Insights & Resources for San Diego Nonprofit Leaders
In November 2025, we had the honor of partnering with Fund the People to host an evening of critical conversations to help advance Talent Justice within San Diego’s nonprofit workforce. This blog includes insights and resources from nearly 40 participants that we hope will support you and your organizations in caring for your workforce within the current structural realities.
Innovations & Ideas for Staff Care
Working with internal fundraising and development teams to build a strong case to funders that includes staff compensation and benefits
Creating space to acknowledge staff feelings; transparent communication; and listening to the needs of internal staff (learn more tips via our Space to Process article from the Cultures of Wellbeing Blog Series)
Creating time for intentional conversations about wellbeing with staff
Time off swapping (also known as shift swapping) which involves allowing staff to voluntarily exchange their work shifts (or paid time off) with colleagues. This leads to flexibility for personal commitments without the loss of pay or compromising coverage gaps
Experimenting with a 4-Day Work Week, like Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties has recently implemented
Asking your funding partners if they are able to support training and technical support (e.g., contingency planning, grant writing)
Reorganizing the organization's strategic plan for retention rather than growth
Scheduling scenario planning for your entire team (e.g., what do we do if our major government grant disappears?)
Approach fundraising with the intention of sharing dollars with other nonprofits and partners, and asking other local organizations to do the same
Sharing resources (trends, articles, etc.) with the board, across social media, and across sectors to help fill gaps
Planning an emergency support fund for staff
Creating internal committees that are focused on safeguarding the organization
Planning conversations with the board for a wage increase minimum, expanded health care access for staff, discretionary bonuses, and upskilling staff
Bringing other nonprofits together (or general public) to host career transition seminars for those impacted by layoffs
Planning an offsite staff retreat and other opportunities to bring people together to “just be”
Recognizing staff and taking opportunities to celebrate wins
Downloads and Other Resources
Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties Sustained Support Fund
County of San Diego Office of Equity and Racial Justice Equity Impact Grant
Fund the People’s California Impact Report
Fund the People’s Concept Paper: Staff Operating Support (SOS) Grants
Interest Form to stay involved with local Talent Justice efforts in San Diego
The Nonprofit Institute's Pulse Survey for data, alongside its annual State of Nonprofits Report
Prebys Foundation BRIDGE Initiative
San Diego Solidarity Network Emergency Declaration
