NSEF
What is the North State Equity Fund?
The North State Equity Fund (NSEF) is a collaboration between the United Way of Northern California, Building Bridges, and S.H. Cowell Foundation. We support efforts that promote racial justice, social equity, and deepen collaborations between organizations or emerging groups doing this important work in the North State. This fund is available to organizations or groups based in one or more of these nine counties: Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, or Trinity.
NSEF provides general‑operating support and capacity‑building grants to grassroots and emerging organizations led by those most directly impacted by systemic barriers. Through this fund, we believe in: trusting community‑led expertise, dismantling institutional inequities, elevating cross‑cultural collaboration, and investing in sustainable change. By supporting groups rooted in the communities they serve, NSEF works toward a North State where every individual has the opportunity, resources and voice to thrive—regardless of race, culture, identity or background.
"We are excited to reopen the NSEF program this year to support new grantees. We understand how critical it is to strengthen the capacity of small nonprofits so they can continue their essential work. This year, we look forward to partnering with many organizations and supporting their vital efforts to make the North State a more equitable place for everyone."
-Melody Proebstel, Senior Director of Community Engagement at UWNC
Learn about some of 2025’s grantees!
Advancing Modoc
Advancing Modoc is a division of TEACH inc in Modoc County. Our mission is to grow, train, and retain our people in living wage work. We do this through collective action across our 10-county region under North State Together. Everything we do is in partnership with others because no single person or organization can solve the big problems in rural California!
Sequoia Klugherz is a Senior at Shasta View High School and has grown up in the tiny town of Fort Bidwell, the north easternmost town in CA. With a population less than 200, what Fort Bidwell lacks in people, it maximizes in culture and landscape. Sequoia is a creative problem solver and art enthusiast. She has the unique ability to converse and connect across generations. Using art as advocacy, Sequoia proposed hosting a weekly Creative Hour at the Community Center on the Fort Bidwell Indian Reservation. This regular gathering offers a healthy sober place to build relationships, learn about the arts across many cultures, and support strengthening relationships. She started with a collection of her own craft materials, a small group of kids and community volunteers. Now Sequoia has established the only free and regular community event in Fort Bidwell and has a regular attendance of elders down to youngsters!
Butte Iu Mien American Association
The Butte Iu Mien American Association (BIMAA), established in 2020 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supports Iu Mien residents in Butte County, California. Its mission is to facilitate positive cultural adjustment and empower underprivileged Iu Mien youth, families, and elders to thrive by promoting higher education, well-being, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
GAME AMP P.L.A.Y.
GAME AMP P.L.A.Y. is an educational organization that focuses on developing literacy and social responsibility skills for individuals from pre-K through college.
The organization utilizes art, theater, media, production, and sustainable community enrichment to provide youth with opportunities to express their creativity while fostering Skills, Experience, Education, and Development (S.E.E.D) in art, media, music, and theater for youth and their broader communities.
JMJ North Stars Family
JMJ North Stars Family is a nonprofit local AAU basketball team consisting of approximately 25–30 players ranging from 7th to 12th grade. The program primarily serves moderate- to low-income families and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through the dedication of the players, community support, fundraising, and donations, the team provides opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach for many of these young athletes.
The program’s mission extends beyond basketball—focusing on building character, life skills, and a sense of family. By fostering personal growth, meaningful connections, and strong values alongside fundamental basketball training, the organization helps its players develop both on and off the court, preparing them to become not only elite athletes but also well-rounded individuals.
Los Mo Dojo
Los Mo Dojo’s mission is to foster both community and individual prosperity through the practice of Judo and Jiu-Jitsu. Guided by the philosophy of Dr. Jigoro Kano, Los Mo Dojo strives to provide a safe and clean training environment for children and adults in Tehama County at little to no cost.
The organization aims to strengthen community connections through participation in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu while teaching the core Judo principle of “mutual benefit for all.” By offering an alternative recreational opportunity, Los Mo Dojo brings community members together, encouraging them to meet their neighbors and connect through sport. The community gains from these shared connections, while individuals benefit from physical activity, personal growth, and the valuable life lessons inherent in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu.
Outreach to Outcomes
The mission of Outreach to Outcomes is to provide outreach, supportive case management services, and advocacy for underserved populations across Northern California.
Founded with the leadership of Indigenous and minority-community members, the organization is committed to building a culturally responsive team to improve access to resources and assistance for vulnerable communities—particularly in Butte and Glenn Counties.
Through its work, Outreach to Outcomes aims to uplift individuals and families by bridging service gaps, nurturing self-determination, and strengthening community well-being.
Second Baptist Church New Harvest Youth Alive
SBC New Harvest Youth Alive is a church-sponsored community outreach program dedicated to engaging local youth through activities that promote both spiritual and practical growth. The program emphasizes values such as faith, empathy, discipline, respect, and personal morals.
Its mission is to build confidence and unlock the untapped potential within each child, guided by a vision of what they can become. Through a holistic approach, SBC New Harvest Youth Alive fosters spiritual development, physical health—by encouraging good nutrition and personal hygiene—and emotional well-being.
By creating a safe, supportive environment, the program empowers youth to grow personally and spiritually while developing authentic life skills, resilience, and confidence to help them thrive in all aspects of life.
IJOYA
IJOYA is an organization whose name originates from the Yoruba language of southwestern Nigeria, combining the words “Ijo” (dance) and “o ya” (let us start) to mean “time to dance.”
Rooted in this spirit of movement and connection, IJOYA envisions a world where joy, unity, and cultural harmony thrive through the transformative power of dance. The organization seeks to connect families and communities throughout Northern California, creating a ripple effect of togetherness that extends to cities across the United States.
IJOYA’s mission is to inspire joy and foster unity within diverse communities by using dance as a bridge across cultural divides. Through dynamic performances, family-centered programming, and community events, IJOYA uplifts Northern California and empowers other communities to celebrate the beauty of unity, joy, and cultural appreciation.
Tri Counties Community Action Partnership
Tri Counties Community Action Partnership (TCCAP), founded in 2017, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing community needs and closing service gaps through innovation and collaboration with county and community partners. Its mission is to empower individuals to achieve wellness and prosperity through partnership, advocacy, and education.
TCCAP serves adults experiencing homelessness, individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorders, people recently released from incarceration, and others at risk. The organization delivers support through three core programs: Community Health Worker (CHW) services for health navigation and education, Enhanced Care Management (ECM) for complex case coordination, and Transportation services to help individuals access essential resources that impact their health and well-being.
Pedal and Press
Pedal Press was formed in 2017 and became a non-profit in 2019. It began with live-printing in support of local groups and events around social justice issues, on bike-mounted screen printing setups; and printing small-run orders for groups and orgs. With the addition of a studio space in 2020, they expanded their work to offer art education to the community, and particularly youth aged 14-24–a focus area for both co-founders.