Grantee Spotlight
Thrive Alliance
Listening to Nonprofits and Supplying Their Needs
Thrive Alliance is a robust, trusted network of 200+ nonprofit organizations, government entities, foundations, businesses, and community leaders with a shared commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector in San Mateo County—a collective uniting the voices of nonprofits in the region.
Its work spans three main focus areas: capacity building, policy and advocacy, and community resilience work for nonprofits.
What differentiates Thrive is its innate ability to listen to the needs of nonprofits and channel that insight into creating programming and resources that address their immediate needs. Through active listening projects like the Nonprofit Pulse Report 2026, which was published by Thrive Alliance alongside its partner Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits (SVCN), Thrive opens the door for movement and change in the nonprofit sector.
“The advocacy piece is increasingly key," says CEO of Thrive Alliance, Georgia Farooq. “Nonprofits need investment and advocacy at all levels, ensuring that we not only have a seat at the table, but are shaping and even spearheading policy.”
Georgia also points to the concerning results of the Nonprofit Pulse Report, where Thrive and SVCN see a pressing crisis unfolding within our nonprofit sector in the heart of San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. "It’s a landscape filled with dedicated leaders striving to meet the increasing demands for community services. Yet, the reality is stark: 78% of nonprofits are struggling to keep up, and more than 40% are reporting declining financial health."
These statistics are not just numbers; they encapsulate a story of resilience amidst overwhelming pressure. Many nonprofit leaders find themselves consumed by the complexities of changing federal policies, which is keeping 73% of them from focusing on their core mission—serving the community. Each day, the weight of uncertainty feels heavier, pulling them away from what truly matters.
Georgia points to bright spots too - in particular, the sector's increased openness to strategic alliances, shared services, and collaboration. She also highlights opportunities for action, recommended jointly by Thrive and SVCN: "In light of these challenges, we view this data not just as a report but as a call to action for all of us. We need flexible, multi-year funding and stable policy environments. Without these, our ability to focus on delivering essential services is severely compromised. It’s clear that we need to advocate at every level of government, and that’s exactly what we are determined to do."
Thrive Alliance is proud to also lead Thrive RISE (Resilience in Shared Emergencies), which helps activate nonprofits in the event of a disaster, alongside the Department of Emergency Management in San Mateo County. Thrive has also stepped into the role of convening the nonprofit youth ecosystem, specifically to address the growing youth mental health crisis, using United for Youth: Vision 2030 as a compass. In addition, Thrive leads an array of capacity building programs designed to support and strengthen leaders during these times, from Executive Peer Coaching, to Strategic Planning Cohorts, to their annual Thrive OnBoard event, where nonprofits can be matched with a diverse range of board prospects.
In a time of uncertainty and change in the nonprofit sector, Thrive Alliance continues to prioritize understanding the needs of nonprofits and advocating for them, ensuring the San Mateo County community receives the support it deserves.
“It's always better to do things together. While our sector has been challenged, I think people that work and volunteer in it also feel grateful because we're partnering with inspiring, mission-driven people.“
Join Thrive Alliance in helping nonprofits in San Mateo County meet the needs of our community. Visit their website today: https://www.thrivealliance.org/