The nonprofit sector is more than service—it’s advocacy, innovation, and one of California’s largest economic forces. In this milestone 20th episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris speaks with Geoff Green, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits).

Geoff shares insights on nonprofit advocacy, policy reform, board engagement, funding challenges, and legislative priorities shaping the sector in 2024 and beyond. From the Nonprofit Equity Initiative and government contracting reform to the ongoing debate over the Johnson Amendment, Geoff explains why nonprofit leaders must stay politically engaged.

If you’re a nonprofit executive, board member, or advocate, this conversation will help you understand the power of nonprofit policy engagement and how CalNonprofits amplifies the voice of more than 10,000 organizations across the state.

What You Will Learn in This Episode

✅ Why the nonprofit sector is one of California’s largest employers and a hub for innovation
✅ How the Nonprofit Equity Initiative is reforming state contracting and funding
✅ Why the Johnson Amendment matters in an election year—and what’s at stake in court
✅ Practical ways nonprofits can engage in advocacy without partisanship

Key Takeaways

🔹 Nonprofits are problem solvers – filling gaps where government and private industry cannot
🔹 Advocacy is not optional – if nonprofits aren’t at the table, they’re on the menu
🔹 Policy shapes sustainability – from wages to contracts, nonprofit survival depends on legislation
🔹 Collective voice matters – one nonprofit is powerful, but 10,000 together can shape systems

Episode Timestamps

• 0:00 Why the nonprofit sector is the most creative problem solver

• 1:15 What CalNonprofits does: advocacy, education, and research

• 3:17 Geoff’s journey from fundraising to policy leadership

• 5:27 Why defining nonprofits by what they aren’t is limiting

• 8:03 Innovation and risk-taking in the nonprofit sector

• 9:20 Legislative priorities and the Nonprofit Equity Initiative

• 11:45 Assembly Bill 590: advance payments for state contracts

• 13:11 Challenges with PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) lawsuits

• 15:07 Wage increases, housing costs, and nonprofit funding limits

• 17:13 How CalNonprofits mobilizes members for advocacy

• 19:01 Boards, advocacy, and political misconceptions

• 20:25 The Johnson Amendment and election year risks

• 22:24 Why nonprofits must be at the policy table

• 24:09 $1 to $20 ratio: why nonprofits must influence public spending

• 25:33 Membership, resources, and collective voice through CalNonprofits

Guest Bio: Geoff Green

Geoff Green is the CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits), where he leads advocacy, research, and education efforts for the state’s nonprofit sector. With decades of experience in fundraising, coalition building, political advocacy, and nonprofit leadership, Geoff has been a longtime member and board chair of CalNonprofits. Today, he champions policy reform, funding equity, and nonprofit sector visibility, ensuring that nonprofits remain central to California’s civic and economic life.

Resources and Links

• For Profit Law Group - Website - https://www.fplglaw.com

• Nonprofit Counsel - Website - https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/

• California Association of Nonprofits - Website - https://calnonprofits.org 

#NonprofitAdvocacy #NonprofitLeadership #NonprofitPolicy #CalNonprofits #JohnsonAmendment #NonprofitCouncilPodcast