Strengthening Community Benefit Organizations for a healthy, prosperous and vibrant Kern County

What is KAN?

The Kern Alliance of Nonprofits (KAN) was launched in 2016 by a small group of local nonprofit leaders who care deeply about building the capacity of the nonprofit organizations in Kern County.

KAN’s original Mission was…To strengthen the Community Benefit Organizations of Kern County. Following a process that involved stakeholder feedback and strategic planning in the Spring of 2019, KAN’s New Mission is…To strengthen the Nonprofit Organizations of Kern County through training, networking and advocacy. 

Interested in becoming a member of KAN? Click (HERE) and submit your membership form today! 

KAN’s Vision is…To create a strong community benefit sector that plays a vital role in a healthy, prosperous and vibrant Kern County.

We provide monthly educational workshops on various aspects of nonprofit work taught by qualified leaders, and quarterly social mixers designed to bring community based organizations and their partners and supporters together for strategic networking.

The KAN Steering Committee meets monthly to guide the Alliance’s work in the areas of strategic planning, education and nonprofit leadership development, communications and outreach, advocacy, membership, and more.

Visit us on Facebook @kernallianceofnonprofits.

Kern Alliance of Nonprofit’s
Inaugural Nonprofit Leadership Awards

KAN’s Inaugural Nonprofit Leadership Awards is scheduled for Wednesday, June 7, 2023 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 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 (22-23) – 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.