Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in serving our community. They help ensure that families have food on the table, that children have opportunities to learn and grow, they create spaces for art and connection, and make sure that people stay resilient during times of change and uncertainty.
Since 2020, West Marin Fund has surveyed dozens of nonprofit organizations each year to better understand trends in the local nonprofit sector. From the data, we learn what these groups focus on, how their organizations are structured, and what support they need to keep making a positive impact on our community.
Our 2025 Status of the Nonprofit Sector in West Marin report tells a story of a sector with deep roots, remarkable resilience, and pressing capacity needs — particularly for the small, locally based organizations that are most central to community life. This year’s report included both locally based nonprofits and organizations headquartered elsewhere that serve West Marin, enabling a fuller picture of the landscape.
The research reinforces something nonprofit leaders have long known: strong programs require strong organizations. Investments in leadership development, strategic planning, technology, fundraising capacity, and operational resilience are not extras. They are essential to sustaining community impact over the long term.
The nonprofit report is part of West Marin Fund’s broader commitment to strengthening the region’s nonprofit ecosystem. Its findings inform our Organizational Effectiveness work, including:
- Grants that give local nonprofits the resources to strengthen planning, leadership, and operations
- Technical assistance and trainings in areas like fundraising, finance, board governance or evaluation
- Convenings and forums for nonprofit leaders to collaborate and learn from each other
