Using Behavioral Sciences to Help Nonprofit Organizations Handle Innovation and Change STRENGTHENING HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE NONPROFITS IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY: A FEASIBILITY AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT STUDY FINAL REPORT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT

Speaking recently in Los Angeles, philanthropists Wallis Annenberg and Teresa Heinz both talked about how vision, leadership and accountability all are needed by nonprofits to fulfill their missions in the community. In this report, we present our vision for how enhanced capacity-building services can benefit nonprofits in the San Fernando Valley, describe how Valley-based leadership can bring this about, and set performance standards for the new, local program we hope to create. Looking forward just a few years, our vision is of a San Fernando Valley where strong nonprofits provide effective services, work together frequently to improve themselves, and get the resources needed to sustain their operations as a vital part of the Valley community. In this vision, leaders of Valley nonprofits constantly network and problem-solve with their peers, get information or education when they need it, and collaborate to improve performance and document effectiveness. Valley nonprofits, including many serving poor people and communities of color, work together with unincorporated or all-volunteer groups, and with foundations based in the Valley. They speak with a unified voice to policymakers and the Valley community about issues of concern. Part of the vision already is here- there are some strong nonprofits in the Valley, and they do network with each other. But fully achieving the vision requires new resources, organized in ne