Hi everyone! My name is Candy De Los Santos, and I’m raising money for a cause that means a lot to me.

Mendocino Private Industry Council (MPIC Inc.):

MPIC, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that contributes to the economic well-being of our communities by developing a quality workforce, connecting the workforce to employers, and supporting local businesses. Since its incorporation in 1992, MPIC has provided more than 6000 low-income adults, youth (16-24), and veterans in Mendocino, Lake, and Napa counties with workforce services, including high school diplomas/GEDs, job skills upgrades, and new career-based training through classroom, online, and on-the-job opportunities. MPIC matches local businesses with a skilled workforce and pairs program participants with good, self-sustaining employment opportunities.

This is MPIC's story:

This is a story of how MPIC went from a thriving non-profit with 26 exceptional staff members who cared deeply about helping veterans, low-income job seekers, and youth, many of whom were in foster care or justice-involved, to a dedicated staff of 4 unpaid volunteers. Our program participants only ask for a chance to gain the education and/or vocational training that leads to a good, self-sustaining job. MPIC staff help them achieve that goal.

1. Where our funding came from for the 1992-2021 program years:

Until 2021, our primary source of funding for our programs was provided through State workforce development grants administered by state-sanctioned Workforce Development Boards (WIB). For 30 years, a minimum of 90% of MPIC's funding came from this state funding awarded through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process with the Workforce Boards overseeing the counties we serve. The remaining funding is awarded through grants applied for directly from state programs and private foundations. MPIC allocates a minimum of 80% of all funding to direct services for program participants.

During the COVID-19 shutdowns, MPIC staff continued to work and adjusted services to minimize disruptions to the needs of job seekers and businesses.

Why are we seeking donations now?

In June 2021, the Workforce Board, which oversees the four counties of Lake, Mendocino, Napa, and Marin, issued a new competitive Request for Proposals (RFP). MPIC responded to the RFP. This funding would have allowed us to continue our programs for the next four years. Unfortunately, the review board decided to award funding for all four counties to an out-of-state for-profit corporation, which an Australian company soon acquired. MPIC lost funding for the Lake and Mendocino programs, and the Social Services Departments of Napa and Marin counties lost funding for their respective counties. This change took effect July 1, 2021.

Just a few months earlier, MPIC had applied for a separate grant directly from the State to fund workforce services specifically for Veterans and their spouses. MPIC was successful in the bid for this separate State grant, which had an 18-month funding period from April 2021 through March 2023. Unfortunately, this grant was not large enough to support retaining all staff, and it forced the layoff of 23 staff members, many of whom had worked for MPIC for over 20 years.

The entity awarded the funding for the State workforce grants struggled to meet the needs of our communities and did not have its contract renewed. As a result, another agency was awarded a contract for the programs in May 2025. This company is another for-profit business, unfamiliar with our communities.

MPIC continues to assist job seekers and businesses in our communities in any way possible, referring them to other agencies as necessary. The current staff of four remains committed to continuing our mission, but it is becoming increasingly more challenging. Once funding for the Veterans grant program ended, staff were either forced to seek other employment or continue assisting job seekers voluntarily. They chose to do both, but there will come a time when this will not be an option for them.

Large grants are currently out of reach. Competition is high, and MPIC lacks sufficient matching funds to meet the qualification requirements. Small community grants and fundraising campaigns like this one are our only hope for the survival of MPIC. For nearly 35 years, MPIC has been, and wants to remain, a valuable source of support for job seekers and businesses in our communities.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a real impact. Even just a few dollars can help move this mission forward and reach those who need it most.

If you can’t donate right now, sharing this fundraiser is also incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. It means the world to me.

Thank you.