Applications open for Yolo NEON program to strengthen local nonprofits

By: Yolo Community Foundation

Applications Open for Yolo NEON Program to Strengthen Local Nonprofits
Free, expert-led cohort program helps nonprofits build operational excellence

WOODLAND, CA – [June 18, 2025] — The Yolo Community Foundation is excited to announce that applications are now open for Yolo Nonprofit Excellence in Operations Navigator (NEON). This six-month, free-of-charge, 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 NEON (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 NEON 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 NEON, was created based on feedback from our 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 NEON offers hands-on, expert-led sessions, where nonprofit leaders learn from subject matter experts in the areas of finance & 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 have the opportunity to 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 NEON 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.  Application window is open until July 11. The program kicks off on August 28, 2025 and concludes in February of 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.

Excited to join the learning but need more flexibility? The Yolo Community Foundation is offering stand-alone trainings through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NPLA) from August 2025 through March 2026. NPLA is YCF’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 like board governance, budget storytelling, and project management, in addition to the three primary Yolo NEON cohort training topics. These flexible courses are designed to deepen subject-area knowledge and ensure your organization is well-positioned for sustainable growth and reduced operational risk. Keep an eye on your inbox for registration details.

About Yolo NEON
Launched by the Yolo Community Foundation, Yolo NEON (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 NEON 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.

About Yolo Community Foundation
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. YCF currently has more than 100 philanthropic funds valued at over $14 million and is an affiliate of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation. Join us! Visit www.yolocf.org to learn more.