Natalie Caples, co-CEO of the Central California Food Bank, speaks at a 2022 news conference. Photo by Ben Hensley

The 2025 California Nonprofit of the Year ceremony took place last week celebrating the work achieved by over 100 nonprofits nominated by members of the California State Senate and the California State Assembly.

Each year, California legislators are given the opportunity to nominate one nonprofit from their district to celebrate the role the organizations play in the state. The celebration, which takes place in Sacramento, gathers lawmakers, government officials and leaders of nonprofit organizations for a special luncheon and recognition ceremony, honoring the organizations for their contributions.

This year saw nine Central Valley nonprofit organizations recognized for their work in a variety of local organizations:

California State Senate:

• District 12 Shannon Grove – Anand Legacy Foundation
• District 14 Anna M. Caballero – Project Run Madera
• District 16 Melissa Hurtado – African American Farmers of California

 

California State Assembly:

• District 8 David Tangipa – The Maddy Institute
• District 27 Esmeralda Soria – CCFB
• District 31 Dr. Joaquin Arambula – Downtown Fresno Partnership
• District 32 Stan Ellis – CityServe
• District 33 Alexandra Macedo – California Farmworker Foundation
• District 35 Jasmeet Bains – Stay Focused/Reach for Greatness

 

“Being selected as Nonprofit of the Year is a true reflection of the unwavering commitment our team, volunteers, partners and supporters show every day,” said Central California Food Bank co-CEO Kym Dildine. “This honor is shared with every neighbor we serve and every person who believes in a hunger-free Central California.”

Since its inception in 2015, the awards have seen several dozen Central Valley-based nonprofit organizations honored including American Red Cross of Central California, Centro La Familia, Valley Public Radio and The ARC of Fresno among others.