherethecultureiscompletelyAnglo.Onepersonsharedthatthereisacohortofestablishedorganizationsandthatthespiritofcollaborationisthere,butmaynotleadtosharedfunding.Yakimanonprofitleadersreportanumberofchallengesintheircommunity,includingahighdropoutrate,highrateofyouthpregnancyandSTDs,youthviolence,drugaddiction,homelessness—allleadingtolowexpectationsforyouth,especiallyyouthofcolor—aswellashealthcarechangesandashortageofprovidersandhighcostsofassistedlivingandnursinghomes.Oneintervieweecommented,“Yakimasuffersfromdeeppovertyandadeep-seatedhopelessnessandlackofself-esteem.Wecompensatewithendlessboosterism.”Anotherstatedthat“Yakimaisstillperceivedasfacingstruggles—apressurecooker—butontherise.”Broadbandinternetaccesswasmentionedasachallenge,particularlyinYakima’sLowerValley.GrantCounty–GrantCountyisruralandagricultural.Ephrataisthecountyseat,andinadditiontofarming,manyworkingovernmentjobssuchastheBureauofLandReclamation.ThecitiesofMosesLakeandQuincyaremajorityLatino,whileSoapLakehasasignificantUkrainianpopulation(75%ofschoolchildrenareUkrainian).Arecentcommunitytrendisnewagriculture-basednonprofitstosupportfarming,particularlyorganicfarming.WallaWallaCounty–WallaWallahasahighratioofnonprofits,goodphilanthropicinfrastructureandahistoryofgenerosity.Recently,therehasbeenanincreaseincommunityspirit,increasedattendanceatCityCouncilmeetings,andawiderrangeofpeoplerunningforelectedoffice,includingwomenandpeopleofcolor.Theareahasa40%Latinoschoolpopulationand50%povertyrate.ThenewTeenCenterwasdevelopedcollaborativelyandisapointofprideforthecommunity.Internetconnectivityisachallengeintheruralpartsofthestate.WhitmanCountybordersOregonandmanycommunityconnectionsandeffortscrossthestateborder.SpokaneCounty–SpokaneisamajorcityinEasternWashington,andthehubofSpokaneCountyandtheInlandNorthwestregion.Healthcareisthebiggestsectoroftheeconomy,andWhitworthandGonzagauniversitiesaremajoremployersaswell.ListeningTourparticipantscalledoutseveral

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strengths:sharingemergingresourcesbetweennonprofits,andagreatnonprofitresourceintheSpokanePublicLibrary.ItwasnotedthatSpokanehashadaflateconomy,experiencingneitherrapidgrowthnordecline.Challengesincluderacialissues,limitedhousing,politicalpolarization,andservingruralcommunities.Fundraisingischallenging,therearefewmajorcorporationstoprovidephilanthropicsupport,andnonprofitsarereluctanttoadvocateforhighersalaries.Fieldingnonprofitboardsisachallenge.Onepersonindicatedaneedforincreasednonprofitcollaborationandconsolidation.Severalfundersareworkingtowardasinglereportingmechanismformultiplefundersusingresults-basedaccountability.

NonprofitleadersattheSpokaneNonprofitNetworkMeetingonSept.11,2017.

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AdvocacyPrioritiesAspartoftheListeningTourmeetingsandatotherpubliceventssuchastheInlandNorthwestConferencefortheGreaterGood,weinvitedpeopletovoteusingstickerdotstoindicatetheiradvocacyprioritiesfromaconsistentlistofissues.1082dotswereplaced,representingparticipationfromapproximately350membersofthenonprofitcommunity(eachpersonreceivedthreedots).Thechartbelowshowstheissuesandthenumberofdotvotesreceived.

148

104

99

87

87

82

70

58

51

51

48

32

29

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0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160

Educatingthegeneralpublicaboutthevalue/impactofnonprofits

Preservingorexpandingthecharitabletaxdeduction(federal)

ProtectingtheJohnsonAmendment(nonprofitnon-partisanship)

Healthcarereform(impactonnonprofits)

Protectingnonprofitsfromtaxationand/orexpandingtaxexemption

Advocacywithprivatefoundations(generaloperatinggrants,spendingpriorities,etc.)

Statebudget/spending(includingthecapitalbudget)

Changingtherulesgoverningfundraisingevents(liquorsalesandraffles)

Voterengagementandregistration

Minimumwage

Federalbudget/spending

2020Census

ModernizingtheNonprofitCoporationAct(statutegoverningnonprofitsinWA)

Staterevenue/taxes(incometax,capitalgains,sales,property,etc.)

