Gather & Grow with Joe Simitian

Strengthening Connections Between Nonprofits and Government

This fall, PACF launched its inaugural Gather & Grow event, a reimagined learning and networking series designed to bring local nonprofits together to share ideas, build relationships, and strengthen their collective capacity. The program continues PACF’s long-standing tradition of fall educational Brown Bag Lunches. The new name reflects both our purpose and our aspiration to help grantees gather and grow together while expanding our footprint and impact as a funder and community convener.

Too often, funders ask their partners to collaborate. This time, PACF led by example. We were proud to bring together Sobrato Philanthropies and Sand Hill Foundation, two local philanthropic leaders, to jointly engage their nonprofit partners in this shared learning experience. This collaboration expanded our collective reach and created opportunities for new connections between nonprofits.

We were honored to host the Honorable Joe Simitian at our Gather and Grow event whose distinguished career includes service as County Supervisor, State Senator, Assembly Member, Mayor of Palo Alto, and School Board President. In an engaging and interactive conversation, Joe shared his 13 Tips for Successful Advocacy, offering practical and accessible tools to help nonprofits strengthen their voice and relationships with public leaders including:

• •       Build relationships before you need them. Reach out early, even for a brief conversation.
  •       Bring solutions, not problems. Frame your issues in ways that help policymakers act.
  •       Understand what motivates your audience. Clarify why your cause matters to them.
  •       Be persistent and gracious. Advocacy is a process, not a single event.
  •       Always remember the power of a simple thank you.

Over 150 nonprofit leaders joined us over lunch for networking, learning, and community building. The energy in the room was palpable and reflected what makes our local nonprofit sector so vibrant—mutual support, generosity of spirit, and a shared commitment to strengthening our communities.

We extend heartfelt thanks to Joe Simitian for sharing his wisdom and deep expertise, and to Sobrato Philanthropies and Sand Hill Foundation for joining PACF in this inaugural event.