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Strategic Analysis

Commission On Culture and Society (COCAS)

Conceptual Architecture and Use Feasibility Review for Donated Nonprofit Parcel

Bakersfield, US-CA America/New_York 1 month, 2 weeks ago Be the first to apply to this opportunity

Social Services Multi-Week

Relevant Skills

Nonprofit Management
Program Design
Strategic Analysis

About the Opportunity

COCAS needs one skilled volunteer with architecture, conceptual site planning, nonprofit facility planning, housing design, or community-use design experience to create a conceptual use and design feasibility memo for a donated vacant parcel in the Crestline / Lake Gregory area of San Bernardino County, California.

The property is identified as APN 0339-193-29-0000, Tract 2744, Lot 71, located off Chillon Drive.

The volunteer will help COCAS think through possible nonprofit uses for the land at a very early concept level. This may include whether the parcel appears more appropriate for future housing, small community-support space, land banking, resale, conservation/open space, or another charitable use, depending on parcel constraints.

Requested deliverables include:
Conceptual use feasibility memo
High-level site planning considerations based on parcel size, terrain, road access, slope, fire zone concerns, and likely development limits
Possible nonprofit-use options, such as housing, support services, small retreat/community space, resale, land banking, or conservation/open space
Early design considerations for a mountain/hillside parcel
List of information needed before any real design work, such as survey, zoning confirmation, soils/geotechnical review, utility confirmation, fire access review, and civil engineering input
Red-flag list identifying design issues that could make the parcel difficult or expensive to develop
Recommended next steps for COCAS before hiring an architect or preparing formal plans

This project is limited to conceptual architecture and use feasibility only. COCAS is not requesting stamped architectural plans, construction drawings, permit drawings, engineering plans, legal advice, or official county approvals through this Taproot project.

Expected timeline: 3–6 weeks, with approximately 2–5 volunteer hours per week.

This project will help COCAS make a responsible early decision about whether donated land can support future nonprofit uses. An architect’s conceptual review will help the board understand what may be possible before the organization spends funds on formal design, engineering, permitting, or construction.

The volunteer’s work will support COCAS’s mission by helping evaluate land that could one day support housing, community services, cultural programming, recovery support, or other services for underserved community members.

COCAS is ready to begin now. We have the signed real property donation agreement, parcel identifier APN 0339-193-29-0000, and legal description Tract 2744, Lot 71.

COCAS will provide the volunteer with the donation agreement, APN details, available maps, GIS information, photos if available, planning notes, and the organization’s possible nonprofit goals for the land. Staff will respond promptly, review draft concepts, and keep the scope focused on early feasibility and concept planning only.

The final memo will help COCAS leadership and board members decide whether the parcel is worth pursuing for future design, development, sale, land banking, or other charitable use.

About the Org

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Location

Bakersfield, US-CA

Timezone

America/New_York

Organization Mission

The mission of COCAS (Commission on Culture and Society) is to create a more inclusive and compassionate world by empowering individuals and communities through support services, advocacy, and cultural understanding. We are dedicated to providing essential resources such as housing, mental health support, and assistance to individuals affected by domestic violence, homelessness, and substance abuse. Through our work, we aim to foster healing, resilience, and growth while celebrating the diversity and unique needs of every person we serve. Our ultimate goal is to uplift underserved populations and create lasting, positive change in their lives and communities.

Member Since

May 2024

Completed Taproot Plus Partnerships

0

Program Focus Areas

  • Adult Education
  • Advocacy & Human Rights
  • Arts, Culture, & Humanities
  • Civic Engagement
  • Child Care
  • Child & Teenage Education
  • Community Building
  • Crisis Support
  • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
  • Domestic Violence
  • Employment & Job Training
  • Faith-Based
  • Grant-Making
  • Healthcare
  • Housing & Homelessness
  • Human Services
  • Hunger
  • Immigrants & Refugees
  • Legal & Justice
  • Literacy
  • Low-Income Communities
  • Media & Broadcasting
  • Medical Research
  • Mental Health & Wellness
  • Nonprofit Capacity Building
  • Nutrition
  • People with Disabilities
  • Safety
  • Secondary Education
  • Seniors
  • Social Justice
  • Sports & Recreation
  • Technology
  • Veterans & Military Families
  • Women's Rights
  • Youth Development
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