PrioritizationofAdvocacyIssuesbyListeningTourParticipants- Fall2017

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Thislistoftopicswassetatthebeginningofthefallandkeptconsistent.Votingpatternschangedsomewhatoverthecourseofthefall.Forexample,thecharitabletaxdeductionreceivedveryfewvotesinSeptember,butbyNovemberitwasclearhowimportantthisissuehadbecomeforoursectorduringthedevelopmentofthefederaltaxreformbill,andmorepeopleplacedtheirdotsonthisissue.ThisunderscoreshowdynamictheadvocacyarenareallyisandtheneedforWashingtonNonprofitstobeflexibleandresponsiveinouradvocacyefforts.Inaddition,weinvitedindividualstoaddnewissuestoourlist.Thefollowingisalistofadditionalcommentsmadebyparticipants.Thelistisactuallyacombinationofsuggestedstrategiesandissues,soI’veorganizedthemthatway,andgroupedsomerelatedideas.Additionaladvocacyissues• Immigration/DACA(mentionedanumberoftimes)• Compensationandbenefits

o Increasingcapacityofnonprofitstopaystafffairwageso Healthcarebenefitsfornonprofitemployees(mentionedseveraltimes)o Increasingstate/federalgrantstoincludecompetitionwagesforemployees

• Equityo Supportingleadersofcolortoenterandgrowinthenonprofitsectoro Racialequitylensrequirement

• Localgovernmentrelationso Countysupporttononprofitso Localgovernmentadvocacy

• Volunteerismo Elevatingthestrategicroleofvolunteersinachievingcommunityimpacto Fundingforvolunteercenters

• Regulationsandtaxationo Simplifystatereportingregistrationcharitynonprofittrusto Reformcharitablesolicitationsroleso Excisetax-definitionoffundraisingo Paidtimeoffregulationso 501(c)(3)designationo Postageratesfornonprofitso Fixnonprofittaxruleso Taxesonconstructionforcapitalprojectso Statenonprofits/Federalnonprofits

• Philanthropy

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o Unrestrictedfundingo PhilanthropymoneytoPeopleofColor/Nativecommunitieso Donoradvisedfunds(impactonphilanthropy)

• Field-specificissueso Alternativeeducationvenues(museum,play,etc.)o Homelessness/unemployedo Aginginplaceinruralareaso PrioritizationofK-12educationtodetrimentofhighereducation(McCleary)o CoordinatewithWSHFConadvocacyre:tax-exemptfinancingonfederallevelo Appropriatefundingmechanismsforaffordablehousing

AdvocacyStrategies• Voiceandexperienceofnonprofitsinlocalissues• Needalobbyist• Conveningbyfieldofserviceforadvocacy• Supportfor/bestpracticeinadvocacywithcountyandcitygovernments• Op-edre:valueofnonprofitsTherewereanumberofothercommentsaboutadvocacy,particularlyinone-on-oneinterviewswheretherewasanopportunitytogodeeper.• Manypeopleexpresseddeepconcernsaboutvariousfederalpolicychangesand

expressedadesiretoknowmoreabouthowtheycouldinfluencefederalpolicy,includingexecutiveorders.

• AnumberofleaderssuggestedthatWashingtonNonprofitscouldplayaroleinconnectionandcoordinationofadvocatesacrossagendasandbuildinganadvocacynetwork.

• Givevoicetothenonprofitsector• Domoretoconnectwithgovernmentandtheprivatesector.Getaseatatthetableand

influence.• Challengeorganizationstogetoutoftheirsilosandbridgesectors.Smallorganizations

areinsurvivalmode,buttheyneedto“pickthemselvesupabovethebushes.”• “I’mconcernedthatgovernmentalpeoplewhoareelectedareleadingdownapathof

payingattentiontothebigboys.Nonprofitsareexpectedtopickuptheslack.Weneedtowakeupdecisionmakers.”

• “Advocateforanincometax,sowehavemorefunding—thatwouldbetransformative!”• “Weneedmorerespect,morefunding,moreinvitationstothetable,moreopportunities

toeducate.”• “Manyorganizationsaregoingtothelegislatureringingtheirownbell.Differenttones

arenotaseffectiveasaunifiedvoice.Housingadvocatesareanexampleofdifferentgroupscomingtogethertogetattention.”

