Support CVNL. Let's Build a Better World Together.

Since 1964, the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) has been a trusted partner to nonprofits and volunteers, advancing community well-being across Marin, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma Counties - and beyond. Our mission is to strengthen nonprofits and volunteerism by empowering leaders, building capacity, and mobilizing individuals in service.

At CVNL, we believe that passion alone isn't enough. Nonprofits and volunteers need tools, training, and support to lead effectively and create lasting change. That’s why we work across five key service areas:

Volunteer Services: Connecting thousands of volunteers annually to meaningful opportunities, including matching through volunteernow.org, managing court referrals, coordinating paratransit support, and leading emergency volunteer response efforts during disasters like wildfires and floods.

Learning & Leadership: Delivering capacity-building programs, including certificate series and Peer Exchange, serving hundreds of nonprofit professionals. Partial scholarships support greater access to leadership development, and our Membership Program provides additional support and program discounts.

Consulting & Executive Search: Supporting organizations through customized consulting solutions, including executive placements to strengthen infrastructure and sustainability.

Recognition & Community Engagement: Honoring outstanding individuals and organizations through the Heart of Marin, Heart of Napa, and Heart of Sonoma County awards, which distributed $92,500 in community grants in 2024.

Community Programs & Direct Services: Delivering high-impact programs that respond directly to community needs. In 2024:

Secret Santa raised $416,000 and served more than 19,000 individuals across the region.

The Court Referral Program placed over 2,000 individuals in community service across Sonoma County.

Volunteer Wheels provided 43,000 paratransit rides covering more than 523,000 miles, supporting seniors and people with disabilities.

CVNL also supported fiscally sponsored projects including Opening Doors Marin, Powerful Beyond Measure, and Marin City Climate Resilience and Health Justice, helping local initiatives grow with trusted back-end support.

CVNL’s work has been recognized by Points of Light, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and Stanford University’s Center for Social Innovation. Our impact spans organizations of all sizes, from grassroots groups to agencies with budgets exceeding $500 million annually.

Guiding Values:

Care: We lead with compassion, respect, and a commitment to uplifting nonprofits and communities.
Connect: We prioritize collaboration and inclusive relationships that fuel community transformation.

Contribute: We take action, delivering expert guidance, responsive services, and practical solutions that help nonprofits succeed.

With over 60 years of experience, CVNL remains committed to strengthening the nonprofit sector and ensuring that volunteerism remains a powerful force for change.

Here’s what your gift can do:

$50 helps connect individuals to meaningful volunteer opportunities that strengthen local communities.
$100 supports personalized services that match skilled volunteers with nonprofits in need.
$250 helps train and equip nonprofit leaders, staff, and volunteers with tools for greater impact.
$500 supports the development of community programs and events that inspire civic engagement and service.
$1,000 sustains CVNL’s year-round efforts to strengthen nonprofits, mobilize volunteers, and build resilient communities across the Bay Area.

Whether you're a long-time volunteer or simply believe in the power of community, your gift helps ensure everyone can find a way to show up, give back, and feel like they have agency, even in uncertain times.

Learn how you can leave CVNL in your will or trust and leave a lasting legacy to support volunteerism in your community. Learn more here.

Fuel the Movement: Support CVNL

By Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership

Fuel the Movement: Support CVNL