Ten nonprofit leaders from across Stanislaus County have been selected to participate in the 2026 Porges Nonprofit Excellence Initiative programs, a program of Stanislaus Community Foundation (SCF) made possible through the generous support of the Porges Family Foundation. Now in its third year, the Initiative provides sabbatical funding for nonprofit executive directors, succession planning support, and specialized trainings on Board Leadership, Artificial Intelligence, and Fundraising.
Project REST recognizes the dedication and achievements of local leaders, providing them a fully funded, two-month sabbatical to reflect, recharge, and return to their organizations with renewed energy and perspective. In addition to the cash grant to their organization, awardees receive one-on-one coaching and support before and after their sabbatical to ensure leadership continuity and organizational strength. The 2026 Project REST awardees are: Perfecto Munoz, Chief Executive Officer, West Modesto Community Collaborative; Erin Nelson, Executive Director, Jessica’s House; Jeff Pishney, CEO & Founder, Love Stanislaus County.
Project Succession is a succession planning program that helps nonprofit organizations and their executive directors prepare for future transitions, whether planned or unplanned. Each organization will learn the essential elements of succession planning and receive one-on-one coaching support, resulting in both emergency and departure-defined succession plans. The 2026 Project Succession participants are: Patrick Koepele, Executive Director, Yosemite Rivers Alliance; Gena Larson, Executive Director, Turlock Pregnancy and Health Center; Chris Martin, Executive Director, UCP of Stanislaus County; Jesus Munoz, Executive Director, Howard Prep; Keristofer Seryani, President and CEO, United Way of Stanislaus County; Andrew Timbie, Chief Executive Officer, Sierra Vista Child & Family Services; and Jessica Vaughan, Chief Executive Officer, Second Harvest of the Greater Valley.
“It is an honor to recognize this year’s participants in the Porges Nonprofit Excellence Initiative,” said local philanthropist, Evan Porges. “Now in its third year, the initiative continues to strengthen the leadership capacity of Stanislaus County nonprofits, and the Porges Family Foundation is proud to support organizations as they deepen their impact and advance their missions.”
More information about all of the 2026 participants can be found on the Stanislaus Community Foundation website at stanislauscf.org/porges-nonprofit-excellence-initiative.
Stanislaus Community Foundation (SCF) is a place-based funder serving the residents of Stanislaus County. Since 2002, SCF has worked with hundreds of local, charitably focused families to invest more than $66 million in philanthropic resources in the region. For more information, visit stanislauscf.org.
