Active San Gabriel Valley (ActiveSGV) has been selected as the 2024 California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Mike Fong of District 49. This recognition places ActiveSGV among a distinguished group of over one hundred nonprofits that will be honored by their state senators and assembly members for their commendable contributions to their respective communities.
Founded in 2010 as a grassroots advocacy group, ActiveSGV has since evolved into a fully staffed nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the San Gabriel Valley. Their focus lies in creating equitable, sustainable, and livable communities through initiatives centered around public health, environmental justice, safe streets, active transportation, and housing security.
ActiveSGV leads several impactful initiatives, including the SGV Greenway Network, which aims to construct bike and pedestrian paths throughout the region. Additionally, their E-asy Access Program offers free electric bike access to explore the Emerald Necklace, a trail system of scenic beauty. Active Streets, another notable program, transforms roads into car-free spaces for community activities. The organization also manages GoSGV, the largest e-bike share program in the country. Furthermore,
ctiveSGV partners with CalFresh to offer nutrition education and fresh produce. Their work is made possible through collaborations with local governments, community organizations, and dedicated volunteers.
David Diaz, Executive Director of ActiveSGV, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of the organization’s team, volunteers, and supporters. This acknowledgement further fuels their commitment to creating a more sustainable, equitable, and livable future.
Geoff Green, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits), a partner for this initiative, highlighted the often-unrecognized impact of nonprofit organizations on the lives of millions of Californians. Nonprofits, ranging from childcare programs and sports teams to art classes and health clinics, play a crucial role in improving the well-being of individuals and strengthening communities across the state. Additionally, nonprofits serve as a significant economic driver, accounting for 1 in 14 jobs in California.
A 2019 report commissioned by CalNonprofits, titled “Causes Count,” revealed that the nonprofit sector is the fourth-largest industry in the state, employing over 1.2 million people. California nonprofits generate more than $273 billion in revenue annually and attract $40 billion in revenue from outside the state. The labor contributed by volunteers at nonprofits is equivalent to 330,000 full-time jobs.
Through the Californian Nonprofit of the Year initiative, each California state legislator has the opportunity to recognize a nonprofit organization making significant contributions in their district. ActiveSGV will participate in the celebration at the Capitol on June 5,
Which marks California Nonprofits Day. This event, sponsored by CalNonprofits in collaboration with the state Senate and Assembly Select Committees on the Nonprofit Sector, aims to highlight the essential role of nonprofits in advocacy, education, and research, reinforcing and strengthening California’s nonprofit network.
(Photo Courtesy of https://www.activesgv.org/)
