Spokes | Resources for Nonprofits

Empowering nonprofits to achieve their missions.

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History of Spokes

The Beginning

Spokes has provided solutions, service, and support for nonprofit organizations throughout the Central Coast since being established in 1996 as the Nonprofit Support Center. By 2011, leaders of the Nonprofit Support Center had learned so much about our community, its needs, and our own strengths and abilities, they reevaluated the organization. It was time for change. It was time for Spokes!

With generous financial support from the Hind Foundation, a new organization was created.

With a sharper focus, new leadership, a new location and some great strategic partnerships in the community, it was time for a new name.

Spokes evolved under the leadership of past Spokes CEO and present-day Board of Director, Lesley Santos. Spokes is inspired by a vision of a local nonprofit sector with the skills and organizational capacity it needs to continue to dramatically improve the health and vitality of our community.

Our Evolution: Shifting Gears into Forward Motion

An Updated Brand

To visually convey the dramatic evolution from our previous entity, the Nonprofit Support Center’s name was changed to Spokes. The inspiration of Spokes came from how a wheel uses spokes to help people get where they want to go, faster and more efficiently. In this context, the name Spokes offers a clever metaphor for the work we do. We help nonprofits tune or replace their operational “spokes” and empower them to keep moving forward in their missions – impactfully and efficiently. These “spokes” can be anything from fund development and risk management to board development and human resources.

A New Membership Structure

As a result of member and community feedback, we implemented a flat rate membership fee, remote access to Foundation Directory Online, and other benefits. See a complete list of the new member benefits.

A New History

We continue to evolve to meet the nonprofit sector’s needs. See a snapshot of annual accomplishments in our annual reports:

  • 2017 Annual Report
  • 2016 Annual Report
  • 2015 Annual Report
  • 2014 Annual Report
  • 2013 Annual Report
  • 2012 Annual Report

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Member Testimonial

“…Spokes helped us tremendously in terms of getting our governance together and preparing us for the next stages of the evolution of our organization.”

Bryan Krill
San Luis Obispo Soccer Club
San Luis Obispo

What Else Are Members Saying?

Become A Member

From big picture planning to the smallest question, Spokes is here to help.

Take a class. Speak with a consultant. Network with your peers. Access fundraising information, online learning opportunities, and other nonprofit resources.

Learn About Membership Benefits

How Can We Make A Difference Together?

Spokes welcomes local professionals who would like to share their expertise in support of the nonprofit sector.

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Recent Articles

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3765 South Higuera, Suite 140, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
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Photography by Nicole Boughton.