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Nonprofit News: Finding Opportunities in the Challenges

October 2025

Finding Opportunities in the Challenges

By Lindsay Cates, Director of Community Programs

As Halloween approaches, we’re reminded that while spooky fun is part of the season, many nonprofits are facing real challenges, and that can be scary and isolating. At OCCF, we remain committed to walking alongside you as partners in meeting the most pressing needs in your community. Our organizations, our clients and our missions are made stronger when we face challenges and build opportunities together. Our team has made it a goal to identify new opportunities to support you, and we are excited to explore how they can help in your work.

Man and woman look at brochure in an office space.

OCCF’s Michelle Kusselson with Ian Apfelbaum from the Homeless Alliance.

Introducing Grantee Cohorts in FY26

We are excited to launch grantee cohorts in Fiscal Year 2026, an initiative designed to deepen our connection with community partners. Facilitated by our Community Programs Team, these cohorts are intentional spaces for engagement, learning and support for current-year awardees of OCCF Community Grants. 

Staying connected is more important than ever. By joining together, sharing knowledge and resources, and collaborating, we are building a stronger, more vibrant future where every individual, organization and community has the opportunity to thrive.

Lindsay Cates

Director of Community Programs

Our Goals for the Grantee Cohorts:

  • Building meaningful relationships with grantee partners.
  • Facilitating open dialogue and peer learning.
  • Celebrating successes and navigating challenges together.
  • Sharing relevant tools, resources and opportunities.
  • Creating tailored touchpoints that reflect grantee needs.

We are all finding our way forward to meet the needs of this moment. Staying connected is more important than ever. By joining together, sharing knowledge and resources, and collaborating, we are building a stronger, more vibrant future, where every individual, organization and community has the opportunity to thrive.

OCCF is proud to be your community partner. We want to be a space where nonprofit voices are not only heard but amplified. How can we support you beyond funding? We welcome your ideas, feedback, and partnership.

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OCCF will be closed in observance of Christmas from Tuesday, Dec. 24 through Wednesday, Dec. 25.

We will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26. Happy Holidays from all of us to you!

Scholarship applications close soon! 

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Due to inclement weather, OCCF is closing at 12 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9 through Friday, Jan. 10.

We will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 13. Please remain safe and warm.

OCCF will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 20.

We will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Best wishes from all of us to you!

Scholarship applications open soon! 

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OCCF will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26.

We will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27. Best wishes from all of us to you!

Due to inclement weather, the 2/19 Endowed Nonprofit Training: Leveraging Support has been canceled.

Please stay safe and warm.

OCCF