The California Nonprofits of the Year program helps increase awareness about the critical role nonprofits play in our communities. Photo courtesy of California Association of Nonprofits

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - In recognition of California Nonprofits Day on May 21st, the California Association of Nonprofits announced on May 20 the 2025 California Nonprofits of the Year. These organizations were each selected by a state senator or assemblymember to be honored for the difference they are making in their communities. From food banks and youth programs to arts collectives and veteran support, this year’s honorees reflect the depth, diversity and impact of California’s nonprofit sector.

“Whether they are inspiring us through the arts, working to empower vulnerable communities, serving our veterans, or simply offering a meal to someone in need, nonprofit organizations are the heart and soul of our communities,” said Geoff Green, chief executive officer of Cal Nonprofits. “In the face of the federal government’s recent attempts to de-fund and weaken our sector, we celebrate the fact that California’s elected leaders from across the political spectrum honor the role nonprofits play in all our lives.”

Nonprofit organizations throughout California were each selected by a state senator or assemblymember to be honored for the difference they are making in their communities. Photo courtesy of California Association of Nonprofits

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the California Nonprofit of the Year program, which has now honored a total of 1,009 nonprofit organizations across California. The selected nonprofits were recognized at a luncheon on the Capitol Mall at the state Capitol on May 21 which has been officially proclaimed “California Nonprofits Day.”

The nonprofits that were honored in the Sacramento region include Center for Land-Based Learning, nominated by Senator Christopher Cabaldon of District 3 which includes the counties of Sacramento, Solano and Yolo. Nonprofit Silver Wishes was honored and nominated by Senator Roger Niello of District 6, covering the counties of Sacramento and Placer. Angelique Ashby of District 8, representing the areas of Elk Grove, Florin, Vineyard and Rio Linda/Elverta, nominated the Armstead Academic Project nonprofit organization.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the California Nonprofit of the Year program, which has now honored a total of 1,009 nonprofit organizations across California. Photo courtesy of California Association of Nonprofits

Assemblymember Cecilia M. Aguiar-Curry of District 4, which covers the counties of Colusa, Yolo and Sonoma, honored the nonprofit organization Empower Yolo. The Placer Justice Foundation was nominated by Assemblymember Joe Patterson of District 5 covering El Dorado and Placer County.

Representing the Sacramento County, which includes the areas of Arden-Arcade, Carmichael and Rio Linda/Elverta, Assemblymember Maggy Krell of District 6 nominated Saint John’s Program for Real Change. Assemblymember Josh Hoover of District 7, representing Fair Oaks, Gold River, Carmichael and Orangevale, nominated nonprofit organization Althea Canines. The Elk Grove Food Bank Services was honored by District 10 Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, who represents Elk Grove, Florin and south Sacramento County.

Healthy Valley Foundation was among the more than 100 nonprofit organizations honored for the work they do within their respective communities. Photo courtesy of California Association of Nonprofits

More than a one-day celebration, the event helps to increase awareness about the critical role nonprofits play in our communities. When legislators recognize the nonprofits in their districts, they gain a deeper understanding of community needs and build relationships with the individuals working to address those needs.

“These organizations are on the front lines,” said Assemblymember Gregg Hart, chair of the Assembly Select Committee on the nonprofit sector. “The California Nonprofits of the Year recognition provides a meaningful opportunity to spotlight the work they do every day.”

“As Chair of the Senate Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector, I have seen the impacts nonprofits make on millions of Californians every year,” said Senator Monique Limón. “As our state navigates the challenges ahead, we must work together to ensure that California nonprofits can continue to serve our communities. It is my honor to recognize this year’s Nonprofit of the Year honorees and thank them for their service to the Golden State.”

California Association of Nonprofits is proud to lift up this amazing community of changemakers and are grateful to the legislators who see, value and stand with the nonprofit sector.