KAN’s 4th Annual Nonprofit Leadership Awards is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Woman’s Club of Bakersfield, 2030 18th St. The purpose of the Nonprofit Leadership Awards is to recognize distinguished Kern County residents who have made significant contributions to the nonprofit sector in the region.

To purchase tickets or a table (CLICK HERE).

To become a sponsor (CLICK HERE).

Nomination Information

To help us recognize remarkable individuals, KAN invites you to make a nomination by using the online form (CLICK HERE).

Awards categories include:

• Nonprofit Professional of the Year (25-26) – It takes passion, drive and intellect to craft true transformation for people served by the non-profit community. This award honors the leader who has best used those tools to make a dramatic impact in the lives of their non-profit clients and, through service, improved the communities of Kern County.
• Board Member of the Year – This honor goes to the non-profit board member whose commitment, engagement and stewardship has helped shape growth, improvement, and accountability at a Kern County Non-Profit. By providing financial support, oversight, guidance, and encouragement this leader has helped staff and the non-profit exceed its plans and expectations.
• Rising Star Award – Non-profit staff and young leaders are on the frontlines of our efforts to impact community problems, overcome social barriers to success and improve people’s lives. This award honors an emerging star in the nonprofit world who made a powerful impact this year and who we are excited to see grow and develop in the coming years.
• Lifetime Achievement Award – This category is designed to honor the legends of Kern County’s non-profit community. Their decades of commitment and effort have built a lasting legacy for the organizations they serve, created a foundation of structure and knowledge all nonprofits can benefit from, and served as the measure of attainment that new generations should aspire to.
• Unsung Hero – These quiet champions transform services from routine to exceptional because they get things done, serve with heart and don’t waste time asking for recognition. They’re an example of how to truly excel and an inspiration for those around them. This award exists to create a space where these humble leaders get the recognition they deserve.
• Youth Award (High School) – The next generation of non-profit leaders and innovators are already giving of their time and individual passion as they work toward their high school graduation. This award will recognize one of these young people for the work they do on behalf of causes they care for.
• Nonprofit Contributor/Partner – Non-Profits don’t succeed without the support of community supporters who give of themselves and their resources to empower the transformative work our organizations do each day. This awards a community contributor and partner who has a heart for making sure nonprofits have what they need to succeed.

Give Big Kern 2026

GBK 2026 will take place on May 5, 2026!

Give Big Kern has raised over millions of dollars from thousands of donors for hundreds of local nonprofit organizations. Every year since 2016, Kern Community Foundation has hosted GBK to help local nonprofit organizations raise money and volunteer hours. GBK is a month-long event of community engagement in giving and volunteering that leads up to the first Tuesday in May. GBK is part of Kern Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Strengthening strategic initiative. The initiative increases visibility, builds capacity, and improves sustainability for local nonprofits. The effort shines a light on hard-working local nonprofits, empowering them to advance their marketing and development capabilities, and donor, board and volunteer engagement while encouraging networking and collaboration among nonprofit organizations across the sector. GBK would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors. Nonprofits participate in GBK at no cost. Marketing materials, event fees, online platform, and training are provided through our generous sponsors.

Interested in a sponsoring, please contact info@kernfoundation.org.

Other GBK 2026 Events
Press Conference – April 14, 2026
3rd Annual Give Big at the Park: Nonprofit Meet & Greet – April 18, 2026
Liberty Bell & Watch Party – May 5, 2026

Candid Directory 

The Kern Alliance of Nonprofits (KAN) kicks off its 2026 training series with its January Workshop. Following the ongoing search for nonprofit funding, this session will take a deeper dive into one of the most comprehensive tools in grant seeking — Candid’s Foundation Directory.

Led by Teems Tulfo, Chief Impact Officer at Kern Community Foundation, this workshop will walk participants through the steps to utilize this tool, which features over 239,000 grantmaker profiles. Teems will explain how the Directory works to help organizations find new funding opportunities and how local nonprofits can access it at Kern Community Foundation.

Workshop Details:

• Date: Friday, January 16th, 2025
• Time: 8:00 AM – 9:45 AM (Program begins at 8:30)
• Location: KCSOS City Centre, Room 1B – 1300 17th Street, Bakersfield, CA

Reserve your spot through the RSVP Google Form: CLICK HERE

This workshop is part of the KAN 2026-27 Training Calendar, offering valuable sessions for local nonprofits. Future topics include foundation resources, nonprofit management, and more. Full calendar coming soon.

Effective Grant Writing & Grant Implementation KAN Workshop

The Kern Alliance of Nonprofits (KAN) kicks off its 2025-26 training series with an Effective Grant Writing & Grant Implementation Workshop presented by Patrice Richter, retired KCSOS Director of Grants. This session will provide nonprofits with strategies for crafting successful grant proposals and effectively managing awarded grants.

