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Nonprofits Unite: A Call to Collaboration, Community, and Change!

UBJ Staff • February 14, 2025

In the heart of Long Beach, a new initiative is bringing nonprofit leaders, community champions, and changemakers together—one cup of coffee at a time. Denise Peoples and 21st Century STEM are launching a special series of Coffee Meetups, beginning Tuesday, March 4th, at 10:30 AM at Café Lorel, in Long Beach, California.

These gatherings aim to foster collaboration, resource-sharing, and innovative problem-solving among nonprofit organizations. Recognizing the challenges that small nonprofits often face—such as limited funding, staffing, and visibility—this initiative provides a space where leaders can exchange ideas, form strategic partnerships, and find collective solutions to common obstacles.

In the heart of Long Beach, a new initiative is bringing nonprofit leaders, community champions, and changemakers together—one cup of coffee at a time. Denise Peoples and 21st Century STEM are launching a special series of Coffee Meetups, beginning Tuesday, March 4th, at 10:30 AM at Café Morel, in Long Beach, California.

These gatherings aim to foster collaboration, resource-sharing, and innovative problem-solving among nonprofit organizations. Recognizing the challenges that small nonprofits often face—such as limited funding, staffing, and visibility—this initiative provides a space where leaders can exchange ideas, form strategic partnerships, and find collective solutions to common obstacles.

A Platform for Growth and Connection

Small nonprofits play an essential role in addressing community needs, yet many operate with minimal resources and external support. These meetups are designed to provide:

  • Stronger collaboration – Encouraging organizations to work together and amplify their impact,

  • Knowledge-sharing opportunities – Allowing leaders to learn from one another’s successes and challenges.

  • Creative problem-solving – Helping nonprofits explore new strategies for funding, outreach, and sustainability.

  • A support network – Building a community of encouragement, motivation, and long-term partnerships.

Denise Peoples
Chief Education Officer
21st Century STEM

A Platform for Growth and Connection

Small nonprofits play an essential role in addressing community needs, yet many operate with minimal resources and external support. These meetups are designed to provide:

  • Stronger collaboration – Encouraging organizations to work together and amplify their impact,

  • Knowledge-sharing opportunities – Allowing leaders to learn from one another’s successes and challenges.

  • Creative problem-solving – Helping nonprofits explore new strategies for funding, outreach, and sustainability.

  • A support network – Building a community of encouragement, motivation, and long-term partnerships.

Denise Peoples
Chief Education Officer
21st Century STEM

Over coffee, attendees will discuss ways to strengthen their organizations, increase their outreach, and make a greater impact in the communities they serve. However, the initiative extends beyond the meetups, with a larger goal of building a thriving network of nonprofits working together to drive change.


Opportunities for Engagement

The success of this effort depends not only on participation but also on community involvement and support. Those interested in contributing can do so by:

  • Inviting nonprofit professionals and supporters to join the conversation.
  • Spreading awareness by sharing information about the event within their networks.
  • Exploring partnership opportunities to enhance resources for small nonprofits.
  • Making tax-deductible donations to help sustain and expand these efforts.

Building a Stronger Nonprofit
Ecosystem in 2025


With 2025 on the horizon, the organizers hope to see this initiative become a catalyst for growth, collaboration, and innovation among nonprofit organizations. By coming together, leaders and changemakers can strengthen their impact and ensure that the communities that need the most support continue to receive it.

Those interested in attending the first Coffee Meetup are encouraged to RSVP in advance.

📅  Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 @ 10:30am

📍
Café Lorel
5203 Pacific Coast Highway,
Long Beach, CA

Google Map

📞
RSVP/Contact:
Denise Peoples
(951) 283-2503 |
DPeoples@21stCenturySTEM.org

For more information about 21st Century STEM and its nonprofit initiatives, visit www.21stCenturySTEM.org.

#NonprofitsUnite #CoffeeForACause #SupportSmallNonprofits #StrongerTogether #STEMMathK-12th


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