LAS VEGAS — United Way of Southern Nevada and the City of Las Vegas have launched a program to help local nonprofit leaders turn ideas into sustainable organizations. The free Nonprofit Navigator Program began Aug. 4 and gives participants valuable, practical guidance, professional connections and tools they can use across Southern Nevada.
The five-week pilot serves aspiring founders and established nonprofit leaders. Organizers selected 23 participants through a competitive application process.
A five-stage path for nonprofit leaders
The Nonprofit Navigator Program combines in-person sessions at United Way of Southern Nevada with virtual learning. That hybrid approach makes training more accessible.
During five weeks, leaders move through stages of nonprofit development. Topics include defining a mission, building a board, forming an organization, meeting compliance standards and completing the 501(c)(3) filing process.
Participants also learn to design programs using data, communicate their work and build community engagement strategies. At the end of the program, each leader will deliver a final pitch during graduation.
Building structure around community passion
“Our community is only as strong as the nonprofits that serve it, and those nonprofits are only as strong as the leaders behind them,” said Samuel Rudd, president and CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada. He added that passion can start an organization, but systems and relationships help sustain its work.
Mayor Pro Tem and Ward 3 Councilwoman Olivia Diaz called the pilot a strong example of community collaboration. She said the program fills a longstanding gap by supporting nonprofit founders, emerging leaders and advocates who provide vital services while working within tight financial limits.
For participants, the response has been encouraging. Yael Williams of Next Chapter Foundation said the first day left her inspired, challenged and more confident that she was pursuing the right work.
More resources for Southern Nevada nonprofits
The program offers instruction, mentorship and access to a growing peer network. It also connects leaders with community resources and strategies that can deepen their impact throughout the region.
However, the pilot represents only one part of UWSN’s wider investment in local nonprofits. The organization funds dozens of groups through its Community Impact Grant program and Emergency Assistance and Community Needs Fund.
UWSN also hosts monthly Nonprofit Connection meetings and quarterly networking events with Nevada GrantLab. In addition, it organizes resource calls, response collaboratives, policy collaboratives and gatherings that allow nonprofit professionals to exchange information and form partnerships.
This month’s networking event took place Aug. 19 at the Blind Center and celebrated National Nonprofit Day. Together, these efforts create opportunities for organizations to learn from one another, locate support and respond to changing community needs.
A pilot designed to guide future growth
Because this year’s Nonprofit Navigator Program is a pilot, United Way and the city will use the experience to strengthen future cohorts. Lessons gathered from the first 23 leaders could help the partners expand training and reach more nonprofit professionals across Southern Nevada.
United Way of Southern Nevada has served the region for more than 65 years. Its work focuses on housing stability, quality education, employment opportunities and pathways out of poverty, while keeping locally raised funds in Southern Nevada. Learn more about the Nonprofit Navigator Program and United Way of Southern Nevada at uwsn.org.
United Way of Southern Nevada
United Way of Southern Nevada has served the community since 1957. The nonprofit brings businesses, organizations and residents together to improve lives throughout the region.
Address: 5830 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89103
Website: www.uwsn.org
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