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Approve a one-year agreement with the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) for countywide volunteer coordination, community engagement, and disaster support services from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, for $160,000; and Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the agreement
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The County Administrator recommends that the Board of Supervisors consider approving a one-year agreement with the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) for countywide volunteer coordination, community engagement, and disaster support services from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, for $160,000; and Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the agreement.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Community volunteers play an essential role in supporting the operations and service delivery efforts of many County departments and divisions, including, but not limited to, the County Administrator’s Office, Health and Social Services, Library Services, the Office of Emergency Services, Animal Services, Public Health, Registrar of Voters, Resource Management, and Veteran Services. In addition, city governments, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations throughout Solano County benefit significantly from volunteer engagement by leveraging the time, skills, and dedication of community members to support programs and services that enhance the quality of life for County residents.
Under the proposed agreement, the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) will continue to manage the recruitment, coordination, and matching of community volunteers throughout Solano County, including placements with County departments, the seven cities, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations. Volunteers are recruited through community outreach events, social media campaigns, referrals, and direct engagement efforts. Interested individuals are directed to register through the Solano Volunteers online portal.
The Solano Volunteers portal provides residents with access to a diverse and expanding range of volunteer opportunities, including opportunities for families and groups, youth and teens, retirees, disaster response and recovery, environmental stewardship, animal services, arts and culture, faith-based initiatives, and virtual volunteering opportunities. The portal enables volunteers to identify opportunities aligned with their interests, availability, and skills, ranging from one-time service projects to ongoing community support roles such as tutoring students, assisting with food distribution, and supporting local nonprofit programs.
Volunteers also play a critical role during local emergencies and disaster response efforts. During previous emergencies, including the COVID-19 public health emergency and the LNU Lightning Complex Fire recovery efforts, the Volunteer Center served as an important coordination resource for community response and recovery activities. In coordination with the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), a coalition of community organizations and service providers, the Volunteer Center assists with the coordination of emergency human services in partnership with local emergency management agencies, social service organizations, and community partners during all phases of disaster response and recovery.
A complete summary of CVNL Volunteer Center accomplishments over the past year, including volunteer recruitment, outreach, volunteer matching and engagement activities, community service events, disaster response support, and website analytics, is included in Attachment A.
THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES
The County’s continued investment in volunteer coordination services aligns with broader public policy objectives related to civic engagement, workforce readiness, emergency preparedness, and coordinated community service delivery. In light of ongoing federal policy discussions, including proposals associated with H.R. 1 that emphasize community engagement and participation expectations connected to certain public assistance programs, maintaining a robust countywide volunteer infrastructure helps ensure that residents, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies have access to organized, verifiable, and community-based volunteer opportunities.
The County’s partnership with CVNL strengthens the County’s ability to connect residents with meaningful community engagement opportunities while simultaneously expanding local service capacity and supporting collaborative partnerships among public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders throughout Solano County. In addition, the centralized volunteer coordination system enhances the County’s ability to rapidly mobilize and deploy volunteers during emergencies, public health events, and other community response efforts.
BRIEF HISTORY OF COUNTY-CONTRACTED WORK WITH CVNL
On November 1, 2016, the Board of Supervisors approved a three-year pilot project with the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership, Inc. (CVNL) to develop and implement a Solano County web-based Volunteer Center in coordination with County departments and local partner agencies. The Board also authorized the County Administrator to execute the agreement, renewals, and amendments within approved budget appropriations. The County Administrator executed the original agreement in 2016, including eight contract amendments between 2016 and 2022. Subsequent one-year agreements were approved and executed in 2023, 2024, and 2025. The proposed agreement would continue these services for FY2026/27.
ABOUT THE CENTER FOR VOLUNTEER & NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP
The Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership, Inc. (CVNL), established in 1964, has extensive experience in designing and implementing volunteer programs, recruiting volunteers, and providing training and technical assistance to nonprofit organizations and public agencies regarding effective volunteer management practices. CVNL currently supports nonprofit organizations and volunteer initiatives throughout Napa and Marin counties.
Under the proposed agreement, CVNL will continue to maintain and enhance the Solano County volunteer opportunity portal, recruit and connect volunteers with local service opportunities, and provide training and technical assistance to participating County departments and community organizations. CVNL’s mission is to strengthen leadership, encourage innovation, and empower individuals to serve and improve their communities through volunteerism and civic engagement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The contract with CVNL for $160,000 covers the period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, with funding for the contract reflected in the FY2026/27 Recommended Budget. The cost associated with preparing the agenda item is nominal and absorbed by the Department's FY2025/26 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to approve the proposed agreement with CVNL; however, this is not recommended. The Volunteer Center has played a critical role during previous emergencies, including the COVID-19 public health emergency and LNU Lightning Complex Fire response and recovery efforts. In addition, the Volunteer Center provides ongoing support to County departments, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations by assisting with volunteer recruitment, training, coordination, and community engagement activities throughout Solano County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrator’s Office coordinated with County departments that utilize Volunteer Center services, including the Office of Emergency Services, as well as the seven incorporated cities within Solano County, in the development of the proposed agreement.