Porges Nonprofit Excellence Initiative
Investing in innovative leaders & nonprofits to meet the challenges of our time.
About the Porges Nonprofit Excellence Initiative (PNEI)
The Porges Nonprofit Excellence Initiative is rooted in the values of its namesake: father and son Norm and Evan Porges. Those values include entrepreneurial thinking, curious and expansive leadership, never settling for status quo, and abiding generosity.
Evan and Norm Porges evolved their giving to become more strategic with the establishment of the Porges Family Foundation in 2014 with the administrative support of Stanislaus Community Foundation. In the decade since the founding of the Porges Family Foundation the family has been recognized as philanthropic exemplars, singular in their love for the region and for their support of nonprofit innovation, entrepreneurism, and the arts.
LEADERSHIP & TRANSITION
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A transformative two- month sabbatical program to support nonprofit leaders in their leadership journey. This will serve as an opportunity to refresh and re-energize leaders to better engage within their nonprofit and the community they serve.
Participation is limited to up to three organizations a year.
Awardees will participate in an orientation providing guidance and resources for a well-planned sabbatical.
1:1 organizational coaching to navigate the Nonprofit sabbatical leave.
Pre- and post- assessment survey
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A succession planning program for nonprofit organizations, their executive directors and board of directors to help prepare for the future. Each organization will learn about the essential elements of succession planning, resulting in developing an emergency and departure-defined succession plan.
Specialized training sessions
1:1 executive coaching, specialized consulting on navigating healthy succession planning.
Each organization will learn about the essential elements of succession planning, resulting in developing an emergency and departure-defined succession plan.
Participation is limited to up to four organizations a year.
Pre- and post-assessment survey
NEXT LEVEL LEADERS
*The Next Level Leaders program is not accepting applications in 2026.
Next Level Leaders is a leadership program designed to strengthen nonprofit leaders and their organizations through in-depth group and individual learning opportunities. It was created with emerging and mid-level managers in Stanislaus County in mind.
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Coaching opportunity for emerging nonprofit managers
Managers will participate in professional coach matching assessment
Managers will receive 1:1 Individualized professional coaching sessions
Retreat for program participants
Retreat for up to 10 mid-level managers
Designed to inspire, challenge, and help leaders unlock their greatest leadership potential.
Providing resources, tools, and peer-learning opportunities.
SPECIALIZED TRAINING
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This half-day, Nonprofit Board Capacity Building training is designed for organizational leaders currently serving on a Board of Directors. Topics covered will be Board Governance Basics, Board Roles and Responsibilities, Board Meeting Agendas and Board Meeting Committees. The objective of this training is to:
Equip nonprofit boards with strategic governance skills and best practices to drive organizational success
Nonprofits will gain the skills and strategies they need to lead effectively and ensure long-term sustainability
Empower organizations to maximize impact, strengthen communities, and deliver lasting change
This training will be held in partnership with Youth Leadership Institute on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
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This half-day, instructor-led AI workshop will be designed and tailored for nonprofit professionals in Stanislaus County. The session is designed to meet participants at all skill levels - from AI-curious beginners to those already experimenting with tools - and move them toward confident, practical application in their day-to-day nonprofit work. The objective of this training is to:
Understand the power of artificial intelligence
Offer comprehensive guidance on effective prompting techniques, ethical considerations, and the latest AI developments shaping the sector
Share practical AI tools to enhance efficiency and impact, while understanding critical aspects of data security and responsible use
This training will be held in partnership with AI for Community on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
Registration will open in July 2026.
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Thought this half-day, interactive training session will provide focused fundraising training in specific areas while also offering 3-4 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) through CFRE. This will instruct nonprofit leaders in the art and science of fund development and provide immediate implementation strategies for growth after the training. The objective of this training is to:
Provide training and strategies to strengthen fundraising and build long-term sustainability
Help nonprofits diversify revenue, engage donors, and create sustainable funding models for mission success.
This training will be held in partnership with Let’s Build Hope on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Registration will open in July 2026.
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In 2025, the program's focus was on on Fundraising and Fund Development. Offered in partnership with Let’s Build Hope, the 40-hour fundraising training camp provided participants with hands-on training about development that they were able to put to use right away.