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JCOD Celebrates Graduation of Incubation Academy’s 10th Cohort

LOS ANGELES – The Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD) celebrated a major milestone today with the graduation of 30 organizations from the JCOD Incubation Academy’s 10th cohort, the program’s largest class to date.

Following today’s graduation, 249 community-based organizations have now completed JCOD’s Incubation Academy since it launched in 2021. Over the past four years the program has grown into a trusted pathway for developing grassroots nonprofits that serve justice-impacted individuals and communities.

JCOD Incubation Academy participants must complete a 12-week training series focused on nonprofit sustainability, financial management, LA County contracting, grant writing, partnership development and long-term organizational planning. Graduates receive a full year of continued support, including technical assistance and peer advising. They also receive six months of executive coaching to support personalized development and capacity building for each organization.

“Reaching our 10th cohort is a moment to pause and reflect on how far the JCOD Incubation Academy has come,” said JCOD Director Judge Songhai Armstead (Ret.). “We are honored that we are able to give grassroots organizations a stronger foundation to serve their communities. Today, seeing 30 organizations complete this program and seeing how it has grown truly speaks to the commitment behind this work and the ongoing need across Los Angeles County.”

JCOD has invested more than $120 million in JCOD Incubation Academy graduates through grants and contracts, supporting organizations that often face the steepest challenges securing public funding. Graduates have expanded housing programs, launched mental health services, deepened service networks and increased capacity across LA County.

Organizations interested in future cohorts can apply using this link.

For more information on JCOD programs and services, visit jcod.lacounty.gov.

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