Orange County Grantmakers (OCG) and Orange County Nonprofit Professionals Network (OCNPN) on Nov. 29 finalized a merger that will leverage resources and align strategies to improve equity outcomes throughout the county. OCNPN will become part of OCG effective immediately, joining the regional association of funders working to advance equity for the most impacted communities.
With OCG’s operational support, the volunteer-run organization will be able to strengthen its mission to inspire, connect, and elevate nonprofit professionals through experiential learning opportunities. The merger also represents an opportunity for OCG to create more power-sharing spaces with the nonprofit community, the first of eight equity goals outlined in its current strategic plan.
“This merger brings together two dynamic groups working toward a shared vision: an Orange County where philanthropists and nonprofits work together as partners to achieve equity for our most impacted communities,” says Taryn Palumbo, executive director of Orange County Grantmakers.” We are thrilled to formalize our partnership with the Orange County Nonprofit Professionals Network and look forward to supporting their continued growth and engagement with the Orange County nonprofit community.”
Founded in 2013 as a local chapter of the national Young Nonprofit Professionals Network and rebranded in 2020, OCNPN serves new, emerging, and seasoned nonprofit professionals looking to grow and elevate their careers. Throughout the year, it hosts virtual and in-person networking mixers, speaker panels, and other opportunities that allow its members to experience what it means to be part of an effective social impact organization.
“We are excited about the merger with Orange County Grantmakers to help us bridge the gap between nonprofit professionals and funders, as well as expand networking and learning opportunities,” says Haley Cooper, board chair of OCNPN. “We look forward to creating a place where anyone looking to grow professionally can come and experience what it is like to serve and lead successfully."
Palumbo will oversee high-level administration of both organizations, while the OCNPN board of directors will remain actively involved in creating experiences for nonprofit leaders. With OCG absorbing logistics and planning for each experience, OCNPN will be able to develop new programming and content for events, including partnership happy hours hosted with OneOC, monthly nonprofit meet-ups, and strategic engagement opportunities for OCG members.
To learn more about Orange County Grantmakers, please visit www.ocgrantmakers.org.
About Orange County Grantmakers
Orange County Grantmakers (OCG) advances equity by creating strategic alignment and cultivating transformational relationships and leadership among Orange County philanthropists and nonprofits. Founded in 2006, Orange County Grantmakers has evolved from a small, peer-networking group to a thriving regional leadership association for funders and philanthropists. Through more than 70+ meetings and programs held annually, it brings together nonprofits and philanthropic leaders and provides a space for funders to learn about the issues impacting Orange County. It works to elevate and empower, uplift and advocate in partnership with the people, organizations and causes serving the Orange County community. Learn more at www.ocgrantmakers.org