• BesensitivetothedominanceoftheSeattle-centric/UW-centricperspective.• “Weneedtoactivateboardmembers.Thelegislaturewilllistentothem,becauseitisn’t

theirlivelihood—theyarevolunteers.It’salsopowerfultohearfromclients.”• “Weneedtomakemorenoiseaboutwhatwearedoing.Thereisatendencytokeepour

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headsdownandnotrocktheboat.”• “Thefearofbreakingrulesisstrong.NPOsthatreceivegovernmentfundsknowthatthey

can’tlobbywithgovernmentfunds.Weneedtocommunicatethatitiseasytostaylegalandparticipateinthepolicymakingprocess.”

• Thenonprofitsectorneedstocomeacrossascredible.CLASPandtheNationalHumanServicesAssemblyhavedonesomegoodworkonmessaging.CheckwithSeattleHumanServicesCoalitionaswell.

• “We’dliketoseeaconsistentcurriculumtobuildcapacityforadvocacy(transportable,includethebasics,providebaselineeducation).Itneedstousetherightlanguage:movethenonprofitsectorfromvictimstancetoassetmentality.Don’tbeembarrassedaboutourworkorstatus.”

• PartnerwithPhilanthropyNWtoworkonthe2020Census.Ifmorepeoplearecounted,morefederalfundingmayflowtononprofitsinourarea.

• Supportadvocacyatthecityandcountylevels.Helpcitydepartmentsunderstandnonprofitsbetter.

• Changegamblingandliquorrules—theseregulationsarenotbasedonagoodunderstandingofhownonprofitsworkandraisemoney.

• Makeitsimpletointeractwiththestate(licensing,reporting)• Provideaforumtodiscussresponsetochangesatthefederallevellikechangestothe

charitabletaxdeductionand(ifithappens)repealoftheJohnsonAmendment• “Weareallinthebusinessofcollectingdata.Whatarewelearning?Howaredoingat

stewardingdataandmaintainingprivacy/confidentialityforourclients?Canwedevelopsamplepoliciesandpracticestoshare?Foundationswantmetrics.Wouldliketraininginbestpracticesfordatacollectiontoprotectclientsandsatisfyfunders.Wewouldliketodevelopcommonmethodsforcollectingdata,e.g.age,gender,race,etc.”

• OneintervieweesharedthatnonprofitshadtodoalotofadvocacyafewyearsbackinWhatcomCountywhenthecountycharterwasunderreview,whichtakesplaceeverytenyears.Therewasaproposaltoblockthecountyfromcontractingwithnonprofits,andittookalotoftimeanenergytodefeatthatproposal.WashingtonNonprofitscanplayaroleinensuringthatlessonslearnedfromacampaignlikethisareshared.

• “Olympiaseemsfarfromhere.Thanksforkeepingmeinformed.”• Communicatewhyadvocacyisvaluable,teachsmallgroupshowtodoit.Takethe“Did

youknow?”approach.• Thereisanopportunityforruralengagementinlegislativeadvocacy.Ruralcommunities

arestrugglingandweneedtofigureouthowtoorganizethem.Forexample,roadrules(paving,ADA,bikelanes)seemreasonable,buttheymakeroadconstructionprohibitiveinsmalltowns.Economicdevelopmentamajorissue.Weneedtopreservenonprofits’abilitytotakecareofpeopleinruralareasandtheirabilitytoattractresources.

• TheDOLovertimeruleschangeslastyear(whichultimatelywherenotenacted),wereamajorissuethataffectedeveryone’sbottomline.

• Buildallianceswithchamberstomoveadvocacyforward.Findcommongroundwithsmallbusinesses.

• Afewyearsago,theIRSmadesomechangesthatknockedsomeinactivenonprofitsofftherolls.Howdidthisaffecttheoverallnumberofnonprofits?ItwouldbeinterestingtolookattheMasterIRScharitiesfilefortrends.

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• Withtheadvocacyalerts,includeinformationaboutthelimitationsandrules.Limitthenumberofalerts.Itcanheightenfears,andwehavelimitedspacetoworkon“secondary”issues.