Workshop Details:

• Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
• Networking & Check-In: 8:00 AM
• Program: 8:30 AM – 9:45 AM
• Location: KCSOS City Centre, Room 1A | 1300 17th Street, Bakersfield, CA

Reserve your spot through the RSVP Google Form: CLICK HERE

This workshop is part of the KAN 2025-26 Training Calendar, offering valuable sessions for local nonprofits. Future topics include foundation resources, nonprofit management, and more. Download or view the full calendar and plan ahead to attend upcoming trainings.

Join us for a morning of connection and learning at KAN’s Workshop: Nonprofit Accounting 101, hosted by Cross of O’Dell Cross CPAs & KCSOS.

Whether you’re a nonprofit staff member, board member, or someone involved in managing nonprofit finances, this session is designed just for you.

You’ll gain a solid understanding of nonprofit accounting essentials, including:

– Budgeting Strategies

– Managing restricted funds

– Interpreting financial statements & more.

Fuel your morning with complimentary donuts & coffee, and walk away with practical tips to help strengthen your organization’s financial foundation.

CLICK HERE to RSVP

Networking is a powerful tool for building opportunities. The KAN Workshop: Networking Tips & Secrets, hosted by KCSOS and Bob Meadows from Valley Strong Credit Union, takes place on Friday, April 11, 2025. Enjoy networking at 8:00 AM, followed by a programming at 8:30 AM with tips on making meaningful connections. Learn simple, effective strategies to expand your network and build professional relationships with confidence. Complimentary doughnuts and coffee will be provided. CLICK HERE to RSVP!

Join us for “Nonprofit & Human Resources Law Tips”, a workshop hosted by KCSOS and Daniel Klingenberger LeBeau, Thelen LLC. This interactive session, taking place on March 14, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the KCSOS City Centre (1300 17th Street, Room 1B), will provide valuable insights into navigating workplace laws and managing workplace challenges. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your HR knowledge or ensure your practices align with legal requirements, this workshop is for you. Enjoy complimentary donuts & coffee while learning from experts in the field. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to sharpen your workplace strategies!

32nd Annual Sharyn Woods Memorial Pro-Am Golf Tournament

Join us on April 7, 2025, from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Seven Oaks Country Club for the Sharyn Woods Memorial Pro-Am Golf Tournament. The Sharyn Woods Memorial Pro-Am Golf Tournament is a premier annual event hosted by Links for Life, dedicated to empowering women in Kern County who are battling breast cancer. In honor of Sharyn Woods, a cherished community member lost to the disease, this prestigious tournament brings together top-tier professional golfers and enthusiastic for an unforgettable day of competition. Proceeds directly benefit women undergoing breast cancer treatment, ensuring they receive the vital support they need. With its compelling format and unwavering commitment to a life-changing cause, the event continues to inspire, unite, and make a lasting impact on the fight against breast cancer.

Register for Links For Life’s event 

KAN’s 3rd Annual Nonprofit Leadership Awards is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4th, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Woman’s Club of Bakersfield, 2030 18th St. The purpose of the Nonprofit Leadership Awards is to recognize distinguished Kern County residents who have made significant contributions to the nonprofit sector in the region.

To purchase tickets or a table (CLICK HERE).

To become a sponsor (CLICK HERE).

Nomination Information

To help us recognize remarkable individuals, KAN invites you to make a nomination by using the online form (CLICK HERE).

Awards categories include:

• Nonprofit Professional of the Year (24-25) – It takes passion, drive and intellect to craft true transformation for people served by the non-profit community. This award honors the leader who has best used those tools to make a dramatic impact in the lives of their non-profit clients and, through service, improved the communities of Kern County.
• Board Member of the Year – This honor goes to the non-profit board member whose commitment, engagement and stewardship has helped shape growth, improvement, and accountability at a Kern County Non-Profit. By providing financial support, oversight, guidance, and encouragement this leader has helped staff and the non-profit exceed its plans and expectations.
• Rising Star Award – Non-profit staff and young leaders are on the frontlines of our efforts to impact community problems, overcome social barriers to success and improve people’s lives. This award honors an emerging star in the nonprofit world who made a powerful impact this year and who we are excited to see grow and develop in the coming years.
• Lifetime Achievement Award – This category is designed to honor the legends of Kern County’s non-profit community. Their decades of commitment and effort have built a lasting legacy for the organizations they serve, created a foundation of structure and knowledge all nonprofits can benefit from, and served as the measure of attainment that new generations should aspire to.
• Unsung Hero – These quiet champions transform services from routine to exceptional because they get things done, serve with heart and don’t waste time asking for recognition. They’re an example of how to truly excel and an inspiration for those around them. This award exists to create a space where these humble leaders get the recognition they deserve.
• Youth Award (High School) – The next generation of non-profit leaders and innovators are already giving of their time and individual passion as they work toward their high school graduation. This award will recognize one of these young people for the work they do on behalf of causes they care for.
• Nonprofit Contributor/Partner – Non-Profits don’t succeed without the support of community supporters who give of themselves and their resources to empower the transformative work our organizations do each day. This awards a community contributor and partner who has a heart for making sure nonprofits have what they need to succeed.