United Way of Southern Nevada and City of Las Vegas Launch Nonprofit Navigator Program to Strengthen Local Nonprofit Sector

Five-week pilot with the City of Las Vegas trains nonprofit leaders, reflecting UWSN’s ongoing investment in grants, partnerships and community connection


Images are available here (credit: United Way of Southern Nevada)

LAS VEGAS (August 26, 2026) – United Way of Southern Nevada (UWSN) is strengthening its support for Southern Nevada’s nonprofit sector through a growing set of programs and partnerships designed to help local organizations build capacity, sharpen their skills and connect with one another.

At the center of that effort is the Nonprofit Navigator Program, a free five-week pilot initiative developed in partnership with the City of Las Vegas that launched August 4 and is currently underway. The program helps aspiring and established nonprofit leaders build organizational capacity and expand their impact across the region.

23 nonprofit leaders were selected for the pilot cohort through a competitive application process. The program runs in a hybrid format, combining in-person sessions at United Way of Southern Nevada with virtual learning, making expert guidance more accessible to nonprofit leaders throughout Southern Nevada. As a pilot, the Nonprofit Navigator Program will help UWSN and the City of Las Vegas identify opportunities to expand support for nonprofit leaders in future cohorts.

The curriculum moves participants through five stages of nonprofit development: defining mission and board foundations; navigating formation, compliance and 501(c)(3) filing requirements; designing data-driven programs and communications; building advocacy and community engagement strategies; and delivering a final pitch at graduation.

“Our community is only as strong as the nonprofits that serve it, and those nonprofits are only as strong as the leaders behind them,” said Samuel Rudd, President and CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada. “Passion starts a nonprofit, but structure is what sustains it. The Nonprofit Navigator Program is our investment in those leaders, helping them build the systems and relationships they need to grow their impact across Southern Nevada.”

“The Nonprofit Navigator Program is a great example of collaborative approaches to addressing our community’s needs,” said Mayor Pro Tem and Ward 3 Councilwoman Olivia Diaz. “This innovative program fills a longstanding gap by providing valuable resources and support to aspiring nonprofit founders, emerging nonprofit leaders, and community advocates. We are home to so many amazing nonprofits. I regularly see firsthand how, despite financial restraints, nonprofits play a critical role in providing numerous services to our city of Las Vegas residents. I am excited to see this program come to fruition and continue to guide our local nonprofits.”

“When I walked out of Day 1, I felt inspired,” said Yael Williams, Next Chapter Foundation and a participant in the inaugural Nonprofit Navigator cohort. “What really stood out to me was how much purpose was in every conversation. It wasn’t just about starting a nonprofit; it was about understanding the ‘why’ behind the work we want to do and the impact we hope to have on our communities. I left feeling excited, challenged and even more confident that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

Through the program, participants gain:

  • Practical skills to launch or grow a nonprofit organization
  • Mentorship to help navigate common challenges in nonprofit development
  • Access to community resources and a growing peer network
  • Strategies to deepen organizational impact across Southern Nevada

The Nonprofit Navigator Program is one piece of UWSN’s broader commitment to the nonprofit community. UWSN funds dozens of nonprofits through initiatives like the Community Impact Grant program and the Emergency Assistance and Community Needs Fund. The organization also fosters connection across the sector through monthly Nonprofit Connection meetings, a quarterly Networking Event series co-hosted with Nevada GrantLab, and a variety of community convenings, including monthly resource calls, response collaboratives and policy collaboratives. This month’s Networking Event, held August 19 at the Blind Center, was a special edition celebrating National Nonprofit Day.

To learn more about United Way of Southern Nevada and its programs supporting local nonprofits, visit uwsn.org.

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About United Way of Southern Nevada:
United Way of Southern Nevada (UWSN) believes that everyone deserves a roof over their heads, a good job, and access to a quality education. For over 65 years, UWSN has united our community to improve people’s lives. Funds raised in Southern Nevada stay here and build pathways out of poverty so our entire community can thrive. Join us and help ensure that every person in our community has the opportunity to succeed. Give today at uwsn.org and connect with us on Facebook @UnitedWaySN, Instagram, X, and YouTube @UWSN, LinkedIn at United Way of Southern Nevada, and TikTok @UWSN702.

Media Contacts:
Kirvin Doak Communications
UWSNPR@kirvindoak.com