SAN ANTONIO — City leaders and nonprofit organizations gathered Monday afternoon to launch a new initiative aimed at supporting and uniting the city’s nonprofit sector.
They kicked off SAtoSA, a weeklong advocacy event headed by The Nonprofit Council to recognize the vital role nonprofits play in the city, as well as the “All Hearts on Deck” movement, a campaign designed to advocate for and increase investment in local nonprofits.
Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai and other local officials commended the initiatives, calling nonprofits essential partners in the economy, vitality and equitability of Bexar County.
“This sector delivers critical services that strengthen families, support vulnerable populations and improve community health and resilience,” County Judge Sakai said. “SAtoSA is a milestone in elevating local advocacy and ensuring nonprofit voices are heard in shaping public policy.”
County Judge Sakai proclaimed that the San Antonio Nonprofit Council will create an annual nonprofit issues agenda to provide continued support for the nonprofit sector.
“It is a call for county leadership, civic partnership and nonprofit organizations to expand opportunities and build a stronger Bexar County for all residents,” County Judge Sakai said.
The local nonprofit sector sustains around 87,000 jobs and drives a $13 billion annual impact.
According to the 2024 state of the nonprofit sector report, demand for nonprofit services increased by 78%. However, over half of the organizations reported they could not meet this demand.
Amidst government shutdowns, nonprofits are facing unprecedented funding challenges. It is now more important than ever to ensure the vitality and support of nonprofits, McAninch said.
The Nonprofit Council is working with partners from the San Antonio Area Foundation, United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County and Kronkosky Foundation to launch “All Hands on Deck.” This is another important step toward a thriving nonprofit sector, said Nadege Souvenir, CEO of San Antonio Area Foundation.
“It’s an investment in vital economic and social infrastructure,” Souvenir said. “Our nonprofits, they’re the backbone of San Antonio. They educate our kids. They train our workforce. They care for our families. And they enrich our lives through arts and culture.”