GovernmentContractingReformContractingreformwasamuch-discussedissueaswell.LeadersinPierceCountyhadadetaileddiscussionaboutgovernmentcontractingandsomeoftheimprovementsthatcouldbemadebycoordinatingthedifferingexpectationsofdifferentgovernmententities(city,county,state),eliminatinginconsistenttreatmentandspecialdeals,andcapacityissuesthatpreventnonprofitsfromapplyingforgovernmentfunding.Lookatfunding,butalsoatstateagencystaffknowledgeandattitudes—customerserviceandcomplianceissues.Thesecommentswereechoedbyothersaswell.Asonepersoncommented,“Thefedsaredinosaurs.Wehavetogetapprovalforminorbudgetdeviations.”Headded,“Federalandstatecontractshavedifferenttiming.Thecostreimbursementmodelisverychallenging.Wehavetoworkwithalineitembudget,butwewouldpreferaperchildcostreimbursement.Wehavetozerooutthefundseveryyearasnocarryoverisallowed.Theyshouldtreatusasabusiness,andnotpenalizeusforefficiency.Theyshouldalsoeliminatethefederalmatchrequirement—wedon’tneedtobewatchedinthis.”Oneleaderobservedthatcontractingreformmayfaceunionopposition.Anothermadethegeneralcommentthat,“InourworldofCSBGfunding,therearelotsofstringsattachedthatkeepusintheofficeshufflingpapersratherthanouthelpingpeople.Theywantlotsofoutputorienteddata.Weneedhigheradministrativerates.”Oneexampleofanadvocacyeffortalreadyunderwayinthisareaistheeffortbyanti-hungeractivistsincludingNorthwestHarvesttocoordinatethecontractingprocessandrulesforafter-schoolandsummermealprograms.Currently,althoughbothprogramsaregenerallyprovidedbythesameorganizations,theapplicationandreportingproceduresarecompletelydifferent,increasingtheadministrativeburdenconsiderably.Inaddition,someonementionedthatunifiedfundingapplications(City,CountyandState)arehappeninginthehousingarena,andthatthissuccesscouldbereplicatedinotherfieldsofservice.

ConclusionThereissometemptationtorespondtospecificcommentscontainedinthisreportorrefuteafewmisconceptions.Ratherthandosointhisreport,webelieveouractionsspeaklouderthanwords,sowewillredoubleoureffortstoaddressconcernsraisedhere.ThisfeedbackisverymuchappreciatedbytheleadershipofWashingtonNonprofits,andwewillcontinuelearninginordertoservethenonprofitsofWashingtonStatetothebestofourability.Thankyoutoallwhoprovidedyourthoughtsandideas!

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AppendixA–ListofIndividualInterviewsThankstotheseleaderswhotookthetimetomeetindividuallywithLaurathisfalltoprovideinput,aswellasalltheattendeesatourListeningTourevents,whicharetoonumeroustolist.

KiranAhuja,PhilanthropyNorthwestLauraArmstrong,LaCasaHogarDianaAvalosLeos,ClarkCountyLatinoYouthLeadershipPeterBlochGarcia,LatinoCommunityFundSarahBrooks,MethowConservancySiobhanCantyandDebbiSteele,JeffersonCommunityFoundationJessicaCase,MedinaFoundationNeiriCarrusco,UnitedWayofCentralWashingtonMikeCohen,BellinghamFoodBankJimCooper,UnitedWaysofthePacificNorthwestSuzyDiaz,HeritageUniversityEliseDeGooyer,FaithActionNetworkDanielleGarbe,SherwoodTrustIsabelGarcia,YakimaHabitatforHumanityBruceGray,NorthwestRegionalPrimaryCareAssociationLizHeath,PrivateConsultantNalaniLinder,DegreesofChangeTracyKahlo,PAVEJeanneKojis,NNSWWPhoebeKruger,ColumbiaBankandNNSWWboardmemberLeslieLauren,OlympicViewCommunityFoundationKarriMatau,CommunityFoundationofSnohomishCountyLindaMoore,LindsayBoswell,JessicaHouseman-Whitehawk,YakimaValleyCommunityFoundationMerrittMount,WashingtonCommunityActionPartnershipRachelMyers,WhatcomCommunityFoundationBobNess,ConsultantBrianNewberry,LeadershipSpokaneShellyO’QuinnandMollySanchez,InlandNorthwestCommunityFoundationGilbertPlascencia,AlegriaEricPotts,GraysHarborCommunityFoundationCraigPridemore,ColumbiaRiverMentalHealthServicesSallyPritchardandTimHenkel,SpokaneCountyUnitedWayWaynePurrett,EOCFSusanScheib,ColumbiaBasinFoundationNormaSchuiteman,CommunityFoundationofSouthPugetSoundSueSharpe,ChuckanutHealthFoundationAndySilver,CouncilfortheHomelessAndrewSundandDanaEliason,HeritageUniversityJosephineTamayo-Murray,CatholicCommunityServicesofWesternWashingtonPeterThiessen,UnitedWayofWhatcomCountyAnandaValenzuela,RainierValleyCorpsKristinWestFisher,ArcoraFoundationChristinaWong,NorthwestHarvest