YOLO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Yolo Community Foundation is excited to announce that applications are now open for Yolo Nonprofit Excellence in Operations Navigator (NEON).

This free, six-month, cohort-based program is designed to help Yolo County nonprofits build stronger internal foundations to deliver long-term community impact.

Launched by the Yolo Community Foundation, Yolo Nonprofit Excellence in Operations Navigator is a capacity-building initiative designed to strengthen nonprofit operations from the inside out. Through expert-led cohort training, individualized support and peer learning, Yolo Nonprofit Excellence in Operations Navigator equips local nonprofits with the tools to streamline operations, reduce risk and increase efficiency. Funded by Yolo County, the program supports long-term sustainability and greater community impact.

Yolo Nonprofit Excellence in Operations Navigator was created based on feedback from local nonprofits who said what they needed most was practical, accessible and actionable guidance on how to strengthen the back-office operations to keep their mission-driven organizations running smoothly.

“Yolo NEON is about investing in nonprofit infrastructure so leaders can focus on what they do best, serving the people of Yolo County,” said Jessica Hubbard, executive director of the Yolo Community Foundation. “Strong operations are the foundation of long-term impact and community trust.”

Yolo Nonprofit Excellence in Operations Navigator offers hands-on, expert-led sessions, where nonprofit leaders learn from subject matter experts in the areas of finance and accounting, information technology, human resources and compliance. Each session includes interactive training, follow-up office hours with experts and time set aside for participants to apply what they’ve learned with support from internal staff and board members.

Beyond the in-person sessions, participants also gain access to a curated resource library that includes templates, sample policies, checklists and tools to improve internal systems. Equally important, participants can collaborate with peer organizations to problem-solve and share best practices.

"The Yolo NEON pilot program was an incredibly helpful experience for our organization. It not only helped us identify areas of risk but also provided clear strategies to mitigate them. The sample documents and tools shared through the program have been instrumental in strengthening our internal processes and safeguarding our work. We were honored and humbled to be a part of such a thoughtful and empowering initiative," said Rise Executive Director Laura Guevara.

Yolo Nonprofit Excellence in Operations Navigator is open to all nonprofits serving Yolo County, regardless of size, staffing or mission. Organizations will be considered if they are confident in their ability to fully participate in all aspects of the program.  The application window is open until July 11. The program kicks off on Aug. 28 and concludes in February 2026.  Applicants will be evaluated on organizational need and readiness, leadership and board engagement, as well as the potential to implement meaningful organizational improvement. To learn more or review the application, visit the Yolo NEON Program Hub webpage at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/7fO7kGq/Yoloneonprogramhub.

Excited to join the learning but need more flexibility? The Yolo Community Foundation is offering stand-alone training through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NPLA) from August 2025 through March 2026. Nonprofit Leadership Alliance is the Yolo Community Foundation’s capacity building and community building event series for local nonprofits. These sessions are open to all Yolo County nonprofits and will cover essential topics such as board governance, budget storytelling, and project management, in addition to the three primary Yolo Nonprofit Excellence in Operations Navigator cohort training topics. These flexible courses are designed to deepen subject-area knowledge and ensure your organization is well-positioned for sustainable growth and reduces operational risk. Keep an eye on your inbox for registration details.

The Yolo Community Foundation inspires and supports giving and provides philanthropic leadership in Yolo County. The organization offers donor-advised funds and other philanthropic vehicles, donates to local nonprofits, runs nonprofit training programs, and supports local giving. The Yolo Community Foundation currently has more than 100 philanthropic funds valued at more than $14 million and is an affiliate of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation.

Visit www.yolocf.org to learn more.